1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA power steering

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

167 [GF05590( GV)05/96]
Speed Sensitive Power Steering
*
[GF05700( GV)12/95]
The steering system in your vehicle is speed
sensitive. This means that the steering effort is
light for parking and heavier for highway
driving. However, if you have to swerve around
an object or another vehicle, your steering will
have full power assist.
% [GF05900( GV)12/95]Rear Air Suspension System
(If equipped)
[GF06000( GV)12/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
load leveling rear air suspension system, it will
maintain the rear vehicle height at a constant
level by automatically adding air or releasing air
from the rear air springs to offset changes in
vehicle loads.
[GF06100( GV)12/95]
A shutoff switch is located in the trunk on the
right hand vertical trim panel. If this switch is in
the OFF position, the automatic leveling system
will not operate. The switch should be OFF
whenever jacking up or towing the vehicle. If
you have the mechanical cluster, ªAIR SUSPº
will appear in the cluster, if you have an
electronic cluster, ªCHECK AIR SUSPENSIONº
will appear in the message center when the
ignition switch is in the ON position, and either
the shutoff switch is in the OFF position, or a
system fault has been detected.
*
[GF06200( GV)12/95]
Normal vehicle operation does not require any
action by the driver.
*
[GF06300( GV)01/96]
RWARNING
On vehicles equipped with Air
Suspension, turn OFF the Air Suspension
switch prior to jacking, hoisting or towing
your vehicle.
File:09rcgfv.ex
Update:Mon Sep 23 12:37:37 1996

226
*
[MC17800( ALL)12/95]
q
Start and idle the engine until the radiator
upper hose is warm (this indicates the
thermostat is open and coolant is flowing
through the entire system).
*
[MC17900( ALL)12/95]
q
Immediately shut off the engine and let cool.
Cautiously remove the pressure relief cap and
add a 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and
water until the coolant is at the COLD FILL
level in the coolant reservoir.
*
[MC18000( ALL)12/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap securely.
*
[MC18100( ALL)12/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock.
*
[MC18200( ALL)12/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
occasions of vehicle use.
%
*
[MC18300( ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC18400( ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC18500( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[MC18700( ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC18800( ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC18900( ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
File:11rcmcv.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:05:52 1996

227 [MC19100( GV)04/96]
4. Check the fluid level in the power steering
fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be
between the MIN and MAX lines on the side
of the reservoir.
[MC19300( GV)04/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is below the MIN
mark, add fluid in small amounts until the
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on
the side of the reservoir.
[MC19500( GV)12/95]
6. When you are finished, put the cap assembly
back on the reservoir.
[MC19700( GV)12/95]
half page art:0010657-C
Fluid level for power steering
[MC19900( ALL)05/96]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford
Specification MerconHATF XT-2-QDX or an
equivalent.
*
[MC20000( ALL)01/96]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
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.
%
*
[MC21300( ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[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

300 Index
D
Daytime running light system....... 86
Defrost
rear window.............. 85
windshield............. 72,82
Dipstick................ 216
automatic transmission fluid...... 228
engine oil.............. 216
power steering fluid.......... 226
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 207
Dispute Settlement Board........ 268
Doors................. 107
door ajar warning message........ 39
lubricant specifications......... 259
Driving under special conditions..... 175
bad weather............. 176
heavy load.............. 173
high water.............. 177
slippery roads............ 176
tips for safe driving.......... 175
towing a trailer............ 175
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 188
fuses...............179, 186
Electronic message center
(see Message center)........... 31
Electronic sound system
antenna................ 52
tuning the radio.......... 48,60
warranty and service information..... 69
Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 47
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 47
Emergencies, roadside
assistance............... 265
battery acid spills........... 202
File:rcixv.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:30:31 1996

Index 309
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system............. 120
Parking brake.............. 163
operation.............. 163
warning light............ 10,42
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)....... 257
PCV valve, specifications........ 257
Power distribution box (see Fuses).... 179
Power door locks............ 108
Power features
antenna................ 52
door locks.............. 108
lumbar support............ 127
mirrors.............104, 110
seats................. 126
windows............... 109
Power steering
dipstick............... 226
driving with power steering...... 166
fluid, checking and adding...... 226
fluid, refill capacity.......... 258
fluid, specifications.......... 259
servicing............... 166
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems).... 45
Rear air suspension system....... 167
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 259
refill capacity............. 258
Rearview mirror............ 104
Rear window.............. 109
defroster................ 85
washer reservoir........... 220
Refill capacities for fluids........ 258
Relays................. 179
Remote control, trunk........... 92
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