1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA charging

Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right turn
signal or the hazard lights are turned
on. If one or both of the indicators
stay on continuously or flash faster,
check for a burned-out turn signal
bulb. Refer toExterior bulbsin theMaintenance and carechapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Engine oil pressure (if equipped)
Illuminates when the oil pressure
falls below the normal range. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level and
add oil if needed. Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance and Care
chapter.
This lamp also illuminates when the ignition is turned to ON and the
engine is off.
Engine coolant temperature
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine and let it cool.
Instrumentation
9

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 Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
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.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
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.
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
162

²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the charging system warning light,Check Engine
indicator light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange
odors, smoke or loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Maintenance and care
177

detergent in fuel .....................173
filling your vehicle
with fuel ...........................169,171
quality ......................................172
running out of fuel .................173
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................169
Fuses ...................................133,134
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ..............173,174,175,176
Gauges ....................................11,12
battery voltage gauge ...............16
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................15
engine oil pressure gauge ........16
fuel gauge ..................................12
odometer ...................................14
speedometer .............................13
trip odometer ............................14
Hazard flashers .........................132
Head restraints ......................91,92
Headlamps
aiming ......................................182
bulb specifications ..................182
high beam ..............................9,23
Heating ........................................25
heating and air
conditioning system ............25,27
Hood ..........................................149
Ignition .......................................189
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................178
Instrument panel ..........................6
cleaning ...................................185
Keyless entry system
keypad .......................................88
programming
entry code .......................88,89,90
Keys
positions of the ignition ...........67
Lamps
autolamp system .......................24daytime running light ...............24
headlamps .................................23
headlamps, flash to pass ..........23
instrument panel, dimming .....23
interior lamps .........................181
replacing bulbs ..178,179,180,181
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................66
Lights, warning and indicator ......6
air bag ..........................................8
air suspension ...........................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .........8,22
brake .......................................8,22
charging system ..........................9
low coolant ..................................9
low fuel ........................................6
oil pressure .................................9
overdrive off ..............................10
safety belt ...................................8
speed control ............................72
traction control active .........10,21
turn signal indicator ...................9
Locks
childproof ..................................81
Lumbar support, seats ...............95
Message center ...........................16
reset button ..............................17
select button .............................17
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................76
side view mirrors (power) .......80
Motorcraft parts ........................173
Octane rating ............................172
Overdrive .....................................68
Parking brake ............................118
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................136
Power door locks ...................80,83
Power steering ...................121,122
fluid, checking and adding ....159
Index
206