service engine soon LINCOLN TOWN CAR 2000 User Guide

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
²the engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the H (hot)
area.
²the
symbol will illuminate.
²a tone will sound 3 times.
²theService Engine Soon
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
²the engine power will be limited.
²the air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
²the
symbol will begin to flash.
²a tone will sound 5 times.
²the engine will completely shut down, causing steering and braking
effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
H
Maintenance and care
162

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
163

When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke while
refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
²Place approved fuel container on the ground.
²DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle.
²Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
²DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the ªService Engine Soon/Check Engineº indicator comes on and stays
on when you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly
installed. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap
properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
Maintenance and care
176

unleaded gasoline should not be used (particularly in the United States)
if ªRegularº unleaded gasoline is recommended because it may cause
these problems to become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use a high quality fuel. Aftermarket products
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world's automakers issued the World-wide Fuel Charter that
recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved performance
and emission control system protection for your vehicle. Gasolines that
meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when available. Ask
your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel
Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality. These gasolines may contain oxygenates up to 10%
ethanol or 15% MTBE.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²Your ªService Engine Soonº indicator may come on. For more
information on the ªService Engine Soonº indicator, refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
Maintenance and care
178

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 L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the ªService Engine Soonº light, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system
is not working properly.
Maintenance and care
182

Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
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.
Maintenance and care
183

Compass, electronic
calibration .................................19
set zone adjustment ............18,19
Console
rear ............................................70
Controls
power seat ............................84,86
steering column ........................60
Coolant
checking and adding ..............157
coolant temperature light ........11
refill capacities .................160,195
specifications ...................197,198
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................56
Customer Assistance ................132
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................209
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................202
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............208
Getting roadside assistance ...132
Getting the
service you need ....................203
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................212
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................205
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............208
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................23
Defrost
rear window ..............................53
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................164
engine oil .................................153
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........197Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................131
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................144
Emission control system ..........182
Engine ........................................198
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................8
cleaning ...................................193
coolant .....................................157
fail-safe coolant ......................161
idle speed control ...................166
lubrication
specifications ...................197,198
refill capacities ........................195
service points ..........................152
starting after a collision .........133
Engine block heater .................116
Engine oil ..................................153
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................153
checking and adding ..............153
dipstick ....................................153
filter, specifications .........155,195
recommendations ...................155
refill capacities ........................195
specifications ...................197,198
Exhaust fumes ..........................117
Fail safe cooling ........................161
Floor mats ...................................71
Fluid capacities .........................195
Fuel ............................................174
calculating fuel economy ..20,179
cap ...........................................176
capacity ...................................195
choosing the right fuel ...........177
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................182
detergent in fuel .....................178
filling your
vehicle with fuel .......174,176,179
Index
215

air bag ..........................................9
air suspension ...........................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....10,119
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................12
high beam .................................10
liftgate ajar ................................12
low coolant ................................11
low washer fluid .......................14
oil pressure ...............................11
safety belt ...................................9
service engine soon ....................8
speed control ............................59
traction control system .......11,13
turn signal indicator .................10
Load limits .................................127
GAWR ......................................127
GVWR ......................................127
trailer towing ..........................127
Locks
autolock .....................................75
childproof ..................................69
doors ..........................................68
Lubricant specifications ....197,198
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................144
Lumbar support, seats ...............87
Message center ...........................16
english/metric button ...............22
reset button ..............................18
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................65
cleaning ...................................192
heated ........................................69
programmable memory ............76
side view mirrors (power) .......68
Moon roof ....................................65
Motorcraft parts .................178,195
Octane rating ............................177
Odometer .....................................15Oil (see Engine oil) ..................153
Overdrive ..............................60,125
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry system ..................73
Parking brake ............................119
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....195
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................138
Power door locks ........................68
Power steering ..........................122
fluid, checking and adding ....163
fluid, refill capacity ................195
fluid, specifications ..........197,198
Radio ............................................30
Relays ........................................134
Remote entry system ............72,73
illuminated entry ......................75
locking/unlocking doors ...........72
opening the trunk .....................73
panic alarm ...............................73
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................75
replacing the batteries .............74
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ................14,89,90,91,92
Safety defects, reporting ..........213
Safety restraints ...........89,90,91,92
belt minder ...............................94
cleaning the safety belts ...98,194
extension assembly ..................94
for adults .........................90,91,92
for children .............................106
lap belt ......................................93
warning light and chime ..9,14,94
Safety seats for children ..........107
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............89
Seats ............................................84
child safety seats ....................107
cleaning ...................................194
easy access/easyout feature ....88
heated ........................................86
Index
217