1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA engine

156
*
[TO01300( ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO01400( ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
*
[TO01500( ALL)01/96]
To start your engine:
*
[TO01600( ALL)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
*
[TO01700( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[TO01800( ALL)01/96]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
*
[TO01900( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
*
[TO02000( ALL)05/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
%*
[TO02100( ALL)01/96]
For a cold engine:
*
[TO02200( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
*
[TO02300( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
File:08rctov.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:23:28 1996

157 %
*
[TO02400( ALL)01/96]
For a warm engine:
*
[TO02500( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.
*
[TO02600( ALL)01/96]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
*
[TO02700( ALL)01/96]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.
*
[TO02800( ALL)12/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that
prevents you from shifting out of P
(Park) unless your foot is on the brake
pedal.
%*
[TO02900( ALL)01/96]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
*
[TO03000( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[TO03100( ALL)01/96]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[TO03200( ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[TO03300( ALL)01/96]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[TO03400( ALL)03/96]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up.
[TO03500( ALL)03/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchin the Index.
File:08rctov.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:23:28 1996

158
*
[TO03600( ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
*
[TO03700( ALL)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[TO03800( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[TO03900( 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.
*
[TO04000( ALL)01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[TO04100( ALL)01/96]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[TO04200( ALL)01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
File:08rctov.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:23:28 1996

159
*
[TO04300( ALL)01/96]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.
*
[TO04400( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
*
[TO04500( ALL)01/96]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.
*
[TO04600( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Be sure to disconnect the engine block
heater before driving your vehicle.
*
[TO04700( ALL)12/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[TO04800( ALL)01/96]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[TO04900( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO05000( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
File:08rctov.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:23:28 1996

160
*
[TO05100( ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
*
[TO05200( ALL)01/96]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[TO05300( ALL)01/96]
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[TO05400( ALL)01/96]
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
*
[TO05500( ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.
[TO05600( ALL)12/95]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, the
heating or air conditioning system should be set
to any function except MAX A/C or AUTO.
[TO05800( BCGV)12/95]
q
If you use the heater, set the fan speed on
MEDIUM or HIGH with the function control
on any position except OFF and the
temperature control at any desired position.
[TO06000( BCGV)12/95]
q
If you use the air conditioner, set the fan
speed on MEDIUM or HIGH with the
function control on any position except OFF
or MAX and the temperature control at any
desired position.
*
[TO06100( ALL)01/96]
Pushing
[TO06300( BCGV)01/96]
Vehicles with automatic transmissions cannot be
started by pushing. Follow the directions under
If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Start.
File:08rctov.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:23:28 1996

164
*
[GF03400( GV)12/95]
Your vehicle has an automatic parking brake
release. As you move the gearshift selector to
any forward gear with the engine running, the
parking brake automatically releases. Your
parking brake will not release automatically
when you shift into R (Reverse). To release the
parking brake manually, pull the brake release
handle [marked (P)] located on the lower left
corner of the instrument panel. The pedal is now
released and will reset the next time you press
the pedal. The Brake System Warning Light will
glow if the parking brake is not fully released
when the engine is running.
*
[GF03500( GV)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
*
[GF03600( ALL)01/96]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
*
[GF03700( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
[GF03800( ALL)12/95]
The parking brake system is designed for static
parking only and is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
File:09rcgfv.ex
Update:Mon Sep 23 12:37:37 1996

165
% [GF03900( ALL)12/95]
Traction-Lok Axle (If equipped)
[GF04000( ALL)12/95]
This axle provides added traction on slippery
surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a
poor traction surface. Under normal conditions
the Traction-Lok axle functions as a standard
rear axle.
*
[GF04100( ALL)03/96]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
*
[GF04200( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
%
*
[GF04300( BCGV)03/96]
Traction Assist
TM
(If equipped)
*
[GF04400( BCGV)03/96]
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional
Traction Assist
TM
system. This system helps
prevent wheel spin in order to improve tire
traction and is an especially useful feature when
you drive in hilly areas or on slippery, icy or
snowy roads.
[GF04500( BCGV)05/96]
Traction Assist
TM
works automatically by rapidly
applying and releasing the brakes to prevent one
or both of the rear drive wheels from spinning
during acceleration.
[GF04800( BCGV)12/95]
During the Traction Assist
TM
function, which
most often occurs during low speed acceleration
on slippery surfaces, a noise may be heard
coming from the engine compartment. This noise
is created by the ABS pump and is normal and
may last for a few seconds during the
acceleration of the vehicle.
File:09rcgfv.ex
Update:Mon Sep 23 12:37:37 1996

166 [GF04900( BCGV)05/96]In general, this system improves your vehicle's
stability and acceleration performance when road
conditions warrant. Traction Assist
TM
is fully
effective up to approximately 25 mph
(40 km/h). At 25 mph (40 km/h) the function
begins to taper off until it no longer operates
above 34 mph (55 km/h).
[GF05000( BCGV)12/95]
If the Traction Assist
TM
system is cycled
excessively, the system will shut down to
prevent the rear brakes from overheating.
During this shutdown period, the word OFF in
the traction assist switch will be illuminated
showing that the traction assist system is
inoperative. A cooling down period is required
to prevent damage to the rear brakes. This time
period varies and depends on brake usage
during the cooling down period. Anti-Lock
braking is not affected and will function
normally during the cool down period.
%
*
[GF05200( ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05400( ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. 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.
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
File:09rcgfv.ex
Update:Mon Sep 23 12:37:37 1996