1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR checking oil

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you
fuel your vehicle.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level
ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a
few minutes for the oil to drain
into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator
(dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert
the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
135

²If the oil level isbetween the
MIN and MAX marks, the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT
ADD OIL.
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 fluid level is not within
the normal range, add only
certified engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through
the oil filler cap. Remove the filler
cap and use a funnel to pour oil in
the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make sure
the oil level is not above the MAX
mark on the dipstick.
Maintenance and care
136

Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed
for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter
is used that does not meet Ford
material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock
may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine
application.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake
fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed at least once
each year:
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid
until the level reaches MAX. Do
not fill above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford
specifications. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
138

Aiming headlamps ....................169
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................76
and child safety seats ..............78
description ................................77
disposal ......................................81
indicator light ...........................80
passenger air bag .....................79
Air suspension
description ..............................102
Anti-lock brake system
(ABS)#$description
Battery .......................................149
Brake fluid
checking and adding ..............138
Brakes ..........................................96
anti-lock .....................................96
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................97
fluid, checking and adding ....138
traction control .........................99
Brake-shift interlock .................103
Break-in period .............................2
Bulbs, replacing ........................166
headlamps ...............................167
specifications ..........................171
Changing a tire .........................122
Child safety seats ........................84
Childproof locks ..........................51
Chime
headlamps on ............................13
Cleaning your vehicle ...............172
engine compartment ..............173
fabric ........................................175
instrument panel ....................175
plastic parts ............................174
safety belts ..............................176
tail lamps .................................175
washing ....................................172
waxing .....................................172
wheels ......................................173
windows ..................................178Climate control system
automatic temperature
control ..............26,27,28,29,32,33
Clock ............................................34
Compass, electronic
calibration .................................19
set zone adjustment .................18
Controls .......................................52
Daytime running light system ...25
Defrost
rear window ..............................34
Emission control system ..........163
Engine
service points ..........................134
Engine block heater ...................93
Engine coolant
checking and adding ..............140
disposal ....................................142
refill capacities ........................142
Engine oil ...........................135,137
changing oil and oil filter .......137
checking and adding .......135,136
Exhaust fumes ............................94
Fail safe cooling ........................143
Floor mats ...................................53
Fuel
calculating fuel economy .......162
improving fuel economy ........113
octane rating ...........................161
quality ......................................161
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................158
Fuel gauge ...................................14
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......114
Fuse panels
instrument panel ....................117
power distribution box ...........120
Fuses ...................................115,116
Gauges, Mechanical ....................14
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................15
Hazard flashers .........................114
Index
186

Headlamps ...................................24
autolamp system .......................24
flashing ......................................26
high beam .................................25
Heating ........................................26
High beams
indicator light .............................9
Hood
release lever ............................133
Ignition
positions of the ignition ...........35
Instrument panel
lighting up panel and interior .24
Jump-starting
your vehicle ........................126,128
attaching cables ......................127
disconnecting cables ..............128
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................57
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............13
Lamps
interior lamps .........................171
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............9
brake ............................................8
charging system ..........................9
low coolant ................................10
oil pressure ...............................10
safety belt ...................................8
service engine soon .................6,7
traction control system ............10
turn signal indicator ...................9
Lubricant specifications ...........181
Message center ...........................16
reset button ..............................17
select button .............................17
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................47
cleaning ...................................178heated ........................................50
side view mirrors (power) .......50
Moon roof ....................................46
Odometer .....................................14
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................55
Parking brake ..............................98
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....179
Power door locks ........................49
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....145
Refill capacities for fluids ........180
Relays ........................................115
Remote entry system .................53
illuminated entry ......................57
locking/unlocking doors ......53,54
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................56
replacing the batteries .............55
Reporting safety defects ..........185
Safety restraints
automatic locking mode
(retractor) ............................71,72
extension assembly ..................74
for children ...............................81
lap and shoulder belts .............70
maintenance ..............................75
proper use .................................68
warning light and chime .....13,75
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ....89
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................85
in rear seat ................................88
tether anchorage hardware .....89
Seats ............................................64
adjusting the seat, manual .......67
adjusting the seat, power ...64,66
head restraints ..........................64
heated seats ..............................66
lumbar support .........................67
Servicing your vehicle ..............131
Index
187