1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR check engine

11
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant to
your engine, seeEngine Coolantin the Index.
If you do not follow these instructions, you or
others could be injured.
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the
coolant system serviced.
If only the top two and bottom two bars appear on
the gauge, then the system is indicating that it
requires servicing. Contact your dealer for service as
soon as possible.Anti-Lock Brake System LightThis warning light will go on each time you start
your vehicle. If it remains on for longer than 5
seconds, you should shut off your engine and
restart. If the anti-lock brake light stays on, this
indicates that the anti-lock feature is disabled and
should receive immediate attention by a qualifiedservice technician. Normal braking is not affected
unless the brake warning light is also lit.
The Anti-Lock Brake System has self-check
capabilities. As previously described, the system
turns on the anti-lock light each time you start your
engine. After the engine is started and the anti-lock
light is out, the system performs another test the
first time the vehicle reaches 14 mph (22 km/h).
The system turns on the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) pump motor for approximately 1/2 second.
At this time a mechanical noise may be heard. This
is a normal part of the self-check feature. If a
malfunction is found during this check the anti-lock
light will come on.
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14Check Engine Warning LightThis light illuminates when the engine's Emission
Control System requires service. It will also
illuminate when the ignition key is in the ON
position and the engine is off.
Air Bag Readiness LightThe air bag system uses a readiness light and a tone
to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument panel. When
you turn the ignition key to the ON position, this
light will light up for six (6) seconds and then turn
off. This indicates that the system is operating
normally.NOTE:Regularly scheduled maintenance
of the air bag system is not required.
If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash,
remains on, or you hear a beeping sound, have the
system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately.
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15
Charging System Warning LightThis light comes on when you turn your ignition
key from OFF to ON (engine off). The light should
go out when the engine starts and the alternator
begins to charge.
If this light stays on or comes on while your engine
is running, this tells you that your battery is not
being charged and that you need to have the
electrical system checked as soon as possible.
Engine Oil Pressure LightThis light indicates the lack of engine oil pressure,
not the oil level. However, if your engine's oil level
is low, it could affect the oil pressure. The light
should come on every time your ignition key is
turned to ON or START, and should go out when
the engine starts. If the light stays on or turns on
while the engine is running, you have lost oil
pressure and continued operation will cause severe
engine damage.
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16If you lose engine oil pressure:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
2. Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not
stop the engine as soon as safely possible,
severe engine damage could result.
3. Check the engine's oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine oil,
seeEngine Oilin the Index. If you do not
follow these instructions, you or others could
be injured. To assure an accurate reading, your
car should be on level ground.
4. If the level is low, add only as much oil as
necessary before you start the engine again. Do
not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the
light is on, regardless of the oil level. Contact
your nearest dealer for further service actions.
For more information about adding oil, seeAdding
engine oilin theMaintenance and Carechapter of
this guide.
Turn Signal Indicator LightsWhen you push the turn signal lever up before
making a right turn, the right side arrow on the
instrument panel flashes.
When you push the turn signal lever down before
making a left turn, the left side arrow on the
instrument panel flashes.
Usually, the turn signals turn off automatically after
you turn your vehicle. If the turn signal continues
to flash after you have made the turn, push the
lever back to the OFF position.
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65
NOTE:The outside temperature reading is most
accurate when the vehicle is moving. Higher
readings may be obtained when the vehicle is not
moving. The readings that you get may not agree
with temperatures given on the radio due to
differences in vehicle and station locations.Operating tipsThe following tips will help you to get the most
satisfaction from your Electronic Automatic
Temperature Control system.q
In humid weather, select DEFVbefore
starting your engine. This will help to prevent
windshield fogging. After a few minutes of
operation, switch to AUTOMATIC or an
override selection of your choice.
q
To prevent humidity buildup inside your
vehicle, always drive with the EATC System
turned on.
q
Do not put objects under the front seats that
interfere with the flow of air to the back seat
area.
q
Remove any snow, ice, or leaves from the air
intake area of your EATC System which could
block the air intake. The intake area is located
at the bottom of the windshield, under the
hood at the passenger side rear corner.
ServiceIf your EATC is not operating as described here,
take it to your dealer to have it checked. System
diagnostics are built in which will allow your dealer
to readily identify problems that might occur.
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Update:Mon Jun 17 13:49:49 1996

166Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:q
your vehicle is raised for service
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.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, adjust
the heating or air conditioning system to bring in
outside air.
If you use the Electronic Automatic Climate
Control, set the fan speed selector dial to a medium
or high blower speed with the VENT or FLR & DEF
function buttons pressed.
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Update:Mon Jun 17 13:51:45 1996

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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211
Maintenance and CareService Made EasyFord has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your vehicle
easy. The maintenance schedule is located in
theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you
need to check and service regularly.
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner
Maintenance Checks listed in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet be performed for the proper
operation of your vehicle. In addition to the
conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance
Checklist, be alert for any unusual noise, vibration,
or other indication that your vehicle may need
service. If you do notice something unusual, see
that your vehicle is serviced promptly.
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Update:Mon Jun 17 13:54:56 1996