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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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55
Controls and FeaturesThe Climate Control SystemElectronic Automatic Temperature
Control SystemThe Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
(EATC) module is located at the center of the
instrument panel and operates only when the key is
in the ON position.The EATC feature maintains the temperature you
select and automatically controls the airflow for
your comfort. It also allows you to override the
automatic operation with manual override buttons.
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64OUTSIDE TEMP button
By pressing this button the temperature of the air
outside of the vehicle will show in the display. The
outside temperature will continue to be displayed
until the OUTSIDE TEMP button is pressed again
to cancel. If the selected temperature setting is
changed while the outside temperature is displayed,
the new selected temperature will be displayed for
4 seconds after it is changed. Then, the outside
temperature will return to the window. If a manual
override is pressed or the thumbwheel is rotated
while the outside temperature is displayed, the
window will show the change for 4 seconds. Then,
the outside temperature will return along with the
changed override selection.
If the EATC is turned OFF while the outside
temperature is displayed, the temperature will
continue to be displayed. Press the OUTSIDE TEMP
button to clear the display window. When the
ignition key is turned OFF the display will be blank
(dark).
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67
After approximately 10 minutes, the defroster will
turn off. If the window or mirrors are still not clear,
turn the defroster on again.
The defroster will turn off when the ignition key is
turned to the OFF or START position.
The heating elements are bonded to the inside of
the rear window. Do not use sharp objects to
scrape the inside of the rear window or use
abrasive cleaners to clean it. Doing so could damage
the heating elements.
3-Way Steering Assist Switch
(If Equipped)Your Town Car is equipped with a speed sensitive
steering system that changes steering effort with
vehicle speed. As the vehicle speed increases, this
system automatically increases the steering effort
(i.e., it takes more force to move the steering
wheel) to provide better road feel. At lower speeds
the steering effort is decreased, making it easier to
perform turns or other slow speed maneuvers such
as parking.
3-way steering assist switch
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70To turn on the parking lamps, tail lamps, side
markers, and license plate lamps, turn the knob
clockwise to the first position.
For more information about how the high beams
work, see the high beam section later in this
chapter.Setting the Autolamp On/Off Delay
SystemBy using the autolamp, you can set the headlamps
to:q
turn on the lamps automatically at night
q
turn off the lamps automatically during daylight
q
keep the lamps on for up to three minutes after
you turn the key to OFF.The controls for the autolamp
To use the autolamp:
1. Make sure the headlamp control is in the OFF
position. If the control for the headlamps is
ON, you cancel the autolamp.
2. Turn the ignition key to ON or start your
vehicle.
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73
Ashtray and CupholderYour vehicle has an ashtray/cupholder mounted to
the lower center of the instrument panel.
To open the ashtray, pull out the bottom edge of
the drawer until it stops.
To close, remove cup(s) and push drawer forward
until closed.Power Point Electrical OutletThe power point outlet is located under the
instrument panel to the right of the ashtray. This
outlet should be used in place of the cigarette
lighter for optional electrical accessories.
NOTE:Do not plug optional electrical accessories
into the cigarette lighter. Electrical system damage
could occur.
To access the outlet, pull the cap off.
IgnitionUnderstanding the Positions of the
IgnitionThe positions of the key in the ignitionACC allows some of your vehicle's electrical
accessories such as the radio and the windshield
wipers to operate while the engine is not running.
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74NOTE:Your vehicle is also equipped with an
accessory timer. This allows some of your
accessories to remain on for up to 10 minutes after
the ignition is turned to the OFF position. The
accessory timer is cancelled if any door is opened,
the dimmer switch is used, or the ignition is turned
to the ON position.
The automatic transmission gearshift must be in P
(Park) to move the key to the LOCK position.
LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
gearshift lever.
LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to protect
your vehicle from theft.
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel, or
the gearshift lever.ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning lights
to make sure they work before you start the engine.
The key returns to the ON position once the engine
is started and remains in this position while the
engine runs.
START cranks the engine. Release the key once the
engine starts so that you do not damage the starter.
The key should return to ON when you release it.
Key SystemThe vehicle is equipped with a master key and valet
key lock system. The master key will actuate doors,
trunk, glove box, ignition and remote trunk release.
The valet key will actuate doors and ignition only.
The valet key is marked ªvaletº.
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