engine overheat LINCOLN AVIATOR 2003 Owners Manual

GAUGES
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains
within the normal area (the area
between the “H” and “C”). If it
enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stopthe vehicle as
soon as safely possible, switch off
the engine immediately and let the
engine cool. Refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir capwhile the engine is
running or hot. Steam and scalding liquid from a hot cooling
system can burn you badly.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the
coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication
will not be accurate. If the gauge enters the red section, the oil
pressure/engine coolant andCheck Engine/Service Engine Soon
indicators illuminate, refer toWhat you should know about fail-safe
coolingin theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
Instrument Cluster
15

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

operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,” “continuous grinding” or
“continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
If you are driving down a long or steephill, shift to a lower gear.
Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On ABS-equipped vehicles, a noise from the hydraulic pump motor and
pulsation in the pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal
pulsation coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on
loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper
functioning of the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a
self-check after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief
mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If a
malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied.
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain steering
control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will
enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled
stop.
•The anti-lock system does not always reduce stopping distance.
Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you to stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Driving
168

sound. The warning displays and chime will continue until RESET is
pressed (which will clear the message from the display).
•AWD LOCKED can still be engaged by pressing SETUP (the message
center will display AWD LOCKED), then pressing
RESET. The AWD LOCKED indicator light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster and the message center will display AWD
DISABLED .
•To disable AWD, press RESET. The system will go back to AWD AUTO
mode momentarily, then the AWD LOCKED indicator light will flash in
the instrument cluster eight times every two minutes. The display will
then show AWD LOCKED for four seconds and then
turn off.
•If a serious problem occurs with the AWD system, the AWD LOCKED
indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash 10 times every two
minutes. The message center will also display CHECK AWD and a
warning chime will sound. You can press SETUP to check the status of
the AWD system (which will display AWD LOCKED),
but the AWD system will be disabled until the system is serviced.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
AWD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
When driving at slow speeds off-road under high outside temperatures,
use 1 (First) gear when possible. 1 (First) gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung upor damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you gripthe steering wheel from the outside. Do not
gripthe spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
Driving
183

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.
Driving
185

Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehiclesection in
this chapter.
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 cargo and people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart (in theTrailer Towingsection) to find the maximum GCWR for
your type engine and rear axle ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.
TRAILER T OWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow
option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
When towing maximum loads under high outside temperatures and on
steepgrades, the A/C system may cycle on and off to protect the engine
from overheating. This may result in a temporary increase of interior
temperatures.
Driving
193

until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gaugein theInstrument cluster
chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steephill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a rampduring boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Driving
198

cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not usealcohol, methanol, brine, extra inhibitors or additives in
the coolant system. These can cause engine damage.
•Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of Recycled engine coolantsection).
Adding engine coolant
Only a qualified technician should add engine coolant to your
vehicle.If the coolant level is LOW or if there are any coolant system
problems, contact you local Lincoln dealer.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Recycled engine coolant
•Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant (green-colored):For
vehicles equipped with this coolant, use only recycled engine coolant
produced by a Ford Motor Company approved process and meeting
specification ESE-M97B44–A.
•Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant yellow-colored):For
vehicles equipped with this coolant, do NOT use recycled engine
coolant since a Ford Motor Company approved recycling process is
not yet available.
Follow your community’s regulations and standards for disposing
and recycling of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin this chapter.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold (less than –36° C [–34° F]) or extremely
hot climates, it may be necessary to adjust the coolant concentration
levels.
Maintenance and Specifications
253