key LINCOLN AVIATOR 2003 Owner's Guide

Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle has the capability to haul more cargo and people than most
passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load,
hauling people and cargo may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Use extra caution while becoming familiar with your vehicle. Know the
capabilities and limitations of both you as a driver and your vehicle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Locate the access panel on the
driver side of the floor console.
Using a screwdriver (or equivalent),
pry the access panel off the floor
console.
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174

3. Using the screwdriver (or
equivalent), push the white plastic
override mechanism (located behind
the bracket) toward the roof of the
vehicle as shown in the illustration.
4. Move the gearshift lever back to N (Neutral) (two places from P
[Park]).
5. Start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving
175

Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission
Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability, and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery is installed, the strategy must relearn.
Understanding gearshift positions
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
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176

(Overdrive) can be deactivated
by pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever.
This will illuminate the O/D OFF
lampand activate Drive.
Drive (not shown)
Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•O/D OFF lampis illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control
switch. The O/D OFF lampwill not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
3 (Third)
Transmission only operates in third
gear only. Use for improved traction
on slippery roads. Selecting 3
(Third) provides engine braking.
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178

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharpturn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
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185

The fuel pump shut-off switch is
located in the passenger’s foot well,
by the kick panel.
Use the following procedure to reset the fuel pump shut-off switch.
1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the fuel pump shut-off switch by
pushing in on the reset button.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Pause for a few seconds and
return the key to the OFF position.
5. Make a further check for leaks in the fuel system.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.
15
Roadside Emergencies
202

8. Remove the jack and fully tighten
the lug nuts in the order shown.
Stowing the flat/spare tire
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing up, toward the
vehicle.
2. Slide the wheel partially under the vehicle and install the retainer
through the wheel center. Pull on the cable to align the components at
the end of the cable.
3. Turn the lug wrench clockwise until the tire is raised to its stowed
position underneath the vehicle. The effort to turn the jack handle
increases significantly and the spare tire carrier ratchets or slips when
the tire is raised to the maximum tightness. Tighten to the best of your
ability, to the point where the ratchet/slip occurs, if possible. The spare
tire carrier will not allow you to overtighten. If the spare tire carrier
ratchets or slips with little effort, take the vehicle to your dealer for
assistance at your earliest convenience.
4. Check that the tire lies flat against the frame and is properly
tightened. Try to push or pull, then turn the tire to be sure it will not
move. Loosen and retighten, if necessary. Failure to properly stow the
spare tire may result in failure of the winch cable and loss of the tire.
5. If your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire lock and key, be sure to
install the spare tire lock into the bumper drive tube with the spare tire
lock key and jack handle.
6. Repeat this tightness check procedure when servicing the spare tire
pressure (every six months, per scheduled maintenance guide), or at any
time that the spare tire is disturbed through service of other
components.
Re-stowing the jack and tools
1. Unblock the wheels.
2. Replace beauty cap, stow the jack and tools in their respective
locations, making sure they are fully secured so they do not rattle when
you drive.1
4 3
2 5
Roadside Emergencies
218

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To helpyou service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guide/Owner
Information Guideto find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keepall open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
Maintenance and Specifications
242

FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of genuine Ford accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local authorized Ford, Lincoln Mercury or Ford of
Canada dealer. These quality accessories have been specifically
engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to
complement the style and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In
addition, each accessory is made from high quality materials and meets
or exceeds Ford’s rigorous engineering and safety specifications. Ford
Motor Company will repair or replace any properly dealer-installed Ford
accessory found to be defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period, as well as any component
damaged by the defective accessory. The accessory will be warranted for
whichever provides you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 20,000 km (12,000 miles) (whichever occurs first), or
•The remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
This means that genuine Ford accessories purchased along with your
new vehicle and installed by the dealer are covered for the full length of
your New Vehicle’s Limited Warranty — 3 years or 60,000 km (36,000 miles)
(whichever occurs first). Contact your dealer for details and a copy of
the warranty.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Vehicle Security
Styled wheel locks
Vehicle security systems
Underbody security lighting
Comfort and convenience
Cargo net
Cargo organizer
Cargo shade
Cargo tray
Center console
Engine block heater
Home link
Keyless entry
Navigation system
Accessories
278

H
Hazard flashers .........................201
Head restraints .........................121
Headlamps ...................................50
aiming ........................................53
autolampsystem .......................50
bulb specifications ....................56
daytime running lights .............52
high beam ...........................14, 52
replacing bulbs .........................58
turning on and off ....................50
warning chime ..........................14
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................41
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage door
opener) ............................82, 84–85
I
Ignition ...............................164, 275
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................154
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................264
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................239
cluster ........................................10
lighting uppanel and interior .53
J
Jack ....................................211, 213
positioning .......................211, 215
storage .............................211, 213
Jump-starting your vehicle ......219K
Keyless entry system
locking and unlocking doors ..113
programming entry code .......111
Keys ...................................114–116
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition .........164
L
Lamps
autolampsystem .......................50
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................56
cargo lamps ...............................53
daytime running light ...............52
fog lamps ...................................50
headlamps .................................50
instrument panel, dimming .....53
interior lamps .....................55, 57
replacing bulbs .......56, 58, 60–63
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................55
Liftgate ..............................100, 105
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
AdvanceTrac .............................13
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 169
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12
cruise indicator .........................13
high beam .................................14
low coolant ................................13
oil pressure ...............................13
overdrive off ..............................14
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ..................10
speed control ............................80
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................191
Index
284