engine coolant LINCOLN TOWN CAR 2008 User Guide
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WARNING:Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
WARNING:Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
•Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant or equivalent
meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1.Refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets or an
equivalent product meeting Ford specification WSS-M99B37-B6, may
darken the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
•Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant, meeting Ford
specification WSS-M97B44-D, or DEX-COOLbrand with the
factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine
Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product such as
DEX-COOLbrand with your factory filled coolant can result in
degraded corrosion protection.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
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water to the “FULL COLD” level. For all other vehicles which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the “COLD FILL RANGE” or the “FULL COLD” level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
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Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–36°C]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
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•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the H (hot) area.
•The
symbol will display in the message center.
•The message center will display COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE.
•A chime will sound.
•TheService 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:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the 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 an authorized dealer 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.
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2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
FUEL FILTER
For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor 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.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
WARNING:Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
WARNING:The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
WARNING:If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
excessive vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system
or cause the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in
serious personal injury.
WARNING:Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death
if misused or mishandled.
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POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer toscheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval
schedules.
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.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number / Ford
specification
Brake fluidBetween MIN
and MAX on
reservoirMotorcraft High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
Fluid
1
PM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A
Door weatherstrips —Silicone Spray
LubricantXL-6 /
ESR-M13P4-A
Engine coolant18.6 quarts
(17.6L)Motorcraft Premium
Gold Engine Coolant
with bittering agent
(yellow colored)
2
VC-7-B /
WSS-M97B51-A1
Cooling system stop
leak pellets—Motorcraft Cooling
System Stop Leak
PelletsVC-6 /
WSS-M99B37-B6
Hinges, latches,
striker plates, fuel
filler door hinge and
seat tracks— Multi-Purpose GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 /
ESB-M1C93-B
Lock cylinders —Motorcraft Penetrating
and Lock LubricantXL-1 /
None
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Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number / Ford
specification
Fuel tank19.0 gallons
(71.9L)——
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.4Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set
by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.5Automatic transmissions that require MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.6Add 4.0 oz. (118 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification
EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear axles only.7Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch (6 mm to
13 mm) below the bottom of the filler hole.8Rear axles are considered lubricated for life when the vehicle is used for normal service. For
severe duty requirements, seeExceptionsandSpecial Operating Conditionsinscheduled
maintenance information.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................49
Air cleaner filter ...............257–258
Air suspension ...........................178
description ..............................178
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................112–113, 122
and child safety seats ............115
description ......................113, 122
disposal ....................................124
driver airbag ....................115, 123
indicator light .................122, 124
operation .........................115, 123
passenger airbag .............115, 123
side airbag ...............................122
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................235
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................174
Anti-theft system ..................85, 89
arming the system ....................89
disarming a triggered system ..89
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 22
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................180
fluid, adding ............................255
fluid, checking ........................255
fluid, refill capacities ..............260
fluid, specification ..................260
Auxiliary power point .................46
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........260
refill capacities ........................260
traction lok ..............................178
B
Battery .......................................233acid, treating emergencies .....233
jumping a disabled battery ....203
maintenance-free ....................233
replacement, specifications ...258
servicing ..................................233
Belt-Minder.............................108
Booster seats .............................126
Brakes ........................................173
anti-lock ...................................174
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................174
fluid, checking and adding ....255
fluid, specifications .................260
lubricant specifications ..........260
shift interlock ..........................178
Bulbs ............................................37
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....260
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................195
Child safety restraints ..............125
child safety belts ....................125
Child safety seats ......................129
attaching with tether straps ..133
in front seat ............................130
in rear seat ..............................130
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................126
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............221
instrument panel ....................222
interior .....................................223
plastic parts ............................221
washing ....................................219
waxing .....................................220
wheels ......................................220
wiper blades ............................222
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Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............29
Clock ............................................46
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................65
Console
rear ......................................47–48
Controls
power seat .................................93
steering column ........................54
Coolant
checking and adding ..............235
refill capacities ................239, 260
specifications ..........................260
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................52
Customer Assistance ................186
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................215
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............216
Getting roadside assistance ...186
Getting the service you
need .........................................211
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................217
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................215
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................34
Defrost
rear window ..............................32
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................255engine oil .................................230
Driving under special
conditions ..................................182
through water .........................185
E
Electronic message center .........59
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................203
Emergency Flashers .................187
Emission control system ..........251
Engine ........................................263
cleaning ...................................221
coolant .....................................235
fail-safe cooling .......................240
idle speed control ...................233
lubrication specifications .......260
refill capacities ........................260
service points ..................228–229
starting after a collision .........188
Engine block heater .................172
Engine oil ..................................230
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................230
checking and adding ..............230
dipstick ....................................230
filter, specifications ........232, 258
recommendations ...................232
refill capacities ........................260
specifications ..........................260
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................171
F
Fail safe cooling ........................240
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....241
Floor mats ...................................70
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