1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR change time

²Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (six inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability and
causing internal transmission damage.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the
water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs.
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission is submerged
may allow water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage.
Driving
122

Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine coolant,
antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and
vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield
washer fluid.
Do not mix conventional green coolant, orange coolant or
recycled coolants together in your vehicle. Use only the type of
coolant with which your vehicle was originally equipped. If you
are unsure which type of coolant your vehicle requires, contact
your local dealer.
If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could make it difficult to see
through the windshield.
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
water to the engine coolant reservoir. DO NOT ADD ENGINE COOLANT
DIRECTLY TO THE RADIATOR.
Plain water may be added in an emergency, but you MUST replace it
with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the next few times you
drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough of a 50/50 mixture of coolant
and water to bring the liquid level to the fill line on the reservoir.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
If you must remove the coolant reservoir cap, follow these steps to avoid
personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
Change your engine coolant according to the appropriate schedule listed
in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Maintenance and care
148

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.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
152

Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total kilometers
traveled.
Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel
economy. Additionally, keeping records during summer and winter will
show how temperature impacts fuel economy. In general, lower
temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style Ð good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
²Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
²Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
²Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
²Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
²Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
²Slow down gradually.
²Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling at 105 km /h [65 mph] uses 15%
more fuel than traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph]).
²Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
²Use of the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
²Use of speed control (if equipped) may improve fuel economy. Speed
control can help maintain a constant speed and reduce speed changes.
You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain as
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gears may occur and
could result in reduced fuel economy.
²Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance and care
167

Ford extended service plan
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP) coverage. Ford ESP
is an optional service contract which is backed by Ford Motor Company
or Ford Motor Service Company (in the U.S.) and Ford of Canada (in
Canada). It provides:
²Protection against repair costs after your New Vehicle Limited
Warranty period expires;
and
²Other benefits during the warranty period (such as reimbursement for
rentals and towing.)
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury or Ford of Canada dealer. There are several plans
available in various time, distance and deductible combinations which
can be tailored to fit your own driving needs. Ford ESP also offers
reimbursement benefits for towing and rental coverage. (In Hawaii, rules
vary. See your dealer for details.)
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive Peace-of-Mind protection
throughout the United States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,200 participating Ford, Lincoln-Mercury and Ford of Canada
dealers.
If you did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the
time of purchasing your vehicle, you may still be eligible. Please contact
your dealer for further information. Since this information is subject to
change, please ask your dealer for complete details about Ford Extended
Service Plan coverage options.
Also, please be aware that some dealers offer service contracts that are
not backed by Ford Motor Company or Ford of Canada. On the surface,
many independent plans appear to be like Ford's. The problem is that
they can often require the use of non-factory approved parts and have
much more complex and restrictive claims coverage terms than Ford.
At Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada, we are dedicated to
providing Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle owners with programs that
will enhance your ownership experience and protect you from
unexpected repair bills. Genuine Ford ESP is the only Extended Service
Plan that enables us to provide that service.
Customer assistance
188

GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....118
definition .................................118
driving with a heavy load ......118
location ....................................118
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............118
calculating ...............................118
definition .................................118
driving with a heavy load ......118
location ....................................118
Hazard flashers .........................123
Head restraints ...........................80
Headlamps ...................................21
aiming ........................174,175,176
autolamp system .......................21
bulb specifications ..................174
daytime running lights .............21
flash to pass ..............................22
high beam ..............................8,22
turning on and off ....................21
warning chime ..........................12
Heating ........................................22
Hood ..........................................142
Ignition .......................................184
positions of the ignition ...........53
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .......................99
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................170
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................179
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................21
location of components ..............6
Jump-starting your vehicle ......135
Keyless entry system .................75
autolock .....................................73
keypad .......................................75
programming entry code .........75
Keys .............................................54
key in ignition chime ...............12positions of the ignition ...........53
Lamps
autolamp system .......................21
cargo lamps ...............................21
daytime running light ...............21
headlamps .................................21
headlamps, flash to pass ..........22
instrument panel, dimming .....21
interior lamps ....................64,174
replacing bulbs ..170,171,173,174
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................54
Lights, warning and indicator ......6
air bag ..........................................7
air suspension ...........................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .......8,110
brake ............................................8
charging system ..........................9
cruise indicator .........................11
door ajar ....................................10
high beam ...................................8
liftgate ajar ................................10
low coolant ..................................9
low washer fluid .......................11
oil pressure .................................9
safety belt ...................................7
service engine soon ....................6
speed control ............................58
traction control system .........9,11
turn signal indicator ...................8
Load limits .................................118
GAWR ......................................118
GVWR ......................................118
trailer towing ..........................118
Locks
childproof ..................................68
doors ..........................................67
Lubricant specifications ....182,184
Lumbar support, seats ...............83
Message center ...........................14
reset button ..............................15
select button .............................15
Index
202