brake light LINCOLN TOWN CAR 2000 User Guide

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is fully released.
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.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Your vehicle has an automatic parking brake release. To release the
parking brake:
1. Turn the ignition to the ON position.
2. Press the brake pedal.
3. Move the gearshift from the P (Park) position to one of the forward
gears (the parking brake will not release automatically when you shift
into reverse). The brake pedal must remain pressed while the gearshift is
moved.
If the parking brake fails to release
after completing this procedure, use
the manual parking brake release
lever.
Pull the lever to manually release
the parking brake.
TRACTION CONTROLY
For Traction Controlywarning lights refer toWarning Lightsin the
instrumentation chapter.
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional Traction Controly
system. This system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of
!
BRAKE
HOOD
Driving
120

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
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.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with a 4±speed automatic transmission
Understanding gearshift positions
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park). This position
locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from turning.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift
lever is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
Driving
124

R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. Always come to a
complete stop before shifting into
and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N
(Neutral), the vehicle can be started
and is free to roll. Hold the brake
pedal down while in this gear.
Overdrive
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the gearshift lever.
The transmission control indicator
light (TCIL) will illuminate on the
instrument cluster.
Drive
Not shown on the display. Activate by pressing the transmission control
switch on the gearshift lever with the gearshift in the Drive position. The
O/D OFF indicator will illuminate in the instrument cluster. Transmission
operates in gears one through three. Drive provides more engine braking
than Overdrive and is useful when:
²driving with a heavy load.
O/D
ON/OFF
TRUNK AJAR DOOR AJAR
AIR SUSPENSION
O/D OFF
SPEED CONTROL COMPASSkmCIRCLE
SLOWLY
Driving
125

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
The Certification Label, found on the inside pillar of the driver's door,
lists several important vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding
any additional equipment, refer to these limitations. If you are adding
weight to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added
to the cab), the weight added should not exceed the front axle reserve
capacity (FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front
axle reserve capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e.
restrict the number of passengers or amount of cargo carried).
You may add equipment throughout your vehicle if the total weight
added is equal to or less than the total axle reserve capacity (TARC)
weight. You should NEVER exceed the total axle reserve capacity.
Always ensure that the weight of passengers, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
your vehicle including both gross vehicle weight and front and rear gross
axle weight rating limits. Under no circumstance should these limitations
be exceeded. Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result
in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
The weight of your loaded trailer should not exceed 907 kg (2 000 lbs).
The GCW of your vehicle and trailer should not exceed 2 993 kg
(6 600 lbs).
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing vehicle. Do not tow a
trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 3 200 km (2 000 miles).
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.
Your loaded trailer should weigh no more than 907 kg (2 000 lbs.).
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Driving
128

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 (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
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/transmission
vent tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission
and cause internal transmission damage.
Driving
131

The fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment
Fuse Panel Description
1 10A Lighting Control Module (LCM), Left-Hand
Low Beam Headlamp
2 30A EATC Blower Motor
3 10A Lighting Control Module (LCM),
Right-Hand Low Beam Headlamp
4 7.5A Instrument Cluster
5 7.5A Lighting Control Module (LCM), Park/Tail
Lamps
6 15A EATC, Heated Seats
7 15A Lighting Control Module (LCM), Day/Night
Sensor/Amplifier
8 10A Shift Lock, Speed Control, Air Suspension,
Steering Wheel Rotation Sensor
9 20A Lighting Control Module (LCM),
Multi-Function Switch, Hi Beam
Headlamps
10 20A Brake Pedal Position (BPP) Switch, Brake
Pressure Switch, Stop Lamps
27 25
26 2423 21
2219
20
18 16
17 1514 12
1310
33
31
2932
30
28 11
97
8653
41
2RELAY
1
Roadside emergencies
136

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment
Fuse Panel Description
11 10A Electronic Crash Sensor (Airbag)
12 15A Instrument Cluster, Anti-Theft, Ignition
Switch, Ignition Coils
13 10A Anti-Lock Brake Module, Traction Control
Switch
14 7.5A Transmission Control Switch, Lighting
Control Module (LCM)
15 20A Multi-Function Switch, Turn Signals
16 30A Wiper Control Module (WCM), Windshield
Wiper Motor
17 10A Digital Transmission Range (DTR) Sensor,
Back-Up Lamps, EC Mirrors
18 7.5A Lighting Control Module (LCM), Front
Radio Control Unit, Cellular Telephone
Transceiver, Electronic Day/Night Mirror,
Compass Module
19 10A EATC, Clock, Instrument Cluster, PCM
20 7.5A Lighting Control Module (LCM), ABS, Shift
Lock
21 20A Multi-Function Switch, Hazard Lamps
22 20A Multi-Function Switch, High Mounted Stop
Lamps
23 20A Datalink Connector, I/P Cigar Lighter
24 5A Front Radio Control Unit
25 15A Lighting Control Module (LCM),
Courtesy/Demand Lamps
26 5A Digital Transmission Range (DTR) Sensor,
Starter Relay Coil
27 20A Fuel Filler Door Release Switch
28 10A Heated Mirrors
29 20A LF Door Module, Door Locks, Decklid
Release
Roadside emergencies
137

Do not attempt to push start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability.
Preparing your vehicle
1.Use only a 12±volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle's electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) booster cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
Roadside emergencies
145

Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. With your foot on the brake pedal and with the A/C on, put the
vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
²The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
Maintenance and care
167

²Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
²You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
²Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
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
0.4 km/L [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.
²Using 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.
Maintenance and care
181