tow LINCOLN MARK VIII 1997 User Guide

185
WARNING
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186Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle's
bumper. The bumper is not designed to bear the
load.
Always check the pressure in all your vehicle's tires
when preparing to tow (see inflation
recommendation on the tire label).Using the hitchYour vehicle uses aload carryinghitch. Because
this type of hitch places the tongue load of a trailer
on the rear wheels of your vehicle, you must
distribute the load in your trailer so that only 10 to
15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the
tongue.
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and
change the weight on the hitch. This will prevent
damage to your vehicle and make your vehicle
easier to handle.
Connecting the safety chainsAlways attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the hitch
breaks.
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and
attach them to your vehicle's frame or hook
retainers. Never attach the safety chains to your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed
to bear the weight of a trailer.
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in the
chains to allow you to turn corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives you.
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188If you tow in D (Overdrive) while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, press the
Transmission Control Switch located on the shift
lever. This will also give the engine more power
going up hills and better engine braking going down
hills.
If you use the speed control while you are towing
on very long, steep grades, the speed control may
shut off.
Servicing Your Vehicle If You TowIf you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle
will need to be serviced more frequently than usual.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
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202When you drive with the temporary spare tire,
DO NOT:q
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any
circumstances.
q
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the
maximum vehicle load rating listed on the tire
decal.
q
tow a trailer.
q
use tire chains on this tire.
q
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove
it from its wheel.
q
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.
q
drive through an automatic car wash with this
tire. Because the temporary spare tire is smaller
than a conventional tire, it reduces the ground
clearance. Your vehicle may get caught in the
rails and it could be damaged.
Spare Tire LocationThe spare tire is stored under the carpet on the
floor of the trunk.
You will find additional instructions for the spare
tire on the warning label located on the wheel and
the jacking instructions located on the spare tire
cover.
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213
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while to
let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions. Drive it
around for a while with all electrical accessories
turned off to let the battery recharge. Driveability
may be deteriorated slightly until all drive modes
are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to use a battery
charger to fully recharge the battery.
If you need to replace your battery, seeBatteryin
theMaintenance and Carechapter.
Towing Your VehicleIf you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a
professional towing service or, if you are a member,
your roadside assistance center. Typical towing
options include wheel lift towing or flat bed towing.
Front towing
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214DO NOT TOW WITH SLINGBELT EQUIPMENT.
Ford Motor Company has not developed or
approved a T-hook sling-type procedure. Use wheel
lift or flatbed equipment. When towing your Mark
VIII with wheel lift equipment, be sure dollies are
in place under the trailing wheels if the air
suspension is deflated to prevent damage to the air
deflector.
Rear towing
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what
kind of vehicle you have. A towing manual is
available from Ford Motor Company for all
authorized tow truck operators. Have your tow
truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
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261
Cleaning Plastic PartsSome of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning.
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove
oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil
remover. If rustproofing is not removed from plastic
and rubber parts, it can cause deterioration.
Cleaning the Safety BeltsClean the safety belts with any mild soap solution
that is recommended for cleaning upholstery or
carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belt webbing
because this may weaken it.
Clean the instrument panel lens and woodtone trim
with a soft cloth and a glass cleaner. Do not use
paper towel or any abrasive cleaner to clean either
the lens or the woodtone trim as these may cause
scratches.Cleaning the Exterior LampsDo not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents or
abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps, as these may
cause scratches or crack the lamps.
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299
Climate control system
air conditioning........... 69
electronic automatic temperature
control.............. 69
heating............... 69
Clock................. 82
Clutch
fluid reservoir............ 225
specifications............ 265
Combination lap and shoulder belts.... 138
Console, description.......... 115
Controls, mirrors............ 99
Convenience kit in cargo area...... 202
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 228
checking and adding......... 228
preparing for storage......... 267
refill capacities............ 264specifications............ 265
temperature gauge.......... 17
warnings.............. 228
Cooling fan.............. 217
Crankcase emission filter........ 263
Cruise control indicator light....... 13
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada............ 276
D
Daytime running light system...... 78
Defects, reporting............ 269
Dipstick................ 223
automatic transmission fluid...... 234
engine oil.............. 223
power steering fluid......... 233
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 213
Dispute Settlement Board........ 272
Doors................. 106
lubricant specifications........ 265
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300Driving under special conditions
heavy load............. 182
towing a trailer........... 184
E
Electrical system, fuses......... 191
Electronic sound system
antenna............... 65
tuning the radio........... 50
warranty and service information.... 68
Emergencies, roadside
fuel................ 247
jump-starting............ 209
towing............... 213
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 171
Emission control system......... 250
catalytic converter.......... 250
emissions warranty.........3,250Engine
check engine warning light...... 45
does not start.........167, 189
fuel injected engine, starting...... 165
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 189
preparing to start........... 165
refill capacities............ 264
service points............ 220
starting............... 166
starting after a collision........ 189
storing your vehicle......... 266
Engine block heater........... 168
Engine coolant............. 228
checking and adding......... 228
disposal............... 235
preparing for storage......... 267
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306Load limits.............. 182
GAWR............... 182
GVWR............... 182
trailer towing............ 184
Lubricant specifications......... 265
Luggage compartment.......... 117
Lug nuts............... 203
anti-theft.............. 208
standard.............. 205
tightening sequence......... 203
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
and Record booklet)........... 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 215Master cylinder, brakes......... 225
Memory profile system......... 110
Message center............. 19
Mileage, calculating fuel economy . . . 25, 248
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview mirror . . . 99
side view mirrors.......... 112
Moon roof............... 97
Motorcraft parts............ 263
N
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration......... 269
New vehicle break-in........... 5
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