1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA check engine light

246
*
[MC37600( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[MC37700( ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[MC37800( ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[MC37900( ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC38000( ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[MC38100( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
File:11rcmcv.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:05:52 1996

261 %
*
[CS04500( ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[CS04600( ALL)01/96]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[CS04700( ALL)01/96]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[CS04800( ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[CS04900( ALL)01/96]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[CS05000( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more), fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
*
[CS05100( ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
%*
[CS05200( ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[CS05300( ALL)01/96]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[CS05400( ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[CS05500( ALL)01/96]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[CS05600( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
*
[CS05700( ALL)12/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, it may be
advisable to disconnect the battery cables to
ensure battery charge is maintained for quick
starting.
File:12rccsv.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 10:34:03 1996

298 Index
Car seats for children (see Child
safety seats)............. 143
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound
system)............ 45,52,58,63
Catalytic converter............ 244
Chains, tires.............. 237
Changing a tire............. 191
Charging system warning light..... 13,26
Childproof locks............. 107
Child safety restraints.......... 142
child safety belts........... 153
child safety seats........... 143
Child safety seats............ 143
and air bags............. 143
automatic locking mode
(retractor).........131, 143, 145
in front seat...........143, 145
in rear outboard seat.......143, 145
in rear seat.............. 143
tether anchorage hardware....... 153
Chime
key in ignition............. 93
safety belt............. 12,24
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 188
see also fuses............. 179
Cleaning your vehicle.......... 253
chrome and aluminum parts...... 254
engine compartment.......... 256
exterior............... 253
exterior lamps............ 254
fabric................ 255
headlamps.............. 254
instrument panel......... 71,254
instrument panel lens......... 255
interior................ 255
interior lamps............. 255
mirrors................ 110
plastic parts............. 254
polishing............... 253
File:rcixv.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:30:31 1996

Index 301
Emergencies, roadside (continued)
fuel................. 241
jump-starting............. 202
towing................ 207
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 163
Emission control system......... 244
catalytic converter.......... 244
emissions warranty......... 4,244
Engine
check engine warning light..... 16,25
does not start..........157, 189
fuel injected engine, starting...... 155
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 189
preparing to start........... 155
refill capacities............ 258
service points............ 213
starting............... 156
starting after a collision........ 189
storing your vehicle.......... 260
Engine block heater........... 158
Engine coolant............. 221
checking and adding......... 221
checking hoses............ 222
disposal............... 210
drain and flush............ 225
preparing for storage......... 261
proper solution............ 210
recovery reservoir........213, 221
refill capacities............ 258
specifications............. 259
temperature gauge......... 17,23
Engine coolant temperature gauge . . . 17, 23
description............. 17,23
electronic............... 23
mechanical............. 17,23
Engine fan............... 210
File:rcixv.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:30:31 1996

302 Index
Engine oil............... 215
changing oil and oil filter....... 217
checking and adding......... 216
dipstick............... 216
disposal...........210, 217, 229
engine oil pressure gauge........ 20
engine oil pressure warning light..... 27
filter, specifications.......... 257
refill capacities............ 258
specifications...........215, 259
synthetic oil............. 215
ªbreak-inº oils............. 6
viscosity............... 215
Entry system
illuminated.............. 108
keyless................ 113
remote................ 118
Exhaust fumes............. 159
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Fan, engine fan, avoiding injury..... 210
Federal Communications Commission.... 68
Flashers, hazard.............. 98
Flashing the lights............. 95
Flat tire................. 191
Floor mats............... 111
Fluid refill capacities........... 258
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 267
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 268
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 4
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 273
Ford of Canada Customer Assistance
Centre................ 273
Foreign registration........... 274
French owner guides, how to obtain.... 3
Fuel.................. 238
capacity............... 258
choosing the right fuel......... 239
filling your vehicle with fuel...... 238
File:rcixv.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:30:31 1996

Index 307
Lamps (continued)
flashing the lamps........... 95
hazard flashers............. 98
headlamps............... 87
high beams.............. 95
high-mount brakelamp........ 250
illuminated entry system....... 108
illuminated mirrors.......... 106
instrument panel, dimming....... 89
interior lamps........... 86,89
replacing bulbs............ 248
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal)............ 94
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag............... 13,25
air suspension............. 15
anti-lock brakes (ABS)........ 11,41
brake............... 10,42
charging system.......... 13,26
check engine............ 16,25
door ajar................ 39
engine oil pressure......... 20,27
hazard warning light.......... 98
high beam............. 15,25
low fuel................ 15
low washer fluid............ 39
oil pressure............ 20,27
overdrive off............ 14,38
safety belt............. 12,24
service engine soon......... 16,25
trunk ajar............... 40
turn signal indicator...... 16,28,94
Load limits............... 173
GAWR................ 173
GVWR................ 173
trailer towing............. 175
Lubricant specifications......... 259
Lug nuts................ 194
standard............... 195
tightening sequence.......... 199
File:rcixv.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:30:31 1996

312 Index
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle..... 155
starting a cold engine......... 156
starting after a collision........ 189
starting a warm engine........ 157
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 202
Steering, power............. 166
Steering wheel
horn.................. 99
locking................. 92
tilting................ 100
Storing your vehicle........... 260
Sun visor................ 106
Supplemental air bag readiness light . . 13, 25
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) . . . 137
T
Tail lamps
bulb replacement.........248, 252
cleaning............... 254
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 71
Tilt steering wheel............ 100
Tires.................. 232
changing............... 191
checking the pressure......... 232
cleaning............... 256
inspection and maintenance...... 232
replacing............... 234
rotating............... 233
snow tires and chains......... 237
spare tire............... 193
storing your vehicle.......... 262
tire grades.............. 234
treadwear.............. 234
wear bands.............. 234
File:rcixv.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:30:31 1996

Index 313
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 175
Towing your vehicle.......... 207
using wheel dollies.......... 207
with a tow truck........... 207
Traction assist............. 165
Traction-lok rear axle.......... 165
Transmission
automatic operation.......... 168
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)............ 228
fluid, refill capacities......... 258
lubricant specifications........ 259
Transmission control switch....... 171
Transmitter (see Remote entry)...... 118
Trip odometer.............. 19
Trunk
remote release lever........... 92
trunk ajar warning light......... 40
using the remote entry system to open . 119
Tune-up specifications (VECI)...... 247
Turn signal................ 94
indicator lights........... 16,28
lever................. 94
U
Used engine oil, disposal........ 217
File:rcixv.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:30:31 1996