check transmission fluid FORD CROWN VICTORIA 2003 2.G Owners Manual

Air suspension (if equipped)
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional 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
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional 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.
Turn signals
Illuminates when the turn signals or
the hazard lights are turned on. If
the lights stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out bulb.
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
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
14

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on a
Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving
and should not be noticeable to the driver.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
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:
•Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
156

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

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

safety belt maintenance .........124
warning light and
chime ...................13, 16, 119–120
Safety seats for children ..........135
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............110
Seats ..........................................106
child safety seats ....................135
cleaning ...................................194
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............102–104
Servicing your vehicle ..............197
Spare tire (see Changing
the Tire) ....................................172
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................230, 233
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................232–233
Speed control ..............................77
Speedometer ...............................20
Starting your
vehicle ........................143–144, 146
jump starting ..........................176
Steering
speed sensitive .......................151
Steering wheel
controls ..........................64, 77, 81
tilting .........................................64
T
Tires ...........................171, 226–227
changing ..........................171–172
checking the pressure ............227
replacing ..................................228
rotating ....................................227
snow tires and chains ............229
tire grades ...............................227treadwear ................................226
Towing .......................................158
recreational towing .................161
trailer towing ..........................158
wrecker ....................................181
Traction control ........................149
active light ................................13
Traction-lok rear axle ...............156
Transmission .............................152
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................222
fluid, refill capacities ..............230
lubricant specifications ..232–233
Trip odometer .............................21
Trunk ...........................................94
remote release ....................91, 97
Turn signal ............................14, 56
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................233
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................235
Vehicle loading ..........................156
Ventilating your vehicle ...........146
W
Warning chimes ...........................16
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................200
Water, Driving through .............156
Windows
power .........................................74
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....200
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
245