2000 FORD CROWN VICTORIA brakes

TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing vehicle. Do not tow a
trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 3 200 km (2 000 miles).
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.
Your loaded trailer should weigh no more than 907 kg (2 000 lbs.).
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10% of
the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Driving
133

•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
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 (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
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/transmission
vent tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission
and cause internal transmission damage.
Driving
136

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
8 15A Lighting Control Module, Power Mirrors,
PATS Module, Keyless Entry, Clock
Memory, Electronic Automatic Temperature
Control (EATC), Power Windows, Police
Spot Light, SecuriLock
9 30A Blower Motor, A/C-Heater Mode Switch
10 10A Air Bag Module
11 5A Radio
12 18A CB Lighting Control Module, Flash-to-Pass,
Main Light Switch
13 15A Warning Lamps, Analog Cluster Gauges and
Indicators, Electronic Automatic
Transmission, Lighting Control Module
14 20A CB Window/Door Lock Control, Driver’s Door
Module, One Touch Down
15 10A Anti-Lock Brakes, Instrument Cluster,
Transmission Control Switch
16 20A Cigar Lighter, Auxiliary Power Point
17 10A Rear Defrost
18 10A Air Bag Module
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.
Always replace the cover to the Power Distribution Box before
reconnecting the battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and carechapter.
Roadside emergencies
142

BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
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 from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only brake fluids certified to
meet Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant specificationsin the
Capacities and specificationschapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use DOT 5 or any other brake fluid that is not DOT 3 or
DOT 4, you will cause permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry, this may
cause the brakes to fail.
M
AX
Maintenance and care
160

Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird droppings
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle’s paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which appear
coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
Maintenance and care
195

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........................106
and child safety seats ............108
description ..............................106
disposal ....................................110
driver air bag ..........................108
indicator light ....................10,110
operation .................................108
passenger air bag ...................108
Air cleaner filter ................173,201
Air conditioning ..........................26
automatic temperature
control system ..........................28
Air suspension ...........................127
description ..............................127
warning light .............................12
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................161
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................122,123
Audio system (see Radio) .........35
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................128
fluid, adding ............................168
fluid, checking ........................168
fluid, refill capacities ..............201
fluid, specification ..................204
Axle
lubricant specifications ...202,204
refill capacities ........................201
traction lok ..............................130
Battery .......................................171
acid, treating emergencies .....171
charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....148
maintenance-free ....................171
replacement, specifications ...201
servicing ..................................171
voltage gauge ............................19
Belt minder ...............................102Brakes ........................................122
anti-lock ............................122,123
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..........11,123
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....160
fluid, refill capacities ..............201
fluid, specifications ..........202,204
lubricant specifications ...202,204
shift interlock ..........................127
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....201
Cassette tape player ...................50
CD changer .................................59
Certification Label ....................206
Child safety restraints ..............111
child safety belts ....................111
Child safety seats ......................112
attaching with tether straps ..116
in front seat ............................113
in rear seat .......................113,116
Cleaning your vehicle ...............194
engine compartment ..............197
exterior ....................................196
exterior lamps .........................196
instrument panel ....................198
instrument panel lens ............199
interior ..............................199,200
mirrors .....................................196
plastic parts ............................196
safety belts ..............................199
washing ....................................195
waxing .....................................195
wheels ......................................196
windows ..................................199
wiper blades ............................197
woodtone trim ........................199
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............26
Clock ............................................34
Compass, electronic ....................74
calibration .................................75
Index
219

anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....11,123
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12
check engine ...............................9
high beam .................................11
low coolant ................................10
low fuel ........................................8
oil pressure ...............................12
overdrive off ..............................13
safety belt .................................10
speed control ............................70
traction control active ..............13
turn signal indicator .................11
Load limits .................................131
GAWR ......................................131
GVWR ......................................131
trailer towing ..........................131
Locks
autolock .....................................81
childproof ..................................79
doors ..........................................78
Lubricant specifications ....202,204
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................147
Lumbar support, seats ...............96
Message center ...........................20
reset button ..............................20
select button .............................21
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................74
cleaning ...................................196
side view mirrors (power) .......78
Motorcraft parts .................184,201
Octane rating ............................183
Odometer .....................................17
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................157
Overdrive ..............................66,129
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................83
Parking brake ............................123
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....201Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................142
Power door locks ...................78,81
Power steering ..........................126
fluid, checking and adding ....168
fluid, refill capacity ................201
fluid, specifications ..........202,204
Radio ............................................35
Relays .................................139,144
Remote entry system ............80,83
illuminated entry ......................83
locking/unlocking doors ...........80
opening the trunk .....................83
panic alarm ...............................83
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................85
replacing the batteries .............84
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) .........14,96,97,98,99,100
Safety defects, reporting ..........218
Safety restraints ....96,97,98,99,100
belt minder .............................102
cleaning the
safety belts .......................105,199
extension assembly ................101
for adults .........................97,98,99
for children ......................110,111
lap belt ....................................100
warning light
and chime ...............10,14,101,102
Safety seats for children ..........112
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............96
Seats ............................................92
child safety seats ....................112
cleaning ............................199,200
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ....................85,86
Servicing your vehicle ..............154
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................201,204
Special notice ................................3
Index
222