check engine FORD CROWN VICTORIA 2003 2.G Owner's Manual

Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of“Regular”unleaded
gasoline.“Premium”unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers issued the World-wide Fuel Charter that
recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved performance
and emission control system protection for your vehicle. Gasolines that
meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when available. Ask
your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel
Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated“cleaner-burning”gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•Your“Check Engine”indicator may come on. For more information on
the“Check Engine”indicator, refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
216

•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
219

It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the“Check Engine”light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
220

permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your“Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon”light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the“Check Engine/Service Engine Soon”light on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a“not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
221

2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the“MAX”line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
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.
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
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
MAX
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
222

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 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
DON’T ADD
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
223

1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
236

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................147
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ................125, 129
and child safety seats ............127
description ......................125, 129
disposal ....................................132
driver air bag ..................127, 130
indicator light ...........13, 129, 131
operation .........................127, 130
passenger air bag ...........127, 130
side air bag ..............................129
Air cleaner filter ...............225, 230
Air conditioning ..........................49
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................47
Air suspension ...........................151
description ..............................151
warning light .............................14
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................206
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................147–148
Audio system (see Radio) ...22, 31
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................153
fluid, adding ............................222
fluid, checking ........................222
fluid, refill capacities ..............230
fluid, specification ..................233
Auxiliary power point .................73
Axle
lubricant specifications ..232–233
refill capacities ........................230
traction lok ..............................156
B
Battery .......................................204acid, treating emergencies .....204
charging system warning
light ............................................13
jumping a disabled battery ....176
maintenance-free ....................204
replacement, specifications ...230
servicing ..................................204
voltage gauge ............................19
BeltMinder .................................120
Brakes ........................................147
anti-lock ...........................147–148
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 148
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....222
fluid, refill capacities ..............230
fluid, specifications .........232–233
lubricant specifications ..232–233
parking ....................................149
shift interlock ..........................152
Bulbs ............................................56
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....230
CD changer .................................42
CD-single premium .....................22
Cell phone use ............................91
Certification Label ....................235
Changing a tire .........................171
Child safety restraints ..............132
child safety belts ....................132
Child safety seats ......................135
attaching with tether straps ..139
in front seat ............................137
in rear seat ..............................137
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............192
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
240

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

change oil soon warning,
message center .......................200
checking and adding ..............200
dipstick ....................................200
filter, specifications ........203, 230
recommendations ...................203
refill capacities ........................230
specifications ..................232–233
Exhaust fumes ..........................146
F
Fail safe cooling ........................210
Floor mats ...................................92
Fluid capacities .........................230
Fuel ............................................212
calculating fuel
economy ............................69, 217
cap .....................................11, 214
capacity ...................................230
choosing the right fuel ...........215
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................219
detergent in fuel .....................216
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................212, 214, 217
filter, specifications ........216, 230
fuel filler door override ............91
fuel filler door release ..............90
fuel pump shut-off switch .....163
gauge .........................................19
improving fuel economy ........217
low fuel warning light ..............14
octane rating ...................215, 233
quality ......................................216
running out of fuel .................216
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................212
Fuses ..................................164–165
G
Garage door opener ....................82Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......11, 214
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................217
Gauges ...................................16–17
battery voltage gauge ...............19
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................17
engine oil pressure gauge ........18
fuel gauge ..................................19
odometer ...................................20
speedometer .............................20
trip odometer ............................21
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................156
definition .................................156
driving with a heavy load ......156
location ....................................156
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................156
calculating ...............................156
definition .................................156
driving with a heavy load ......156
location ....................................156
H
Hazard flashers .........................163
Head restraints .........................106
Headlamps ...................................54
aiming ........................................55
autolamp system .......................54
bulb specifications ....................57
daytime running lights .............54
flash to pass ..............................55
high beam ...........................15, 55
replacing bulbs .........................57
turning on and off ....................54
warning chime ..........................16
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
242