check transmission fluid LINCOLN AVIATOR 2003 Owners Manual

Warning messages that have been reset are divided into three categories:
•They will reappear on the display every minute from the reset.
•They will reappear on the display ten minutes from the reset.
•They will not reappear until an ignition OFF-ON cycle has been
completed.
This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still exist within
the vehicle.
Warning display Status
Check park assist Warning displays when R (reverse)
gear is selected.
AdvTrac ON (if equipped) Displays for 4 seconds
AdvTrac OFF (if equipped)
Change Oil Soon
Temporary AWD locked
(vehicles equipped with
AdvanceTraconly)
AWD lock OFF AWD auto ON
(vehicles equipped with
AdvanceTraconly)
Door ajar Liftgate ajar Warning returns after cycling through
the system sequence
Low fuel level
Check charging system
Low brake fluid level
Low oil pressure
Transmission overheated
Check transmission
Check engine temperature
Reduced engine power
Stopengine safely
AWD disabled locked (vehicles
equipped with AdvanceTrac
only)
Driver Controls
93

Warning display Status
Low washer fluid level Warning returns after the ignition key
is turned from OFF to ON.
Check AdvTrac (if equipped)
Check AWD (vehicles equipped
with AdvanceTraconly)
AWD Disabled (vehicles
equipped with AdvanceTrac
only)
Check fuel cap
Oil change required
CHECK PARK ASSIST.Displayed when the transmission is in R
(Reverse) and the park assist does not operate properly. See your dealer
as soon as possible.
ADVTRAC ON (if equipped).Displayed when the AdvanceTrac is ON.
ADVTRAC OFF (if equipped).Displayed when the AdvanceTrac is
OFF.
TEMPORARY AWD LOCKED (vehicles equipped with
AdvanceTraconly).Displayed when the AWD system is updating its
status of being locked.
AWD LOCK OFF and AWD AUTO ON (vehicles equipped with
AdvanceTraconly).Displayed when the AWD is system is completely
cooled down from being overheated.
DOOR AJAR LIFTGATE AJAR.Displayed when a door or liftgate is
not completely closed.
CHECK ENGINE TEMPERATURE.Displayed when the engine
coolant is overheating. Stopthe vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn
off the engine and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. Refer
toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and specificationschapter. If
the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your dealer as
soon as safely possible.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER.Displayed when the engine is
overheating. Stopthe vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the
engine. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
dealer as soon as safely possible.
STOP ENGINE SAFELY.Displayed when the engine is overheating.
Stopthe vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your dealer as soon as
safely possible.
Driver Controls
94

AWD DISABLED LOCKED (vehicles equipped with AdvanceTrac
only).Displayed when the AWD system begins to overheat placing itself
in the autolock mode. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your dealer as soon as safely possible.
LOW FUEL LEVEL.Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM.Displayed when the electrical system is
not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical accessories
when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of the
electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes on
when the engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible.
LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL.Indicates the brake fluid level is low and
the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toChecking
and adding brake fluidin theMaintenance and specifications
chapter.
LOW OIL PRESSURE.Displayed when the engine oil pressure is low. If
this warning message is displayed, check the level of the engine oil.
Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance and specificationschapter for
information about adding engine oil.
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED.Indicates the transmission is
overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads, city
driving, when driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended
period of time or due to a loss of transmission fluid. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, place the shift lever into P (Park) or N (Neutral)
and raise the engine RPM. If this does not cool the transmission turn off
the engine and let it cool. If the warning stays on or continues to come
on, contact your dealer for transmission service as soon as possible.
Continued operation in this condition may cause internal transmission
damage.
CHECK TRANSMISSION.Indicates the transmission is not operating
properly. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as possible
to prevent additional transmission damage. Refer to the instrument
cluster warning lamps in theInstrument clusterchapter.
LOW WASHER FLUID LEVEL.Indicates the washer fluid reservoir is
less than one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer to
Windshield washer fluidin theMaintenance and specifications
chapter.
CHECK ADVTRAC (if equipped).Displayed when the AdvanceTrac
system is not operating properly. If this message is displayed on the
Driver Controls
95

when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to helppreserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steepincline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steepslope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, Do not try to
turnaround because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Driving
187

system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deepor 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.
•Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus the weight of your vehicle.
•GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
•GVWR (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.
•GAWR (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.
•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum permissible
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
•Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
Driving
191

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting 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.
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) 4x2 vehicles:
This applies to all 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel drive
capability.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
•Maximum 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.
AWD vehicles:
Vehicles equipped with AWD cannot be towed with all wheels on the
ground as vehicle damage may occur.
Driving
199

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).
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 dropslowly 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 lampare 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
The automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Maintenance and Specifications
265

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.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid
should be added by a qualified technician.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
266

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Ultra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L
(4.2 quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
2Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be checked by a qualified
technician.
3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4All rear axles are filled with Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 High Performance
Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant, part number XY—75W140–QL or
equivalent meeting Ford Specification WSL-M2C192–A.
Maintenance and Specifications
272

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................168
Accessory delay ..........................73
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........143–144, 147
and child safety seats ............145
description ......................144, 147
disposal ....................................151
driver air bag ..................146, 148
indicator light ...................12, 150
operation .........................146, 148
passenger air bag ...........146, 148
side air bag ..............................147
Air cleaner filter .......................270
Air conditioning ..........................41
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................47
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................181
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................251
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................168–169
Anti-theft system ......................117
arming the system ..................117
disarming a triggered
system .....................................118
Audio system (see Radio) ...18, 27
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................176
fluid, adding ............................265
fluid, checking ........................265
fluid, refill capacities ..............270
fluid, specification ..................275
Auxiliary power point .................69Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................273, 275
refill capacities ........................270
B
Battery .......................................249
acid, treating emergencies .....249
charging system warning
light ............................................12
jumping a disabled battery ....219
maintenance-free ....................249
replacement, specifications ...270
servicing ..................................249
BeltMinder .................................139
Brakes ........................................167
anti-lock ...........................168–169
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 169
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....265
fluid, refill capacities ..............270
fluid, specifications .........273, 275
lubricant
specifications ..................273, 275
parking ....................................169
shift interlock ..........................174
Bulbs ............................................56
C
Calculating load ........................193
Capacities for refilling fluids ....270
Cargo cover ...............................102
CD-single premium .....................18
Cell phone use ............................98
Certification Label ....................276
Changing a tire .........................211
Index
281