2000 LINCOLN TOWN CAR ECU

²If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock must be reset once the battery is reconnected.
²Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft Part Numbersin theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
Changing the air filter element
1. Loosen the clamp that secures the air inlet tube to the engine air filter
cover and disconnect the tube from the cover.
2. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.
3. Carefully separate the two halves of the air filter housing.
4. Remove the air filter element from the air filter housing.
5. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and care
168

6. Install a new air filter element. Be
careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter
housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unfiltered
air to enter the engine if not
properly seated.
7. Replace the air filter housing cover and secure the clamps.
8. Replace the air inlet tube and secure the clamp.
Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be voided for any
damage to the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less
effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
To make changing the wiper blades easy, turn the ignition to ACC, then
turn the wipers on. When the wipers reach the vertical position, turn the
ignition to LOCK.
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169

wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Use only SAE Class S chains.
²Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel system to work improperly in a collision, which may result in
possible personal injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
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174

5. Disconnect the electrical
connector from the bulb socket.
6. Rotate the bulb socket
counterclockwise and remove from
lamp assembly.
7. Carefully pull the bulb straight
out of socket and push in the new
bulb.
8. To complete installation, follow
the removal procedure in reverse
order.
Replacing high-mount brakelamp bulbs
1. Remove the lamp cover by prying
up.
2. Rotate the bulb socket
counterclockwise and remove from
lamp assembly.
3. Carefully pull the bulb straight
out of socket and push in the new
bulb.
4. To complete installation, follow
the removal procedure in reverse
order.
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
1. Remove two screws, grommets
and the license plate lamp assembly
from the trunk lid.
2. Carefully pull the bulb from the
socket and push in the new bulb.
3. Install the lamp assembly on
trunk lid with two grommets,
ensuring the grommets are pushed
all the way in to the trunk lid and
secure with two screws.
Replacing tail lamp/backup bulbs
For bulb replacement, see a dealer or qualified technician.
Maintenance and care
187

Getting the service you need
At home
Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada have authorized dealerships to
service your vehicle. When you need warranty repairs your selling dealer
would like you to return to it for that service, but you may also take your
vehicle to another Ford Motor Company dealership authorized for
warranty repairs. Certain warranty repairs require special training
though, so not all dealers are authorized to perform all warranty repairs.
That means that depending on the warranty repair needed, the vehicle
may need to be taken to another dealer. If a particular dealership can not
assist you, then contact the Customer Assistance Center.
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive at the dealership,
contact your Service Advisor for assistance. If the concern for inquiry
remains unresolved, speak with the service manager. If you are still not
satisfied, speak with the owner or general manager of the dealership. In
most cases, your concern will be resolved at this level.
Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada dealerships also carry genuine
Ford parts and accessories, providing you with original equipment
reliability.
Away from home
If you own a Ford or Mercury vehicle and are away from home when
your vehicle needs service, or if you need more help than the dealership
could provide, after following the steps described above, contact the
Ford Customer Assistance Center to find an authorized dealership to
help you. In the United States:
Ford Motor Company
Customer Assistance Center
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, Michigan 48121
1-800-392-3673 (FORD)
(TDD for the hearing impaired: 1-800-232-5952)
In Canada:
Customer Assistance Centre
Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited
P.O. Box 2000
Oakville, Ontario L6J 5E4
1-800-565-3673 (FORD)
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203

If you own a Lincoln vehicle and are away from home when your vehicle
needs service, or if you need more help than the dealership could
provide, after following the steps described above, contact the Ford
Customer Assistance Center to find an authorized dealership to help you.
In the United States:
Ford Motor Company
Customer Assistance Center
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, Michigan 48121
1-800-521-4140
(TDD for the hearing impaired: 1-800-232-5952)
In Canada:
Customer Assistance Centre
Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited
P.O. Box 2000
Oakville, Ontario L6J 5E4
1-800-565-3673 (FORD)
Please have the following information available when contacting a
Customer Assistance Center:
²Your telephone number (home and business)
²The name of the dealer and the city where the dealership is located
²The year and make of your vehicle
²The date of vehicle purchase
²The current odometer reading
²The vehicle identification number (VIN)
If you still have a complaint involving a warranty dispute, you may wish
to contact the Dispute Settlement Board (U.S.) or the
Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada).
In some states (in the U.S.) you must directly notify Ford in writing
before pursuing remedies under your state's warranty laws. Ford is also
allowed a final repair attempt in some states.
In the United States, a warranty dispute must be submitted to the
Dispute Settlement Board before taking action under the Magnuson-Moss
Warranty Act, or to the extent allowed by state law, before pursuing
replacement or repurchase remedies provided by certain state laws. This
dispute handling procedure is not required prior to enforcing state
Customer assistance
204

You may also contact the North American Customer Assistance Center at
1-800-392-3673 (Ford), TDD for the hearing impaired: 1-800-232-5952 or
by writing to the Center at the following address:
Ford Motor Company
Customer Assistance Center
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, Michigan 48121
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM
(CANADA ONLY)
In those cases where you continue to feel that the efforts by Ford and
the dealer to resolve a factory-related vehicle service concern have been
unsatisfactory, Ford of Canada participates in an impartial third party
mediation/arbitration program administered by the Canadian Motor
Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).
The CAMVAP program is a straight-forward and relatively speedy
alternative to resolve a disagreement when all other efforts to produce a
settlement have failed. This procedure is without cost to you and is
designed to eliminate the need for lengthy and expensive legal
proceedings.
In the CAMVAP program, impartial third-party arbitrators conduct
hearings at mutually convenient times and places in an informal
environment. These impartial arbitrators review the positions of the
parties, make decisions and, when appropriate, render awards to resolve
disputes. CAMVAP decisions are fast, fair, and final; the arbitrator's
award is binding both to you and Ford of Canada.
CAMVAP services are available in all territories and provinces, except
Quebec. For more information, without charge or obligation, call your
CAMVAP Provincial Administrator directly at 1-800-207-0685.
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA
Before exporting your vehicle to a foreign country, contact the
appropriate foreign embassy or consulate. These officials can inform you
of local vehicle registration regulations and where to find unleaded fuel.
If you cannot find unleaded fuel or can only get fuel with an anti-knock
index lower than is recommended for your vehicle, contact a district or
owner relations/customer assistance office.
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208

Ford Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner (not available in Canada)
Motorcraft Vinyl Cleaner (Canada only)
Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Remover* (not available in
Canada)
Ford Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (Canada only)
Ford Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (not available in Canada)
Ford Metal Surface Cleaner
Ford Multi-Purpose Cleaner*
Motorcraft Car Wash Concentrate
Motorcraft Carlite Glass Cleaner
Ford Spot and Stain Remover*
Ford Super Premium Tire and Trim Dressing
Ford Triple Clean
Ford Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (not available in Canada)
* May be sold with the Motorcraft name
FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of Ford accessories are available for your vehicle
through your local authorized Ford, Lincoln Mercury or Ford of Canada
dealer. These quality accessories have been specifically engineered to
fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to complement
the style and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each
accessory is made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds
Ford's rigid engineering and safety specifications. Ford accessories are
warranted for up to 12 months or 20,000 km (12,000 miles) on all cars
and light trucks and 12 months with unlimited distance on medium/heavy
duty trucks unless the accessory is installed on a new vehicle, then the
warranty becomes the balance of the new vehicle's warranty or the
accessories warranty, whichever is greater. See your dealer for complete
warranty information and availability.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Vehicle Security
Remote keyless entry
Styled wheel protector locks
Vehicle security systems
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210