instrument cluster LINCOLN TOWN CAR 1997 Owners Manual

7
InstrumentationThe instrument panel (dashboard) on your vehicle is
divided into several different sections. The
illustrations on the following pages show the major
parts of the instrument panel that are described in
this chapter. Some items shown may not be on all
vehicles.
The main controls for the climate control system,
clock, and radio are on the instrument panel.
If you have radio transmitting equipment in your
vehicle, be aware that it can interfere with your
vehicle's electrical system and may cause the
instrumentation and/or convenience products to
have temporary, abnormal operation.NOTE:Any cleaner or polish that increases the
gloss (shine) of the upper part of the instrument
panel should be avoided. The dull finish in this area
is to help protect the driver from undesirable
windshield reflection
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges are
grouped together on the instrument panel. We call
this grouping a cluster. Your vehicle has an
electronic cluster.
File:03fnist.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:46:47 1996

22All of the message center functions are controlled
by the three switches located just below the radio
controls in the center of the instrument panel.q
E/MÐ Changes the electronic instrument
cluster and the electronic temperature control
display to read in either English or Metric units.
q
ResetÐ Sets the selected function to zero (if
resettable).
q
SelectÐ Selects the function. This is a dual
action switch, the right side advances function
to the right, the left side advances function to
the left.
File:03fnist.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:46:47 1996

76Turn SignalsMove the lever up to signal a right turn. Move it
down to signal a left turn. The corresponding
indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash.
For lane changes, move the lever far enough to
signal but not to latch. The lever will return to the
off position when you release it.When the turn signal is used when the headlamps
are on, the cornering lamps will automatically light
on either the right or left side depending on the
direction of the turn.
High BeamsTo turn on the high beams, turn the headlamp
control switch to the headlamp ON position (or
activate the autolamp feature) and push the turn
signal lever away from you until it latches. When
the high beams are ON, the high beam indicator
light on the instrument cluster comes on.
To turn off the high beams, pull the lever toward
you until it latches. The high beam indicator light
turns off.Flashing the LightsTo flash the headlamps, pull the lever toward you
for a moment and then release it. The headlamps
will flash whether the headlamp knob is in the on
or off position.
File:05fncft.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:49:49 1996

116Anti-theft SystemWhen armed, this system helps protect your vehicle
against break-ins or theft by monitoring all doors,
the hood, and the trunk lock cylinder.
When an unauthorized entry occurs, the system
triggers and will:q
flash the headlamps, parking lamps, interior
lamps, and alarm indicator light
q
honk the horn
q
prevent the engine from starting
NOTE:The factory installed Remote Entry System
has a PANIC feature that also chirps the vehicle
horn and flashes the interior/exterior lamps when
the PANIC button on the remote entry transmitter
is pushed.The PANIC alarm and the Anti-Theft
alarm are two separate features.Both the
anti-theft alarm and the PANIC feature can be
active at the same time.To tell the difference between a PANIC alarm and
a triggered Anti-Theft alarm:
q
only the Anti-Theft alarm will cause the alarm
indicator light (located in the center of the
instrument cluster) to flash on and off.
q
only the Anti-Theft alarm will prevent the
engine from starting.
For more information on the PANIC alarm, see
Remote Entry Systemin the Index.
Arming the SystemTo arm the system, do the following four steps in
sequence.
1. Remove the key from the ignition.
2. Open any door. The alarm indicator light will
start flashing to remind you to arm the system.
File:05fncft.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:49:49 1996

139
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System consists
of:q
driver and passenger air bag modules (which
include the inflators and air bags),
q
one or more impact and safing sensors,
q
a system diagnostic module,
q
a readiness light and tone,
q
and the electrical wiring which connects the
components.
The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits,
the air bag electrical system, the air bag readiness
light, the air bag power, and the air bag inflators.
Determining if System Is OperationalThe Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses a
readiness light and a tone to indicate the condition
of the system. The readiness light is in the
instrument cluster. When you turn the ignition key
to ON, this light will illuminate for approximatelysix (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates
that the system is operating normally. NOTE:
Routine maintenance of the air bag system is not
required.
A problem with the system is indicated by one or
more of the following:
q
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
q
the readiness light will not light immediately
after ignition is turned on,
q
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone
pattern will repeat periodically until the problem
and light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently,
have the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer
immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not
function properly in the event of a collision.
File:06fnsst.ex
Update:Fri Jun 21 08:57:53 1996

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.
File:11fnmct.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:54:56 1996

304High beams (continued)
operation.............. 76
Hood................. 215
latch location............ 215
lubrication specifications....... 259
release lever............. 215
working under the hood....... 213
Horn................. 79
I
Idle, relearning..........208, 213
Ignition
chime............... 75
positions of the ignition........ 73
removing the key.......... 75
Infant seats (see Safety seats)....... 141
Instrument cluster, electronic....... 9
Instrument panel............. 7
Interval wipers............. 77
J
Jack.................. 193
operation.............. 196
positioning............. 196
storage............... 193
Jump-starting your vehicle
attaching cables........... 206
disconnecting cables......... 208
K
Keyless entry system
locking and unlocking doors...... 107
programming entry code....... 109
Keys
key in ignition chime......... 75
positions of the ignition........ 73
removing from the ignition...... 75
stuck in lock position......... 75
File:fnixt.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:58:01 1996