maintenance LINCOLN AVIATOR 2023 Repair Manual

When the oil change message appears in
the information display, it is time for an oil
change. Make sure you perform the oil
change within two weeks or 500 mi (800 km)
of the message appearing. Make sure you
reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after
each oil change. See Oil Change Indicator
Reset (page 402).
If your information display resets prematurely
or becomes inoperative, you should perform
the oil change interval at six months or
5,000 mi (8,000 km) from your last oil
change. Never exceed one year or 10,000 mi
(16,000 km) between oil change intervals,
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built
with multiple, complex performance systems.
Every manufacturer develops these systems
using different specifications and
performance features. That is why it is
important to rely upon your dealership to
properly diagnose and repair your vehicle.We have recommended maintenance
intervals for various parts and component
systems based upon engineering testing.
We rely upon this testing to determine the
most appropriate mileage for replacement
of oils and fluids to protect your vehicle at
the lowest overall cost to you and
recommends against maintenance schedules
that deviate from the scheduled maintenance
information.
We strongly recommend the use of only our
genuine manufactured or our authorized
re-manufactured replacement parts
engineered for your vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and our Workshop
Manual list the recommended additives and
chemicals for your vehicle. We do not
recommend using chemicals or additives not
approved by us as part of your vehicle’s
normal maintenance. Please consult your
warranty information.Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal
operating characteristic and, by itself, does
not necessarily indicate a concern or that the
fluid needs to be changed. However, a
qualified expert, such as the factory-trained
technicians at your dealership, should
inspect discolored fluids that also show signs
of overheating or foreign material
contamination immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils and
fluids at the specified intervals or in
conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled maintenance.
It is critical that systems are flushed only with
new fluid that is the same as that required
to fill and operate the system or using our
approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals.
580
Scheduled Maintenance

Check Every Month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
Windshield washer fluid level.
Holes and slots in the tail pipe to make sure they are functional and clear of debris.
Check Every Six Months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary.
Parking brake for proper operation.
581
Scheduled Maintenance

Check Every Six Months
Seatbelts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and seatbelt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,
it is important to have the systems on your
vehicle checked regularly. This can help
identify potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval to
help make sure your vehicle keeps running
great.
Multi-Point Inspection
Hazard warning system operation Accessory drive belt(s)
Horn operation Battery performance
Radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioning hoses Engine air filter
Suspension components for leaks or damage Exhaust system
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Scheduled Maintenance

Multi-Point Inspection
Steering and linkage Exterior lamps operation
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure
2Fluid levels1; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits For oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operation Half-shaft dust boots
1 Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer2If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service
advisor or technician about the multi-point
vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive way
to perform a thorough inspection of your
vehicle. Your checklist gives you immediate
feedback on the overall condition of your
vehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™
Your vehicle has an Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor that determines when you should
change the engine oil based on how you use
your vehicle. By using several important
factors in its calculations, the monitor helps
reduce the cost of owning your vehicle and
reduces environmental waste at the same
time.This means you do not have to remember to
change the oil on a mileage-based schedule.
Your vehicle lets you know when an oil
change is due by displaying a message in
the information display.
The following table provides examples of
vehicle use and its impact on oil change
intervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oil
change intervals depend on several factors
and generally decrease with severity of use.
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Scheduled Maintenance

When to Expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Message
Vehicle Use and Example
Interval
1
Normal
7,500–10,000 mi (12,000–16,000 km)Normal commuting with highway driving
No, or moderate, load or towing
Flat to moderately hilly roads
No extended idling
Severe
5,000–7,500 mi (8,000–12,000 km)Moderate to heavy load or towing
Mountainous or off-road conditions
Extended idling
Extended hot or cold operation
Extreme
3,000–5,000 mi (4,800–8,000 km)Maximum load or towing
Extreme hot or cold operation
Extended engine idling
1 Hybrid vehicles may achieve longer distances between oil changes, but do not exceed the 1 year maximum oil change interval. Remaining
oil life can be accessed through the information display. See Information Displays (page 136).
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Scheduled Maintenance

Normal Maintenance Intervals
At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display1
Change the engine oil and filter.2
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection, recommended.
Inspect the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the front axle.
Inspect the rear axle and U-joints.
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension and the tire-rod ends.
Inspect the tires, tire wear and measure the tread depth.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
1 Do not exceed one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between service intervals.2 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Engine Oil Check (page 401).
585
Scheduled Maintenance

Brake Fluid Maintenance1
Change the brake fluid.2Every Three Years
1 Perform this maintenance item every three years. Do not exceed the designated time for the interval.2 Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer.
Other Maintenance Items1
Replace the cabin air filter. Every 20,000 mi
(32,000 km)
Replace the engine air filter. Every 30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
Change the engine coolant and motor electronics coolant.
2At 200,000 mi
(322,000 km)
Replace the spark plugs. Every 100,000 mi
(160,000 km)
Inspect the accessory drive belt or belts.
3Every 100,000 mi
(160,000 km)
586
Scheduled Maintenance

Other Maintenance Items1
Change the automatic transmission fluid.
Every 150,000 mi
(240,000 km)
Replace the accessory drive belt or belts.
4
1 Perform these maintenance items within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last engine oil and filter change. Do not exceed the designated distance
for the interval.
2 Initial replacement at 10 years or 200,000 mi (322,000 km), then every 5 years or 100,000 mi (160,000 km).3 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.4 If not replaced within the last 100,000 mi (160,000 km).
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
If you operate your vehicle primarily in any
of the following conditions, you need to
perform extra maintenance as indicated. If
you operate your vehicle occasionally under
any of these conditions, it is not necessary
to perform the extra maintenance. For
specific recommendations, see your
dealership service advisor or technician.Perform the services shown in the following
tables when specified or within 3,000 mi
(4,800 km) of the message appearing in the
information display prompting you to change
your oil.
•Example 1: The message comes on at
28,750 mi (46,270 km). Perform the
30,000 mi (48,000 km) automatic
transmission fluid replacement.
•Example 2: The message has not come
on, but the odometer reads 30,000 mi
(48,000 km) (for example, the Intelligent
Oil-Life Monitor was reset at 25,000 mi
(40,000 km). Perform the engine air filter
replacement.
587
Scheduled Maintenance

Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display and perform services listed in the Normal
Scheduled Maintenance chart. As required
Inspect front axle. Inspect frequently, service
as required
Inspect rear axle and U-joints.
Inspect half-shaft boots.
See axle maintenance items under Exceptions.
Replace spark plugs. Every 60,000 mi
(96,000 km)
Extensive Idling or Low-speed Driving for Long Distances, as in Heavy Commercial Use
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display and perform services listed in the Normal
Scheduled Maintenance chart. As required
Replace cabin air filter. Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace engine air filter.
Replace spark plugs. Every 60,000 mi
(96,000 km)
588
Scheduled Maintenance

Operating in Dusty or Sandy Conditions - Such as Unpaved or Dusty Roads
Replace cabin air filter. Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace engine air filter.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag. Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth.
Change engine oil and filter.
1Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
or six months
Perform multi-point inspection.
1Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil Change Indicator Reset (page 402).
Exclusive use of E85 - Flex Fuel Vehicles Only
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regular unleaded fuel. Every oil change
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the Normal
Schedule:Axle and PTU maintenance: The Power
Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear axle (four wheel
drive only) in your vehicle does not require
any normal scheduled maintenance. Vehicles
are electronically monitored and notify the
driver required service by displaying a
message in the information display. The PTU
589
Scheduled Maintenance