traction control LINCOLN TOWN CAR 2007 Owners Manual

Seating and Safety Restraints 155
Seating 155
Safety restraints 160
Airbags 175
Child restraints 187
Tires, Wheels and Loading 199
Tire information 199
Vehicle loading 213
Trailer towing 219
Recreational towing 222
Driving 223
Starting 223
Brakes 227
Traction Control™ 229
Air suspension 231
Transmission operation 231
Roadside Emergencies 239
Getting roadside assistance 239
Hazard flasher switch 241
Fuel pump shut-off switch 241
Fuses and relays 242
Changing tires 248
Lug nut torque 255
Jump starting 255
Wrecker towing 260
Customer Assistance 261
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 267
Table of Contents
2
2007 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Traction controlactive:Flashes
when the Traction controlsystem
is active. If the light remains on,
have the system serviced
immediately, refer to theDriving
chapter for more information.
O/D off:Illuminates when the
overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned OFF,
refer to theDrivingchapter. If the
light does not illuminate, have the transmission serviced soon, or damage
may occur.
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is activated. Turns
off when the speed control system
is deactivated.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
Turn signal chime (if equipped):Sounds when the turn signal lever
has been activated to signal a turn and not turned off after the vehicle is
driven more than 0.8 km (1/2 mile).
O/D
OFF
2007 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
12

INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford Motor Company 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.
2007 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
199

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.
TIRES
Tires are designed to give many thousands of miles of service, but they
must be maintained in order to get the maximum benefit from them.
Glossary of tire terminology
•Tire label:A label showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes,
recommended inflation pressure and the maximum weight the vehicle
can carry.
•Tire Identification Number (TIN):A number on the sidewall of
each tire providing information about the tire brand and
manufacturing plant, tire size and date of manufacture. Also referred
to as DOT code.
•Inflation pressure:A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
•Standard load:A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a
maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing
the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tire’s
load carrying capability.
•Extra load:A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a
heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) for Metric tires].
2007 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
200

numbers in between are identification codes used for traceability. This
information is used to contact customers if a tire defect requires a recall.
9.M+S or M/S:Mud and Snow, or
AT:All Terrain, or
AS:All Season.
10.Tire Ply Composition and Material Used:Indicates the number of
plies or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and
sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply materials in the
tire and the sidewall, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
11.Maximum Load:Indicates the maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire. Refer to the Safety Compliance
Certification Label, which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the
driver’s door, for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.
12.Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
•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
12) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
•Traction: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.
•Temperature: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.
13.Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure:Indicates the tire
manufacturers’ maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at
which the maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is
normally higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation
pressure which can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label or Tire Label which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the
driver’s door. The cold inflation pressure should never be set lower than
the recommended pressure on the vehicle label.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such
as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
2007 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
210

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 CONTROL
For Traction Controlwarning lights refer toWarning Lightsin the
Instrument clusterchapter.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Traction Controlsystem (except on
commercial conversion packages). This system helps you maintain the
stability and steerability of your vehicle, especially on slippery road
surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads and gravel roads. The
system will allow your vehicle to make better use of available traction in
these conditions.
During Traction Controloperation, you may hear an electric motor
type of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will
not “rev-up” when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior and should be no reason for concern.
The Traction Controlswitch,
located on the left side of the
instrument panel, allows the driver
to enable and disable the system.
The Traction Controlsystem will
automatically turn on every time the
ignition is turned OFF and RUN.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road surface, try switching the Traction
Controlsystem off. This may allow excess wheel spin to “dig” the
vehicle out and enable a successful “rocking” maneuver.
2007 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
229

Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control
event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the
steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than
a few seconds when the engine is running.
It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the
power steering fluid reservoir:
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.
SeeChecking and adding power steering fluidin theMaintenance
and Specificationschapter.
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the maximum
level, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir. SeeChecking and
adding power steering fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
2007 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
230

Forced downshifts
•Allowed in
(Overdrive) or Drive.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If necessary, try turning the Traction Controlsystem off. This will allow
the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For more
information, refer toTraction Control(if equipped)in this chapter.
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 minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The reverse sensing system sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles
near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) gear is selected.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this
section. The park assist is only an aid for some (generally large and
fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at “parking
speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS;
this may include reduced performance or a false activation.
To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in R
(Reverse) and when using the reverse sensing system.
This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting objects to avoid damaging the vehicle.
The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly those close to
the ground.
2007 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
235

A
Accessory delay ........................112
Air cleaner filter ...............306–307
Air suspension ...........................231
description ..............................231
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................175, 184
and child safety seats ............177
description ......................175, 184
disposal ....................................186
driver airbag ....................177, 185
indicator light .................184, 186
operation .........................177, 185
passenger airbag .............177, 185
side airbag ...............................184
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................285
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................227
Anti-theft system ..............149, 153
arming the system ..................153
disarming a triggered system 154
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................15, 18, 24
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................233
fluid, adding ............................304
fluid, checking ........................304
fluid, refill capacities ..............309
fluid, specification ..................309
Auxiliary power point ...............110
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........309
refill capacities ........................309
traction lok ..............................231
B
Battery .......................................283acid, treating emergencies .....283
jumping a disabled battery ....255
maintenance-free ....................283
replacement, specifications ...307
servicing ..................................283
BeltMinder
...............................171
Brakes ........................................227
anti-lock ...................................227
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................227
fluid, checking and adding ....304
fluid, specifications .................309
lubricant specifications ..........309
shift interlock ..........................231
Bulbs ..........................................101
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....309
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................248
Child safety restraints ..............187
child safety belts ....................187
Child safety seats ......................191
attaching with tether straps ..195
in front seat ............................192
in rear seat ..............................192
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............271
instrument panel ....................272
interior .....................................273
plastic parts ............................271
washing ....................................269
waxing .....................................270
wheels ......................................270
wiper blades ............................272
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............93
Clock ..........................................110
2007 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
317

wrecker ....................................260
Traction control ........................229
Traction-lok rear axle ...............231
Transmission .............................231
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....231
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................304
fluid, refill capacities ..............309
lubricant specifications ..........309
Trunk .........................................140
remote release ................136, 143
Turn signal ................................101
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................313Vehicle loading
..........................213
Ventilating your vehicle
...........226
W
Warning lights (see Lights)
.......10
Water, Driving through
.............238
Windows
power
.......................................111
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
........................................108
replacing wiper blades
...........280
Wrecker towing
.........................260
2007 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
322