1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA maintenance

141
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[SS24401( ALL)05/96]
Determining if System Is Operational
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[SS24501( ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses
a readiness light and a tone to indicate the
condition of the system. The readiness light is in
the instrument cluster. When you turn the
ignition key to ON, this light will illuminate for
approximately six (6) seconds and then turn off.
This indicates that the system is operating
normally. NOTE: Routine maintenance of the air
bag system is not required.
%*
[SS24601( ALL)05/96]
A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following:
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[SS24701( ALL)05/96]
q
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
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[SS24801( ALL)05/96]
q
the readiness light will not light immediately
after ignition is turned on,
%*
[SS24901( ALL)05/96]
q
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone
pattern will repeat periodically until the
problem and light are repaired.
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[SS25001( ALL)05/96]
If any of these things happen, even
intermittently, have the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly
in the event of a collision.
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[SS25101( ALL)05/96]
Disposal of Air Bags and Air Bag
Equipped Vehicles
*
[SS25201( ALL)05/96]
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped
vehicles, see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by
qualified personnel.
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Update:Thu Mar 27 14:52:08 1997

209
Maintenance and Care
%*
[MC00200( ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
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[MC00300( ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[MC00400( ALL)01/96]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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[MC00500( ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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[MC00600( ALL)01/96]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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[MC00700( ALL)03/96]
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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[MC00800( ALL)02/96]
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
*
[MC00900( ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*
[MC01000( ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
*
[MC01100( ALL)02/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet be performed for
the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance
Checklist, be alert for any unusual noise,
File:11rcmcv.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:05:52 1996

215
%*
[MC05600( ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
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[MC05700( ALL)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
*
[MC05800( ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
*
[MC05900( ALL)01/96]
Neveruse:
*
[MC06000( ALL)01/96]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
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[MC06100( ALL)02/96]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[MC06200( ALL)01/96]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
%*
[MC06300( ALL)01/96]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[MC06400( ALL)03/96]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
File:11rcmcv.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:05:52 1996

217
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[MC07800( ALL)01/96]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
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[MC07900( ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[MC08000( ALL)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
%*
[MC08100( ALL)01/96]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
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[MC08200( ALL)01/96]
Change the engine oil and oil filterper the
following, whichever occurs first.
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[MC08300( ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0060618-C
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[MC08400( ALL)02/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
%*
[MC08500( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
File:11rcmcv.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:05:52 1996

221
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
%
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[MC11700( ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC11800( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
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[MC11900( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
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[MC12100( BCGV)05/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
%*
[MC12200( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
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[MC12300( ALL)02/96]
The coolant additives also protect the entire
cooling system from internal passageway
corrosion and these additives lubricate the water
pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted
in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
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222 [MC12500( BCGV)03/96]
half page art:0010761-DThe engine coolant reservoir
%*
[MC12700( ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
[MC12800( ALL)04/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet. Repair or replace with
Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary.
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[MC12900( ALL)05/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
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[MC13000( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC13105( GV)05/96]
If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the
windshield.
*
[MC13110( GV)05/96]
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and water to the engine coolant
recovery reservoir Ð DO NOT ADD DIRECTLY
File:11rcmcv.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:05:52 1996

228 [MC20200( GV)12/95]If you must check the power steering fluid when
it is cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the
MIN mark on the reservoir.
%
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[MC21300( ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
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[MC21400( ALL)03/96]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since
your vehicle does not use up transmission fluid.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the
transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
%*
[MC21500( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
*
[MC21600( ALL)01/96]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20
miles (30 km) of driving. However, if necessary,
you can check the fluid level without having to
drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal
operating temperature if outside temperatures
are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
[MC21700( ALL)12/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and, while fully applying the brake
pedal, move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage.Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
[MC21800( GV)12/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven if
the fluid level is below the bottom
hole on the dipstick.
File:11rcmcv.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:05:52 1996

230 [MC22900( GV)12/95]
one third page art:0010384-EDetail of the automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[MC23200( ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC23300( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. When the original
equipment battery is replaced under warranty, it
may be replaced by a Motorcraft
Low-Maintenance Battery.
*
[MC23400( ALL)01/96]
The Low-Maintenance Battery has removable
vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and
for adding water, if necessary. The electrolyte
level should be checked at least every 24 months
or 24,000 miles (40,000 km) in temperatures up
to 90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore often in temperatures
above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the electrolyte level in
each cell up to the level indicator. Do not
overfill.
*
[MC23500( ALL)01/96]
If the level gets low, you can add tap water to
the battery, provided the water isn't hard or
doesn't have a high mineral or alkali content.
However, if possible you should refill the battery
with distilled water. If the battery needs water
quite often, have the charging system checked
for a possible malfunction.
File:11rcmcv.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:05:52 1996