1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR transmission

31
Overdrive Off IndicatorThis light tells you that the Transmission Control
Switch (TCS) has been pushed. When the light is
on, the transmission will not shift into overdrive.
Depressing the button will return the vehicle to
ªoverdrive onº mode. The transmission will be in
the ªoverdrive onº mode when the vehicle is
started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected
when the vehicle was last shut off.
If the light does not come ON when the 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.Low Washer Fluid LightThis light comes on when there is less than a
quarter of the container of washer fluid left. With
the ignition ON this light will flash five (5) times
and a tone will sound for one (1) second, and then
the light will remain on.
Door Ajar LightIf one of the doors is not completely shut, this light
comes on when you turn the ignition to ON. With
the ignition on this light will flash five (5) times
and sound a tone for one (1) second, and then the
light will remain on.
File:03fnist.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:46:47 1996

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.
File:05fncft.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:49:49 1996

111
The remote entry features only operate with the
transmission in the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position.
Remote entry transmitter
Unlocking the doors and opening the
trunkTo unlock the driver's door, press the UNLOCK
control.
To unlock the other doors, press the UNLOCK
button a second time within five (5) seconds of
unlocking the driver's door.
To open the trunk, press the TRUNK button twice
within five (5) seconds.Locking the doorsTo lock all the doors, press the LOCK button. This
will also arm the anti-theft system (if equipped).
The doors will lock and the horn will chirp to
indicate the vehicle is locked and armed.
File:05fncft.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:49:49 1996

174
transmissionou tof th e P (Park )positio nwithout
WARNING
DO NO TDRIV EYOU RVEHICLE

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.
File:09fngft.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:52:03 1996

176Overdrive is the usual driving position for an
automatic overdrive transmission. It works the same
way Drive works, automatically upshifting or
downshifting as the vehicle speeds or slows.
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth gear Ð
an overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle cruises at
an appropriate consistent speed for any length of
time. This fourth gear will increase your fuel
economy when you travel at cruising speeds.When to use Drive (jÐ with
Transmission Control Switch activated)Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrain. If the transmission shifts back and forth
between Third and Fourth gears while you are
driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle does not
have adequate power for climbing hills, depress the
TCS.
You can depress the TCS at any speed.
When to use 2 (Second)Use 2 (Second) for start-up on slippery roads or to
give you more engine braking to slow your vehicle
on downgrades.When to use 1 (Low)Use 1 (Low) when driving down steep grades. It
gives more engine braking to slow your vehicle than
2 (Second) on the downgrades. You can upshift
from 1 (Low) to 2 (Second) or from 1 (Low) to
Overdrive at any speed.P (Park)Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park). This locks the
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
rotating.
File:09fngft.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:52:03 1996

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

231
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 crosshatched area on the
dipstick. When the vehicle has not been driven, and
outside temperatures are above68ÊF(20ÊC), the
fluid levels should be between the holes on the
dipstick.Adding Automatic Transmission FluidBefore adding any fluid, be sure that the correct
type will be used. Correct type is shown on the
dipstick.
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) 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.NOTE:Always dispose of used automotive fluids in
a responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about
recycling automotive fluids.
Automatic transmission dipstick
File:11fnmct.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 13:54:56 1996