climate control FORD CROWN VICTORIA 2003 2.G User Guide

Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be voided for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
226

When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification or Tire Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size,
speed rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g.,“All Terrain”,
“Touring”, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Either cable type chains or SAE class S chains can be used.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
229

instrument panel ....................194
interior .............................194–195
interior trim ............................194
plastic parts ............................193
safety belts ..............................195
washing ....................................191
waxing .....................................191
wheels ......................................192
wiper blades ............................193
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......47, 49
Clock ................................26, 35, 41
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................67
Console ........................................92
overhead ..............................64, 66
Controls
power seat ...............................109
steering column ........................81
Coolant
checking and adding ..............206
refill capacities ................209, 230
specifications ..................232–233
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................77
Customer Assistance ................162
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................196
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................184
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................188
Getting roadside assistance ...162
Getting the service you
need .........................................182
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................189
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................184Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................187
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................54
Defrost
rear window ..............................53
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................222
engine oil .................................200
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........232
Driving under special
conditions ..................................156
through water .........................156
E
Electronic message center .........86
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................176
Emission control system ..........220
Engine ........................................233
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................192
coolant .....................................206
fail-safe coolant ......................210
idle speed control ...................204
lubrication
specifications ..................232–233
refill capacities ........................230
service points ..........................199
starting after a collision .........163
Engine block heater .................146
Engine oil ..................................200
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
241