check transmission fluid LINCOLN TOWN CAR 2008 Owners Manual

BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about
30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
M
AX
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
255

Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(50°F-95°F [10°C-35°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
256

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
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
268

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
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
269

S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........107
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ............98, 101, 103–106
Safety Canopy ...........................122
Safety defects, reporting ..217–218
Safety restraints ..98, 101, 103–106
Belt-Minder...........................108
extension assembly ................107
for adults .........................103–106
for children .............................125
lap belt ....................................103
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................99
safety belt maintenance .........107
warning light and chime ........108
Safety seats for children ..........129
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................264
Seats ............................................90
child safety seats ....................129
easy access/easyout feature ....97
heated ........................................95
memory seat .......................79, 97
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................85
Servicing your vehicle ..............226
Spark plugs, specifications ......258,
263
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................260
Speed control ..............................52
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......170
Starting your vehicle ........168–170
jump starting ..........................203Steering wheel
controls ......................................54
tilting .........................................45
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................45
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....152
Tires ...........................137–138, 195
alignment ................................145
care ..........................................141
changing ..........................195, 198
checking the pressure ............141
inflating ...................................139
label .........................................151
replacing ..................................143
rotating ....................................145
safety practices .......................144
sidewall information ...............146
snow tires and chains ............157
spare tire .........................196, 198
terminology .............................138
tire grades ...............................138
treadwear ........................137, 142
Towing .......................................163
recreational towing .................167
trailer towing ..........................163
wrecker ....................................209
Traction control ........................176
Traction-lok rear axle ...............178
Transmission .............................178
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....178
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................255
fluid, refill capacities ..............260
lubricant specifications ..........260
Trunk ...........................................76
remote release ....................71, 78
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
272