
Brake system warning
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
To confirm the brake system
warning light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position (alternatively for some vehicles
when the ignition is moved from the ON position to START position, the
light will momentarily illuminate prior to reaching the START position).
It also illuminates if the parking brake is engaged. If the brake system
warning light does not illuminate as described, seek service immediately.
Illumination after the parking brake is released indicates low brake fluid
level or a brake system malfunction and the brake system should be
serviced immediately by a qualified technician. Refer toBrakesin the
Drivingchapter for more information.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
To confirm the anti-lock brake
system (ABS) warning light is
functional it will momentarily
illuminate when the ignition is
turned to the ON position
(alternatively for some vehicles when the ignition is moved from the ON
position to the START position, the light will momentarily illuminate just
prior to reaching the START position). If the light remains on, continues
to flash or fails to illuminate, have the ABS serviced immediately. If the
ABS light remains on, it means the anti-lock brake system has
malfunctioned and is disabled, however, the normal brake system will
still function unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated and
parking brake is off. Refer toBrakesin theDrivingchapter for more
information.
!
BRAKE
ABS
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
12

3. Disconnect the electrical
connector from the bulb by pulling
rearward.
4. Remove the bulb retaining ring by
rotating it counterclockwise (when
viewed from the rear) to free it
from the bulb socket, and slide the
ring off the plastic base. Keep the
ring to retain the new bulb.
5. Without turning, remove the old
bulb from the lamp assembly by
gently pulling it straight back out of
the lamp assembly.
To install the new bulb:
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of
children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the headlamps are operated.
NOTE:If the bulb is accidentally touched, it should be cleaned with
rubbing alcohol before being used.
1. With the flat side of the new bulb’s plastic base facing upward, insert
the glass end of the bulb into the lamp assembly. Turn the bulb left or
right to align the grooves in the plastic base with the tabs in the lamp
assembly. When the grooves are aligned, push the bulb into the lamp
assembly until the plastic base contacts the rear of the lamp assembly.
2. Install the bulb retaining ring over the plastic base until it contacts the
rear of the socket by rotating it clockwise until you feel a“stop.”
3. Connect the electrical connector into the rear of the plastic base until
it snaps, locking it into position.
4. Install the protective cover over headlamps locking it in place with
three knobs.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Lights
58

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a“metal-to-metal,”“continuous grinding”or
“continuous squeal”sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear.
Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with
emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations
can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by
weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can
be removed with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A).
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
This vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). A noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s
anti-lock brake system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
147

The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain steering
control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will
enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled
stop.
•The anti-lock system does not reduce stopping distance. Always leave
enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to
stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.)
!
BRAKE
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
148

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 Controlportion 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“search”for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlsystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces while you are trying to
accelerate or while your foot is on the accelerator pedal. The system is a
driver aid which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow
and ice covered roads.
During Traction Controloperation you may hear an electric motor type
of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
“rev-up”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
Controlsystem off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to“dig”the
vehicle out and enable a successful
“rocking”maneuver.
The traction control indicator
flashes during a Traction Control
system event.
If the traction control indicator
comes on and stays lit, either:
•the Traction Controlsystem
requires service, or
•the customer has disabled the system using the traction control switch
located on the left side of the instrument panel.
The Traction Controlsystem will be on every time you turn the ignition
key from OFF to ON until you deactivate the system using the traction
control switch on the instrument panel left of the steering column.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
150

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
10 10A Rear window defrost, Heated mirrors
11 5A Traction control indicator relay (ABS
w/traction control only)
12 15A Multi-function switch for turn/hazard
lamps
13 5A Radio
14 10A Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Instrument
Cluster
15 15A Speed control module, Power relay coil
(Police vehicle option), LCM, Clock, EATC
blower motor relay, Door lock switch
illumination, Heated seat switch, Moonroof
16 15A Reversing lamps, Shift lock, DRL module,
VAP Steering, Electronic day/night mirror,
Overhead console, Air suspension, Climate
control, Heated seat module, Speed chime
module (GCC only)
17 7.5A Wiper motor
18—Not used
19 15A Brake lamps
20 20A Spot lamp (Police vehicle option)
21 15A LCM for park lamps and interior
illumination, Autolamp/Sunload sensor
22 20A Speed control servo, Multi-function switch
for hazard lamps, Brake on/off switch
23 15A EATC module, Instrument cluster, Clock,
LCM, Interior lamps, Door lock switches,
Door ajar and roof lamps (Taxi vehicles)
24 10A Left-hand low beam
25 15A Cigar lighter
26 10A Right-hand low beam
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
167

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
16—Not used
17—Not used
18—Not used
19 15A* Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Fuel
injectors
20 15A* PCM, HEGOs
21—Not used
22—Not used
23—Not used
24—Not used
101 30A** Ignition switch
102 50A** Cooling fan (engine)
103 40A** Blower motor
104 40A** Heated backlight relay
105 30A** PCM power relay
106 40A** Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
107 40A** Crown North America (Police vehicle
option)
108 50A** Crown North America (Police vehicle
option)
109 50A** Light bar (Police vehicle option)
110 50A** Relay switch for PDB (Police vehicle
option)
111 30A** Power relay switch feed (Police vehicle
option)
112 50A** Ignition switch
113 50A** Feeds IP fuses 3, 5, 21, 23, 25, 27
114 30A** VAP Steering, Air suspension compressor,
Instrument cluster
115 50A** Ignition switch
116 30A** Wipers
117 50A** B+ feed for PDB (Police vehicle option)
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
170

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
118 20A** ABS
201 1/2 ISO Horn relay
202 1/2 ISO PCM relay
203 1/2 ISO Fuel pump relay
204 1/2 ISO A/C clutch relay
205 1/2 ISO Traction control switch relay
206 1/2 ISO Police vehicle relay
207—Not used
208 1/2 ISO Moonroof relay
209—Not used
301 Full ISO Blower motor relay
302 Full ISO Starter solenoid relay
303 Full ISO Air suspension relay
304 Full ISO Heated backlight relay
401—Not used
501 Diode PCM diode
502—Not used
503—Not used
601 50A** Crown North America (Police vehicle
option)
602 20A** Adjustable pedals, Power seat, Locks,
Decklid, Lumbar, Decklid release (Police
vehicle option)
* Mini fuse ** Circuit breaker/Maxi fuse
Relays
Relays are located in the power distribution box and should be replaced
by qualified technicians.
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
171