ECU LINCOLN MARK VIII 1997 User Guide

162Checking the retractor
9. Check to make sure that the child seat is
properly secured prior to each use. If the
retractor is not locked, repeat steps 6 through
8.
NOTE:To remove the retractor from automatic
lock mode, allow seat belt to retract fully to its
stowed position and the retractor will automatically
switch back to the vehicle sensitive locking mode
for normal adult usage.Attaching Safety Seats With Tether
StrapsSome manufacturers make safety seats that include
a tether strap that goes over the back of the vehicle
seat and attaches to an anchoring point. Other
manufacturers offer the tether strap as an accessory.
Contact the manufacturer of your child safety seat
for information about ordering a tether strap.
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181
When to use D (Overdrive)Overdrive is the usual driving position for an
automatic overdrive transmission. It works the same
way Drive works, automatically upshifting or
downshifting as the vehicle speeds or slows.
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth gear Ð
an overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle cruises at
an appropriate consistent speed for any length of
time. This fourth gear will increase your fuel
economy when you travel at cruising speeds.When to use Drive (D Ð with
Transmission Control Switch activated)Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrain. If the transmission shifts back and forth
between Third and Fourth gears while you are
driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle does not
have adequate power for climbing hills, depress the
TCS.
You can depress the TCS at any speed.
When to use 2 (Second)Use 2 (Second) for start-up on slippery roads or to
give you more engine braking to slow your vehicle
on downgrades.When to use 1 (Low)Use 1 (Low) when driving down steep grades. It
gives more engine braking to slow your vehicle than
2 (Second) on the downgrades. You can upshift
from 1 (Low) to 2 (Second) or from 1 (Low) to
Overdrive at any speed.P (Park)Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park). This locks the
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
rotating.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the
ignition whenever you leave your vehicle.
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182
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208The lug nuts on the wheel7. Place any ornaments in the trunk.
8. Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. Make sure
the jack is securely fastened so it does not
rattle when you drive.
9. Unblock the wheels.
10. Turn on the air suspension switch.After replacing a flat tire with the temporary spare
tire, the flat tire can be secured in the trunk tub by
placing the ªJº hook through a lug nut hole in the
wheel with the tire and wheel lying at an angle.
Anti-Theft Wheel Lug Nuts
(If equipped)If your vehicle has this option, one of the lug nuts
on each wheel locks and must be unlocked with a
special key. The key and registration card are
attached to the lug wrench and stored with the
spare tire. If you lose the key, send the registration
card to the manufacturer (not the dealer) to get a
replacement key.
NOTE:If entire lug wrench/lug nut key assembly
is lost, see your nearest Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer who has access to a master set of keys.
NOTE:DO NOT USE A POWER IMPACT
WRENCH ON THE LUG NUT KEY.
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215
Maintenance and CareService Made EasyFord has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your vehicle
easy. The maintenance schedule is located in
theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you
need to check and service regularly.
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner
Maintenance Checks listed in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet be performed for the proper
operation of your vehicle. In addition to the
conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance
Checklist, be alert for any unusual noise, vibration,
or other indication that your vehicle may need
service. If you do notice something unusual, see
that your vehicle is serviced promptly.
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220Whenever you close the hood, latch it securely.
NOTE:Apply lubricant to the hood latch at
six-month intervals to maintain smooth and
trouble-free operation.
NOTE:Read and understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of this
chapter before opening the hood.
If the battery is disconnected, the computer must
relearn its idle control. SeeBatteryin the Index.
Engine CompartmentYour vehicle has a 4.6 liter 4V SFI engine. The
following page shows a diagram of where to find
items that you should regularly service.
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223
Checking and Adding Engine OilSince the proper amount of engine oil is important
for safe engine operation, check the oil using the
dipstick each time you put fuel in your vehicle.
Remember the engine must be off, the oil must be
warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
Checking the engine oil level:
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and
allow a few minutes for the engine oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park).
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the engine.5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
Engine oil dipstick
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again and read
it. If the oil level is below the MIN line, add a
half quart of engine oil as necessary. If the oil
level is above the MAX line, engine damage or
high oil consumption may occur and some oil
must be removed from the engine.
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
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235
NOTE:If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in city traffic
during hot weather, or pulling a trailer, the vehicle
should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
the fluid to cool before checking.Checking the Automatic Transmission
FluidWith the vehicle on a level surface and the brake
fully applied, start the engine and move the gear
shift selector through all of the gears allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely
latch the gear shift selector in the P (Park) position.
Fully set the parking brake and leave the engine
running.
NOTE:Your vehicle should not be driven if the
fluid level does not appear on the dipstick tip and
outside temperatures are above50ÊF(10ÊC).
Wipe off the dipstick cap and pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back
into the filler tube and make sure it is fully seated.Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperatures150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC), thefluid
level should be within the ªHOTº notched area on
the dipstick. When the vehicle has not been driven,
and outside temperatures are above68ÊF(20ÊC),
the fluid levels should be between the ªHOTº
notch and the tip end of the dipstick.
Adding Automatic Transmission FluidBefore adding any fluid, be sure that the correct
type will be used. Use only MerconHFluid, as
shown on handle.
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (250ML) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level to the correct area
on the dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL. If the level is
above the top hole on the dipstick, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified technician.
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