2000 LINCOLN LS service

²Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
²Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
²Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
²Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
To ensure that the electrical system is not damaged, you will require a
trailer tow package which includes a trailer tow module and the
necessary wiring to connect the trailer tow module to the electrical
system and to the trailer. This option is available through your dealer or
through Ford Customer Service Division. Please refer toPreparing to
towfor further information.
TRAILER TOWING TABLE
Engine Maximum GCWRTrailer weight range
(0 - maximum)
3.0L 0- 2 885 kg (0- 6 361 lbs.) 0-454 kg (0-1 000 lbs.)
3.9L 0- 2 925 kg (0- 6 450 lbs.) 0-683 kg (0-1500 lbs.)
3.0L with
Sport Package0- 2 915 kg (0-6 426 lbs.) 0-907 kg (0-2 000 lbs.)
3.9L with
Sport Package0- 2 950 kg (0- 6 504 lbs.) 0-907 kg (0-2 000 lbs.)
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Certification label. For
load specification terms found on the label, refer toVehicle loadingin
this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded
trailer when figuring the total weight.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of control
and personal injury.
Driving
169

vehicle lamps from functioning. Your lamp outage feature will also be
disabled or provide incorrect information.
Your vehicle is ready to install a Trailer Tow module that will provide the
proper communication with the vehicle electrical system so your trailer
lamps will function properly. See your dealer or trailer rental agency for
proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
²Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
²Shift out of D5 (Overdrive) and into D4 (Drive) or a lower gear when
towing up or down steep hills. This will eliminate excessive
downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on
a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) or N (Neutral) and increase idle speed. This
aids engine cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Driving
171

GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford offers a
complimentary roadside assistance program. This program is separate
from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service is available:
²24±hours, seven days a week
²for the Basic warranty period (Canada) or New Vehicle Limited
Warranty period (U.S.) of three years or 60,000 km (36,000 miles),
whichever comes first on Ford and Mercury vehicles, and four years or
80,000 km (50,000 miles) on Lincoln vehicles
Roadside assistance will cover:
²changing a flat tire
²jump-starts
²lock-out assistance
²fuel delivery
²towing to the nearest Ford of Canada or Ford Motor Company
dealership, or towing to your selling dealership if within 56 km (35
miles). Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents or getting stuck
in the mud or snow, are covered (some exclusions apply, such as
impound towing or repossession).
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment in Ford vehicles and is
mailed to you if you own a Mercury or Lincoln. In Canada, it is found in
the Roadside Assistance book in the glove compartment.
To receive roadside assistance in the United States for Ford or Mercury
vehicles, call 1-800-241-3673 or if you own a Lincoln vehicle, call
1±800±521±4140. In Canada call 1±800±665±2006.
Should you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford will
reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain information about
reimbursement, call 1-800-241-3673 in the United States for Ford or
Mercury vehicles; or if you own a Lincoln vehicle, call 1±800±521±4140.
Call 1±800±665±2006 in Canada.
Roadside emergencies
173

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company provides a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Roadside emergencies
194

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair
away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in the
Batterysection in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First).
Maintenance and care
195

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) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
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.
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.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
199

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 fluid level in the reservoir for the master cylinder
fall below the MIN mark. If master cylinder runs dry, this may
cause the brakes to fail.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
202

CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer
to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for the service interval schedules.
The clutch master cylinder and
brake master cylinder are part of
the same system; both are refillable
through the brake master cylinder
with brake fluid. During normal
operation, the fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir should remain
constant. For more information on
brake fluid maintenance, refer toBrake fluidin this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical if irritation
persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Seek
medical attention immediately.
CHECKING AND ADDING WASHER FLUID
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Maintenance and care
203