wheel LINCOLN TOWN CAR 1997 Owner's Guide

213
Precautions When Servicing Your
VehicleBe especially careful when inspecting or servicing
your vehicle. Here are some general precautions for
your safety:q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly. Always
turn the engine off and let it cool.
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space
with the engine running, unless you are sure
you have enough ventilation.
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is supported
by a jack only. If you must work under a
vehicle, use safety stands.
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly. To find out how the engine does
this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
Working with the engine off:1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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229
Power Steering FluidCheck the level of the power steering fluid at least
twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid1. Start the engine and let it run until the power
steering fluid reaches normal operating
temperature. The power steering fluid will be at
the right temperature when the engine coolant
temperature gauge in the instrument cluster is
near the center of the NORMAL operating
temperature range.
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel
back and forth several times. Make sure that
the cap assembly is installed at this time.
3. Turn the engine off and check the level on the
power steering reservoir.4. The fluid level is viewed through the sight
window on the power steering reservoir. If the
power steering fluid is below the middle line,
add fluid in small amounts, continuously
checking the level. Do not overfill.
Fluid level for power steering
Use only MERCONHATF power steering fluid.
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255
Cleaning the SeatsLeatherFor routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft,
damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, wipe the
surface with a leather and vinyl cleaner or a mild
soap.
Wipe the surface with a damp, soft cloth, then dry
and buff with a dry, soft cloth.FabricRemove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or
a vacuum cleaner. Remove fresh spots immediately.
Follow the directions that come with the cleaner.
NOTE:Before using any cleaner, test it on a small,
hidden area of fabric. If the fabric's color or texture
is adversely affected by a particular cleaner, do not
use it.
Cleaning the WheelsWash the wheels with the same detergent you use
to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based
wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives, fuel, or strong
detergents. These substances will damage protective
coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to remove
grease and tar.
NOTE:Before going to a car wash, find out if the
brushes are abrasive.
If you have whitewall tires that are difficult to clean
with regular detergent, use whitewall tire cleaner.
Follow the directions on the container and rinse the
tires with plenty of clean water.
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260NOTE:Rear axle lube quantities must be replaced
every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or if the axle
has been submerged in water. Otherwise, the lube
should not be checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or repair required.Vehicle StorageMaintenance TipsIf you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended
period of time (60 days or more), refer to the
following maintenance recommendations to ensure
your vehicle stays in good operating condition.Generalq
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust and
damage.
Bodyq
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease,
oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces, rear
wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent discoloration.
Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed.
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
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295
Index
A
ABS warning light (see Anti-lock
brake system)............ 11
Accessory position on the ignition.... 73
Accessory power source, power
point outlet............. 73
Accident damage............ 212
Air bag supplemental
restraint system........... 135
and child safety seats......137, 141
description............. 135
driver air bag............ 135
indicator light............ 14
operation.............. 137
passenger air bag........... 135
service and information labels..... 139
tone generator............ 139Air cleaner filter
location............... 216
specifications............ 257
Air conditioning, electronic automatic
temperature control system....... 55
Air suspension, description........ 170
Alarm, activating remote personal..... 112
Aluminum wheels........... 200
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)............ 40
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 224
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description............. 167
see also Brake............ 167
warning light............ 11
Anti-theft lug nuts and key........ 203
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298Charging system warning light...... 15
Childproof locks............ 96
Child safety restraints.......... 140
child safety belts........... 158
child safety seats........... 141
Child safety seats
and air bags............. 141
attaching with tether straps...... 158
automatic locking mode
(retractor)........130, 141, 143
in front seat..........141, 143
in rear outboard seat......141, 151
in rear seat............. 141
tether anchorage hardware...... 158
Chime
headlamps on............ 32
key in ignition............ 75
safety belt.............. 13
Circuit breakers, checking and replacing . . 191Cleaning your vehicle
chrome and aluminum parts...... 253
exterior............... 253
exterior lamps............ 254
fabric................ 255
headlamps.............. 254
instrument panel........... 254
interior............... 255
interior lamps............ 254
mirrors............... 90
plastic parts............. 254
polishing.............. 253
rustproofing............. 254
safety belts............. 254
tail lamps.............. 254
upholstery and interior trim...... 255
washing............... 253
waxing............... 253
wheels............... 255
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310Steering, power............ 173
Steering wheel
horn................ 79
locking............... 73
tilting............... 80
Storing your vehicle........... 260
Sunroof (moon roof).......... 87
Sun visor............... 90
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 14
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) . . . 135
T
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 248
cleaning.............. 254
Temperature control (see Climate control) . 55
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints)......... 158
Tilt steering wheel........... 80Tires................. 234
changing.............. 192
checking the pressure......... 234
cleaning............... 255
inspection and maintenance...... 234
replacing.............. 235
rotating............... 234
spare tire.............. 193
storing your vehicle......... 262
tire grades............. 235
treadwear.............. 237
wear bands............. 235
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 179
Towing your vehicle
using wheel dollies.......... 209
with a tow truck........... 209
Traction assist............. 170
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312
W
Warm engine, starting.......... 163
Warning chimes
headlamps on............ 32
key in ignition............ 75
safety belt.............. 13
Warranties................ 3
basic................. 3
Canada................ 3
radio................ 53
Warranty Information Booklet....... 3
Washer fluid.............. 77
reservoir.............. 222
warning light............ 31
windshield............. 222Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR)...... 177
Wheel dollies (see Towing)....... 209
Wheels
anti-theft lugnuts........... 203
cleaning............... 255
covers............194, 200
inspection and maintenance...... 234
lug nuts............... 194
Windows
one-touch down........... 98
power windows, operating....... 98
Windshield, washing.......... 77
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