2000 LINCOLN TOWN CAR brake

your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces.
The system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system
borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements already present
in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is
realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
rear wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads.
During Traction Controlyoperation you may hear an electric motor type
of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior.
If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction Controlysystem off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out and enable a successful
ªrockingº maneuver.
If the Traction Controlysystem is cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to prevent the rear brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Controlyfunction using only engine
torque reduction will still control wheels from over-spinning. When the
rear brakes have cooled down, the system will again function normally.
Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will function
normally during the cool down period.
Traction control switch
The traction control switch is located on the left side of the glove
compartment. The traction control system defaults to ON when the
ignition key is turned from OFF to RUN.
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If you exceed the load limit, the rear air suspension may not operate.
The air suspension shut-off switch is
located on the left side of the trunk.
If this switch is in the OFF position,
the rear air suspension will not
operate.
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation does not
require any action by the driver.
TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
AIR SUSPENSION
SWITCH
INTERRUPTEUR DE
LA SUSPENSION
PNEUMATIQUE
WARNING
AVERTISSEMENTOFF-ARRET
To prevent sudden
vehicle movement,
turn off air suspen-
sion switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or
towing vehicle.
Pour prévenir tout mouvement soudain du véhi-
cule, placer à l'arrêt l'interrupteur de la suspension
pneumatique avant de lever to véhicule (cric ou
pont élévateur) ou de le remorquer.
OFF
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If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with a 4±speed automatic transmission
Understanding gearshift positions
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park). This position
locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from turning.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift
lever is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
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R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. Always come to a
complete stop before shifting into
and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N
(Neutral), the vehicle can be started
and is free to roll. Hold the brake
pedal down while in this gear.
Overdrive
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the gearshift lever.
The transmission control indicator
light (TCIL) will illuminate on the
instrument cluster.
Drive
Not shown on the display. Activate by pressing the transmission control
switch on the gearshift lever with the gearshift in the Drive position. The
O/D OFF indicator will illuminate in the instrument cluster. Transmission
operates in gears one through three. Drive provides more engine braking
than Overdrive and is useful when:
²driving with a heavy load.
O/D
ON/OFF
TRUNK AJAR DOOR AJAR
AIR SUSPENSION
O/D OFF
SPEED CONTROL COMPASSkmCIRCLE
SLOWLY
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Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
The Certification Label, found on the inside pillar of the driver's door,
lists several important vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding
any additional equipment, refer to these limitations. If you are adding
weight to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added
to the cab), the weight added should not exceed the front axle reserve
capacity (FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front
axle reserve capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e.
restrict the number of passengers or amount of cargo carried).
You may add equipment throughout your vehicle if the total weight
added is equal to or less than the total axle reserve capacity (TARC)
weight. You should NEVER exceed the total axle reserve capacity.
Always ensure that the weight of passengers, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
your vehicle including both gross vehicle weight and front and rear gross
axle weight rating limits. Under no circumstance should these limitations
be exceeded. Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result
in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
The weight of your loaded trailer should not exceed 907 kg (2 000 lbs).
The GCW of your vehicle and trailer should not exceed 2 993 kg
(6 600 lbs).
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.
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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.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
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Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Use 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.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission
damage and void your warranty coverage.
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) 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.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
²Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper and
²Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
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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 (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.
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