2000 FORD CROWN VICTORIA check transmission fluid

O/D off
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
Illuminates when the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS), refer to
Overdrive controlin theControls
and Featureschapter, has been
pushed turning the transmission
overdrive function OFF. When the
light is on, the transmission does not operate in the overdrive mode,
refer to theDrivingchapter for transmission function and operation.
The light may also flash steadily if a transmission malfunction is
detected. If the light does not come on when the Transmission Control
Switch is depressed or if the light flashes steadily, have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, damage to the transmission could occur.
Traction Controlactive (if equipped)
Flashes when the Traction Control
system begins applying and
releasing the brakes and adjusting
the engine characteristics to limit a
wheelspin condition. It will be lit for a minimum of four seconds or for
the duration of the Traction Controlevent.
If the Traction Controlindicator comes on or stays lit, either:
•the Traction Controlsystem needs service, or
•the customer has disabled the system using the traction control switch
in the glove compartment.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Message center indicator lights (if equipped)
Speed control
This light comes on when either the
SET/ACCEL or RESUME controls
are pressed. It turns off when the speed control OFF control is pressed,
the brake is applied or the ignition is turned to the OFF position.
O/D
OFF
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
TRAC
CNTL
SPEED CONTROL
Instrumentation
13

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT 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.
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.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
168

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. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and care
169

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

set zone adjustment .................75
Controls
power seat ............................94,95
Coolant
checking and adding ..............161
coolant temperature light ........10
refill capacities .................164,201
specifications ...................202,204
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................66
Customer Assistance ................137
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................214
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................207
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................213
Getting roadside assistance ...137
Getting the
service you need ....................207
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................217
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................210
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............213
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................24
Defrost
rear window ..............................25
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................168
engine oil .................................157
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........202
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................136
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................148
Emission control system ..........187Engine ........................................204
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........9
cleaning ...................................197
coolant .....................................161
fail-safe coolant ......................165
idle speed control ...................171
lubrication
specifications ...................202,204
refill capacities ........................201
service points ..........................156
starting after a collision .........138
Engine block heater .................120
Engine oil ..................................157
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................157
checking and adding ..............157
dipstick ....................................157
filter, specifications .........159,201
recommendations ...................159
refill capacities ........................201
specifications ...................202,204
Exhaust fumes ..........................121
Fail safe cooling ........................165
Floor mats ...................................79
Fluid capacities .........................201
Fuel ............................................179
calculating fuel economy .......184
cap ...........................................181
capacity ...................................201
choosing the right fuel ...........182
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................187
detergent in fuel .....................183
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................179,181,184
filter, specifications .........184,201
fuel pump shut-off switch .....138
gauge .........................................15
improving fuel economy ........184
low fuel warning light ................8
octane rating ....................183,204
Index
220

Specification chart,
lubricants ............................202,204
Speed control ..............................66
Speedometer ...............................16
Starting your vehicle .........118,120
jump starting ..........................148
Steering
speed sensitive .......................126
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................65
Tilt steering wheel ......................65
Tires ......................144,175,176,177
changing ...........................144,145
checking the pressure ............177
replacing ..................................178
rotating ....................................177
snow tires and chains ............179
tire grades ...............................176
treadwear ................................176
Towing ................................133,177
recreational towing .................135
trailer towing ..........................133
wrecker ....................................153
Traction control ........................125
off light ......................................13
Traction-lok rear axle ...............130
Transmission .............................127fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................168
fluid, refill capacities ..............201
lubricant specifications ...202,204
Trip odometer .............................18
Trunk ...........................................90
remote release .....................76,83
Turn signal .............................11,64
Vehicle dimensions ...................204
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ...........................206
Vehicle loading ..........................131
Ventilating your vehicle ...........121
Warning chimes ......................14,15
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................161
Water, Driving through .............136
Windows
power .........................................76
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid .....161
checking and cleaning ............174
operation ...................................64
replacing wiper blades ...........174
Wrecker towing .........................153
Index
223