2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA octane

Light remains on:
Temporary malfunctions may cause your light to illuminate. Examples
are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the fuel cap. After three driving cycles
without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the light
should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup
followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is
required.
If the light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Check fuel cap
Illuminates when the fuel cap is not
installed correctly. Check the fuel
cap for proper installation. When
the fuel filler cap is properly
re-installed, the light(s) will turn off
after a period of normal driving. Continuing to operate the vehicle with
the check fuel cap light on, or a mis-installed fuel cap can activate the
Service Engine Soon/Check Enginewarning light.
It may take a long period of time for the system to detect an
improperly installed fuel filler cap.
For more information, refer toFuel filler capin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
11

Cap light on, can activate the Service Engine Soon warning. When the
fuel filler cap is properly re-installed, the light(s) will turn off after a
period of normal driving.It may take a long period of time for the
system to detect an improperly installed fuel filler cap.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
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 cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
“Regular”unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as“Regular”that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of“Regular”unleaded
gasoline.“Premium”unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers issued the World-wide Fuel Charter that
recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved performance
and emission control system protection for your vehicle. Gasolines that
meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when available. Ask
your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel
Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated“cleaner-burning”gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•Your“Check Engine”indicator may come on. For more information on
the“Check Engine”indicator, refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
216

ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,600 km (1,000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km–5,000 km (2,000 miles-3,000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low—medium—high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
217

Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Rear Axle
Lubricant
2Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-18–A ESR-M17P5-A
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. DOT 3 fluid
is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be
used.
2Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-2 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok rear axles.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONand MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONand MERCONV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 4.6L V8 engine
Cubic inches 281
Required fuel 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.4:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions mm (in)
(1) Overall length 5 386 (212)/5538 (218)a
(2) Overall width 1 987 (78.2)
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
233

change oil soon warning,
message center .......................200
checking and adding ..............200
dipstick ....................................200
filter, specifications ........203, 230
recommendations ...................203
refill capacities ........................230
specifications ..................232–233
Exhaust fumes ..........................146
F
Fail safe cooling ........................210
Floor mats ...................................92
Fluid capacities .........................230
Fuel ............................................212
calculating fuel
economy ............................69, 217
cap .....................................11, 214
capacity ...................................230
choosing the right fuel ...........215
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................219
detergent in fuel .....................216
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................212, 214, 217
filter, specifications ........216, 230
fuel filler door override ............91
fuel filler door release ..............90
fuel pump shut-off switch .....163
gauge .........................................19
improving fuel economy ........217
low fuel warning light ..............14
octane rating ...................215, 233
quality ......................................216
running out of fuel .................216
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................212
Fuses ..................................164–165
G
Garage door opener ....................82Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......11, 214
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................217
Gauges ...................................16–17
battery voltage gauge ...............19
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................17
engine oil pressure gauge ........18
fuel gauge ..................................19
odometer ...................................20
speedometer .............................20
trip odometer ............................21
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................156
definition .................................156
driving with a heavy load ......156
location ....................................156
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................156
calculating ...............................156
definition .................................156
driving with a heavy load ......156
location ....................................156
H
Hazard flashers .........................163
Head restraints .........................106
Headlamps ...................................54
aiming ........................................55
autolamp system .......................54
bulb specifications ....................57
daytime running lights .............54
flash to pass ..............................55
high beam ...........................15, 55
replacing bulbs .........................57
turning on and off ....................54
warning chime ..........................16
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
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Lubricant specifications ...232–233
Lumbar support, seats .............108
M
Message center ...........................86
reset button ..............................86
select button .............................87
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................76
fold away ...................................76
heated ........................................75
side view mirrors (power) .......75
Moon roof ....................................81
Motorcraft parts ................216, 230
O
Octane rating ............................215
Odometer .....................................20
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................200
Overdrive .............................89, 154
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................97
Parking brake ............................149
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....230
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................112
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................76
Power adjustable foot pedals .....76
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................168
Power door locks ..................93, 99Power mirrors .............................75
Power point .................................73
Power steering ..........................151
fluid, checking and adding ....221
fluid, refill capacity ................230
fluid, specifications .................232
Power Windows ...........................74
R
Radio ......................................22, 31
Radio reception ...........................46
Rear window defroster ...............53
Relays ................................164, 171
Remote entry system ...........95, 97
illuminated entry ......................99
locking/unlocking doors ...........96
opening the trunk .....................97
panic alarm ...............................97
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................98
replacing the batteries .............97
Roadside assistance ..................162
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........124
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ............16, 110, 114–118
Safety defects, reporting ..........190
Safety restraints ........110, 114–118
belt minder .............................120
extension assembly ................124
for adults .........................115–117
for children .............................132
lap belt ....................................118
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................112
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
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