1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR brake

170Traction Assist
TM
(If equipped)
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.
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.
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 is normal and may
last for a few seconds during the acceleration of the
vehicle.
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).
If the Traction Assis;
TM
system is cycled excessively,
the system will shut down to prevent the rear
brakes from overheating. A cooling down period is
required to prevent damage to the 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.
After the cool down period, the Traction Assist
TM
function is restored.%Rear Air Suspension SystemYour vehicle is equipped with an automatic load
leveling rear air suspension system. This system
maintains 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.
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175
R (Reverse)With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the
vehicle will move backward. You should always
come to a complete stop before shifting into or out
of R (Reverse).N (Neutral)With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position, the
vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the
brake pedal down while in this position.DrivingYour vehicle's gearshift is on the steering column.
The Transmission Control Switch (TCS) is located
on the end of the gearshift lever. The Transmission
Control Indicator Light (OVERDRIVE OFF) is
located on the instrument panel. You can put the
gearshift lever in any of the several positions.
The OVERDRIVE OFF light is off (not illuminated)
during normal vehicle operation. This allows the
transmission to upshift and downshift from 1stthrough 4th gears. When the TCS is pressed, the
Transmission Control Indicator Light will illuminate
(OVERDRIVE OFF) on the instrument panel. When
this OVERDRIVE OFF is illuminated the
transmission will upshift and downshift from 1st
through 3rd gears.
If OVERDRIVE OFF light does not come ªONº
when TCS is depressed or if the light flashes when
you are driving, have your vehicle serviced at the
first opportunity. If this condition persists, damage
could occur to the transmission.
To return the transmission to normal operation (1st
through 4th gear) depress the TCS again. This
switch may be used to cancel overdrive any time
the vehicle is being driven. Each time your vehicle
is started, the overdrive system will automatically be
in the normal overdrive mode and the light will not
be illuminated.
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194The spare tire location
To remove the spare tire:
1. Remove the spare tire cover.
2. Unscrew the wing-nut holding down the spare
tire.
3. Lift out the spare tire and jack kit.Preparing to Change the Tire1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move or
roll. Put the gearshift in P (Park). Set the
parking brake and block the wheel that is
diagonally opposite the tire that you are
changing.
Turn off the air suspension switch prior to
jacking.
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205
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water for
at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the acid,
have him or her drink lots of milk or water first,
then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to jump-start
and connecting the jumper cables in the order they
are given. If in doubt, call for road service.Preparing Your Vehicle1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system. You
will damage your starting motor, ignition
system, and other electrical parts if you connect
them to a 24-volt power supply (either two
12-volt batteries in series or a 24-volt generator
set).2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles. Press
the DEFROST button. Turn off all other
switches and gauges.
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213
Precautions When Servicing Your
VehicleBe especially careful when inspecting or servicing
your vehicle. Here are some general precautions for
your safety:q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly. Always
turn the engine off and let it cool.
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space
with the engine running, unless you are sure
you have enough ventilation.
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is supported
by a jack only. If you must work under a
vehicle, use safety stands.
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly. To find out how the engine does
this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
Working with the engine off:1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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219
Checking and Adding Engine OilSince the proper amount of engine oil is important
for safe engine operation, check the oil using the
dipstick each time you put fuel in your vehicle.
Remember the engine must be off, the oil must be
warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
Checking the engine oil level:
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and
allow a few minutes for the engine oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park).
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the engine.5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
Engine oil dipstick
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage or
high oil consumption may occur and some oil
must be removed from the engine.
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
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221
WARNING
Brakeflui dis toxic.
WARNING
If yo uus ea brak eflui dtha tis not

230If 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.Automatic Transmission FluidUnder 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.
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid level
at normal operating temperature150ÊF-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).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 is below the bottom hole on the dipstick
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.
File:11fnmct.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:54:56 1996