check engine light LINCOLN TOWN CAR 1999 Owners Manual

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Service engine soon
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine's
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System (OBD
II). The OBD II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
TheService Engine Soonindicator light illuminates when the ignition is
first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourService Engine Soonlight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
10
2030405060
70
80
90
100
120206080
40100
120
160 140
180
P R N D 2 1
MPHkm/h
110
HF
E1
2
FILL ON
LEFT<
AIR
BAG CHECK
TRAC
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
TRUNK AJAR DOOR AJAR
TRAC OFF AIR SUSPENSION
O/D OFF TRAC ACTIVE
SPEED CONTROL COMPASSkmCIRCLE
SLOWLYWASHER FUEL ECON AVG
LTR/100km
FUEL REMAIN
DIST TO EMPTY
AVG SPEED
TRIP A B
E/M km MILES/GAL
BRAKE
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
6

Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON
position, the engine is off and the
parking brake is engaged. If the
brake warning lamp does not
illuminate at this time, seek service immediately. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. If the light
remains on, continues to flash or
fails to illuminate, have the system
serviced immediately. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system
is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning
light also remains illuminated with parking brake released.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or both of the
indicators stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
turn signal bulb. Refer toExterior bulbsin theMaintenance and care
chapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
!
BRAKE
ABS
Instrumentation
8

Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Engine oil pressure
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible and switch off the engine immediately. Check the
oil level and add oil if needed. Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance
and Carechapter.
Engine coolant temperature
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine and let it cool.
Never remove the coolant
recovery cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and carechapter. If light
stays on or continues to turn on after the vehicle warms up, have your
vehicle serviced.
This light also illuminates briefly when the ignition key is turned to ON.
Check Trac (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. If the light stays on, the
Traction Controlysystem needs to
be serviced.
CHECK
TRAC
Instrumentation
9

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check at 17 km/h
(10 mph) after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief
mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If a
malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensating for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during
hard braking with loss of front braking traction.
Driving
109

²Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (six inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability and
causing internal transmission damage.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the
water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs.
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission is submerged
may allow water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage.
Driving
122

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair
away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material 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, as explained in the
Batterysection in this chapter.
Maintenance and care
141

Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
2 km/h [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollover/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Use of fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of Km/L (MPG) expected on
the vehicle, depending upon the driver's method of operation and
conditions.
Maintenance and care
168

engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
EXTERIOR BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
²Headlamps
²Tail lamps
²Brakelamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Turn signals
²Backup lamps
²License plate lamp
Maintenance and care
170

Accessory delay ..........................67
Air bag supplemental
restraint system .....................91,95
and child safety seats ..............92
description ...........................91,95
disposal ......................................98
driver air bag .......................93,96
indicator light ...................7,94,97
operation ..............................93,96
passenger air bag ................93,96
Air cleaner filter .......................181
Air conditioning ..........................22
automatic temperature
control system ..........................22
Air suspension ...........................113
air leveling disabled warning,
message center .......................113
air ride switch off warning,
message center .......................113
check air ride system
warning, message center .......113
check air suspension warning,
message center .......................113
description ..............................113
warning light ...........................113
Anti-theft system ..............77,78,79
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................115
fluid, refill capacities ..............181
fluid, specification ..................184
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........184
refill capacities ........................181
traction lok ..............................117
Battery .......................................154
acid, treating emergencies .....154
jumping a disabled battery ....135
maintenance-free ....................154
replacement, specifications ...181
servicing ..................................154
Brakes ........................................109anti-lock ............................109,110
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ............8,110
brake warning light ....................8
fluid, checking and adding ....146
fluid, refill capacities ..............181
fluid, specifications ..........182,184
lubricant specifications ...182,184
shift interlock ..........................114
Break-in period .............................2
Capacities for refilling fluids ....181
CD changer .................................48
Child safety restraints ................98
child safety belts ......................98
child safety seats ......................99
Child safety seats ........................99
attaching with tether straps ..103
built-in child seat .....................99
in front seat ............................101
in rear seat ..............................101
tether anchorage hardware ...104
Cleaning your vehicle ...............176
engine compartment ..............178
exterior .............................177,180
exterior lamps .........................179
instrument panel ....................179
interior ..............................179,180
mirrors .....................................180
plastic parts ............................178
safety belts ..............................180
washing ....................................176
waxing .....................................177
wheels ......................................177
windows ..................................180
wiper blades ............................179
Clock ............................................52
Compass, electronic
calibration .................................17
set zone adjustment .................16
Controls ........................60,61,62,63
power seat ............................80,82
steering column ........................59
Index
200

Coolant ...............................147,149
checking and adding ..............148
refill capacities .................149,181
specifications ...................182,184
Customer Assistance ................187
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................194
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................188
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............193
Getting roadside assistance ...187
Getting the service
you need .................................189
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................198
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................190
Defrost
rear window ..............................52
Dipstick
engine oil .................................144
Doors
door ajar warning .....................10
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................122
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................135
Emission control system ..........169
Engine ........................................184
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........6
coolant .....................................147
idle speed control ...................154
lubrication
specifications ...................182,184
refill capacities ........................181
service points ..........................143
starting after a collision .........123
Engine block heater .................107
Engine oil ..................................144checking and adding .......144,145
dipstick ....................................144
filter, specifications .........145,181
recommendations ...................145
refill capacities .................144,181
specifications .....144,145,182,184
Exhaust fumes ..........................108
Fail safe cooling ........................150
Floor mats ...................................69
Fluid capacities .........................181
Fuel ............................................161
calculating fuel economy .......165
cap ...........................................163
capacity ...................................181
choosing the right fuel ...........163
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................168
detergent in fuel .....................165
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................161,163,166
filter, specifications .........165,181
fuel filler door override ............66
fuel filler door release ..............65
fuel pump shut-off switch .....123
gauge .........................................13
improving fuel economy ........165
octane rating ....................164,184
quality ......................................164
running out of fuel .................165
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................161
Fuses ...................................124,125
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............163
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................165
Gauges .........................................12
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................14
fuel gauge ..................................13
odometer ...................................13
speedometer .............................13
Index
201