check transmission fluid FORD CROWN VICTORIA 2002 2.G Owners Manual

Traction ControlYactive (if equipped)
Illuminates when the Traction
Controlysystem is active. It will be
lit for a minimum of four seconds or
for the duration of the Traction
Controlyevent.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Air suspension (if equipped)
²Standard instrument cluster
²Optional instrument cluster
Illuminates when the air suspension
switch is turned OFF, the load limit
is exceeded or the air suspension
system requires servicing.
Low fuel (if equipped)
Illuminates when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is at, or near empty
(refer toFuel gaugein this chapter
for more information).
O/D off
²Standard instrument cluster
²Optional instrument cluster
Illuminates when the overdrive
function has been turned OFF using
the transmission control switch
(TCS). If the light does not come on
or the light flashes steadily, have
your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, damage to the transmission could occur.
TRAC
CNTL
AIR
SUSP
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
LOW
FUEL
O/D
OFF
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
Instrument Cluster
14

Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum permissible total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum permissible
combined weight of the towing vehicle (including occupants and
cargo) and the loaded trailer.
²Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
²Maximum Trailer Weight:Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including occupants and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
Driving
151

When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
²do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
²do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
²causing internal damage to the components.
²affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel
drive capability.
An example of recreational towing is towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. The following recreational towing guidelines are designed to
ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
²Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph)
²Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
Driving
155

5. Air filter assembly
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Battery
9. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specification ESR-M17P5±A.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait up to 10 minutes for the oil to drain into
the oil pan.
Maintenance and Specifications
193

BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only brake fluids certified to
meet Ford specification ESA-M6C25±A. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended. However, if
DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use DOT 5 or any other brake fluid that is not DOT 3 or
DOT 4, you will cause permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry, this may
cause the brakes to fail.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
216

However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and Specifications
217

You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by
an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
DON’T ADD
DON’T ADD
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and Specifications
218

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................142
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................122±123
and child safety seats ............124
description ..............................123
disposal ....................................127
driver air bag ..........................125
indicator light ...................13, 126
operation .................................125
passenger air bag ...................125
Air cleaner filter ...............219, 224
Air conditioning ..........................56
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................54
Air suspension ...........................146
description ..............................146
warning light .............................14
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................199
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................142
Audio system (see Radio) .........26
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................148
fluid, adding ............................216
fluid, checking ........................216
fluid, refill capacities ..............225
fluid, specification ..................228
Auxiliary power point .................74
Axle
lubricant specifications ..226, 228
refill capacities ........................225
traction lok ..............................150B
Battery .......................................197
acid, treating emergencies .....197
charging system warning light 13
jumping a disabled battery ....169
maintenance-free ....................197
replacement, specifications ...224
servicing ..................................197
voltage gauge ............................19
BeltMinder .................................118
Brakes ........................................141
anti-lock ...................................142
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................12, 143
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....216
fluid, refill capacities ..............225
fluid, specifications .........226, 228
lubricant specifications ..226, 228
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................78
shift interlock ..........................146
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................65
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....225
Cassette tape player ...................39
CD changer .................................49
CD-single .....................................33
Certification Label ....................229
Changing a tire .........................164
Child safety restraints ..............127
Index
233

child safety belts ....................127
Child safety seats ......................130
attaching with tether straps ..135
in front seat ............................132
in rear seat ......................132, 134
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............186
exterior ....................................189
instrument cluster lens ..........188
instrument panel ....................188
interior .....................................188
plastic parts ............................187
safety belts ..............................189
washing ....................................184
waxing .....................................184
wheels ......................................185
windows ..................................189
wiper blades ............................187
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......54, 56
Clock ..........................25, 30, 36, 44
Compass, electronic ....................77
calibration .................................78
set zone adjustment .................77
Console ........................................90
Controls
power seat .......................106, 108
steering column ........................83
Coolant
checking and adding ..............199
coolant temperature light ........13
refill capacities ................203, 225
specifications ..................226, 228
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................79
Customer Assistance ................156
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................190Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................177
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................181
Getting roadside assistance ...156
Getting the service you
need .........................................175
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................182
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................178
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................180
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................63
Defrost
rear window ..............................62
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................216
engine oil .................................193
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........226
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................150
E
Electronic message center .........83
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................169
Emission control system ..........213
Engine ........................................228
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
Index
234

cleaning the safety
belts .................................122, 189
extension assembly ................121
for adults .........................113±115
for children .............................127
lap belt ....................................116
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................110
warning light and
chime ...................13, 16, 117±118
Safety seats for children ..........130
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................................108
Seats ..........................................104
child safety seats ....................130
cleaning ...................................188
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................100±102
Servicing your vehicle ..............191
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................164
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................224, 228
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................226, 228
Speed control ..............................79
Speedometer ...............................20
Starting your vehicle ........137±139
jump starting ..........................169
Steering
speed sensitive .......................146
Steering wheel
controls ..........................73, 79, 83
tilting .........................................73T
Tires ...........................164, 220±221
changing ..........................164±165
checking the pressure ............221
replacing ..................................223
rotating ....................................221
snow tires and chains ............224
tire grades ...............................221
treadwear ................................220
Towing .......................................152
recreational towing .................155
trailer towing ..........................152
wrecker ....................................174
Traction control ........................144
active light ................................14
Traction-lok rear axle ...............150
Transmission .............................146
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................216
fluid, refill capacities ..............225
lubricant specifications ..226, 228
Trip odometer .............................21
Trunk ...........................................92
remote release ....................89, 95
Turn signal ............................15, 65
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................228
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................230
Vehicle loading ..........................151
Ventilating your vehicle ...........141
Index
238