climate control LINCOLN TOWN CAR 2003 User Guide

U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
252

Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification or Tire Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size,
speed rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g.,“All Terrain”,
“Touring”, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only cable type chains offered by Ford as an accessory or
equivalent. Using SAE class S or other conventional link type chains
may cause damage to the vehicle’s wheel house and/or body.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
254

waxing .....................................215
wheels ......................................216
windows ..................................219
wiper blades ............................217
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............70
Clock ............................................96
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................87
Console
overhead ....................................85
rear ..........................................110
Controls
power seat ...............................129
steering column ......................102
Coolant
checking and adding ..............231
refill capacities ................234, 256
specifications ..................257, 259
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................99
Customer Assistance ................185
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................220
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................207
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............211
Getting roadside assistance ...185
Getting the service
you need .................................205
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................212
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................208
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............211D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................75
Defrost
rear window ..............................73
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................248
engine oil .................................225
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........257
Driving under special
conditions ..................................177
through water .........................180
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................199
Emergency Flashers .................186
Emission control system ..........244
Engine ........................................259
cleaning ...................................216
coolant .....................................231
fail-safe coolant ......................235
idle speed control ...................229
lubrication
specifications ..................257, 259
refill capacities ........................256
service points ..........................224
starting after a collision .........186
Engine block heater .................169
Engine oil ..................................225
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................225
checking and adding ..............225
dipstick ....................................225
filter, specifications ........228, 255
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
267