1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII trailer

183
Limiting Your Vehicle's LoadThe load that you add to your vehicle must not
exceed the maximum load stated on the Safety
Compliance Certification Decal attached to the left
front door pillar.
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add the
weights of:q
the driver and passengers
q
luggage and any other items that you put in
your vehicle
q
the tongue load of the loaded trailer
q
the weight of any equipment that has been
added to your vehicle since it was delivered to
your dealerIf you do not know the actual weights of these
items, use the following procedure to figure the
weight of a load:
1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver,
passengers and luggage. You might take your
vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection
station for trucks.
2. Then weigh your vehicle with the driver,
passengers and luggage.
3. Subtract the first reading from the second to
figure the total weight of the load.
After determining this load, you must also make
sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus the
load it carries, is less than its GVWR. Also, make
sure that the weight your vehicle carries over each
axle is less than the GAWR for the respective axle.
File:09fngf8.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 10:45:23 1996

185
WARNING
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186Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle's
bumper. The bumper is not designed to bear the
load.
Always check the pressure in all your vehicle's tires
when preparing to tow (see inflation
recommendation on the tire label).Using the hitchYour vehicle uses aload carryinghitch. Because
this type of hitch places the tongue load of a trailer
on the rear wheels of your vehicle, you must
distribute the load in your trailer so that only 10 to
15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the
tongue.
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and
change the weight on the hitch. This will prevent
damage to your vehicle and make your vehicle
easier to handle.
Connecting the safety chainsAlways attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the hitch
breaks.
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and
attach them to your vehicle's frame or hook
retainers. Never attach the safety chains to your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed
to bear the weight of a trailer.
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in the
chains to allow you to turn corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives you.
File:09fngf8.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 10:45:23 1996

187
WARNING
Do no tconnec ta trailer' shydraulic

188If you tow in D (Overdrive) while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, press the
Transmission Control Switch located on the shift
lever. This will also give the engine more power
going up hills and better engine braking going down
hills.
If you use the speed control while you are towing
on very long, steep grades, the speed control may
shut off.
Servicing Your Vehicle If You TowIf you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle
will need to be serviced more frequently than usual.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
File:09fngf8.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 10:45:23 1996

202When you drive with the temporary spare tire,
DO NOT:q
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any
circumstances.
q
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the
maximum vehicle load rating listed on the tire
decal.
q
tow a trailer.
q
use tire chains on this tire.
q
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove
it from its wheel.
q
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.
q
drive through an automatic car wash with this
tire. Because the temporary spare tire is smaller
than a conventional tire, it reduces the ground
clearance. Your vehicle may get caught in the
rails and it could be damaged.
Spare Tire LocationThe spare tire is stored under the carpet on the
floor of the trunk.
You will find additional instructions for the spare
tire on the warning label located on the wheel and
the jacking instructions located on the spare tire
cover.
File:10fner8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 14:27:22 1996

235
NOTE:If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in city traffic
during hot weather, or pulling a trailer, the vehicle
should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
the fluid to cool before checking.Checking the Automatic Transmission
FluidWith the vehicle on a level surface and the brake
fully applied, start the engine and move the gear
shift selector through all of the gears allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely
latch the gear shift selector in the P (Park) position.
Fully set the parking brake and leave the engine
running.
NOTE:Your vehicle should not be driven if the
fluid level does not appear on the dipstick tip and
outside temperatures are above50ÊF(10ÊC).
Wipe off the dipstick cap and pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back
into the filler tube and make sure it is fully seated.Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperatures150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC), thefluid
level should be within the ªHOTº notched area on
the dipstick. When the vehicle has not been driven,
and outside temperatures are above68ÊF(20ÊC),
the fluid levels should be between the ªHOTº
notch and the tip end of the dipstick.
Adding Automatic Transmission FluidBefore adding any fluid, be sure that the correct
type will be used. Use only MerconHFluid, as
shown on handle.
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (250ML) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level to the correct area
on the dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL. If the level is
above the top hole on the dipstick, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified technician.
File:11fnmc8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 14:28:32 1996

297
Brakes
adjustment............. 171
anti-lock.............. 171
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light........... 11
applying the brakes.......... 171
brake warning light.......... 10
fluid, checking and adding....... 225
fluid, refill capacities......225, 264
fluid, specifications.......... 265
front disc.............. 171
if brakes do not grip well....... 171
master cylinder........... 225
new brake linings........... 5
noise................ 171
parking brake and auto-release..... 172
servicing.............. 225
trailer............... 187
when storing your vehicle....... 268Break-in period.............. 5
Brights (high beams).......... 14
Bulbs, replacing............ 253
halogen............... 254
headlamps.............. 254
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 276
Canada, warranty information....... 3
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 277
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 264
Carbon monoxide in exhaust....... 169
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)........ 151
Catalytic converter........... 250
File:fnix8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 27 10:02:38 1996