1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA service indicator

²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
²Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the MIN and MAX ranges, add only
certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil
filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the dipstick.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification mark.
Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C153-G.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the American
Petroleum Institute.
Maintenance and care
113

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the ªService Guideº for the
service interval schedules. If adding
fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
121

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the ªService Guideº for the service
interval schedules.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when
you are done cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the
top of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
Maintenance and care
124

Aiming headlamps ....................138
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................68
and child safety seats ..............69
description ................................68
disposal ......................................72
indicator light ...........................71
passenger air bag .....................70
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system ............25,26
Air suspension
description ................................87
Anti-lock brake system
(ABS)description
Battery .......................................124
voltage gauge ............................16
Brake fluid
checking and adding ..............114
Brakes ..........................................83
anti-lock .....................................83
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................84
fluid, checking and adding ....114
traction control .........................85
Brake-shift interlock ...................88
Break-in period .............................2
Bulbs, replacing ........................136
headlamps ...............................136
specifications ..........................139
Changing a tire .........................101
Child safety seats ........................73
Childproof locks ..........................48
Chime
headlamps on ............................12
Cleaning your vehicle ...............140
engine compartment .......141,142
exterior ....................................143
headlamps ...............................142
plastic parts ............................142
washing ....................................140
waxing .....................................140wheels ......................................141
windows ..................................144
wiper blades ............................142
Climate control system
automatic temperature
control ...................27,28,29,30,32
Clock ............................................33
Compass, electronic ....................43
calibration .................................45
set zone adjustment .................44
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
temperature gauge ...................15
Defrost
rear window ..............................24
Emission control system ..........134
Engine
service points ..........................111
Engine block heater ...................81
Engine coolant
checking and adding ..............116
disposal ....................................117
refill capacities ........................118
Engine oil ...........................112,113
changing oil and oil filter .......114
checking and adding .......112,113
Exhaust fumes ............................82
Floor mats ...................................48
Fuel
calculating fuel economy .......134
improving fuel economy ..........94
octane rating ...........................133
quality ......................................133
running out of fuel .................134
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................131
Fuel pump shut-off switch .........95
Fuse panels
instrument panel ......................97
power distribution box .............99
Fuses .......................................96,97
Gauges, Mechanical ....................12
fuel gauge ..................................12
Index
152