2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA service indicator

•Optional instrument cluster
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the
coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication
will not be accurate. If the gauge enters the red section, the engine
coolant andCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonindicators illuminate,
refer toWhat you should know about fail-safe coolingin the
Maintenance and specificationschapter.
Engine oil pressure gauge (if equipped)
Indicates engine oil pressure. At
normal operating temperature, the
needle will be in the normal range
(the area between the“L”and“H”);
if the needle goes below the normal
range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible and switch off the
engine immediately. Check the oil
level. Add oil if needed (refer to
Engine oilin theMaintenance
and specificationschapter). If the
oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your dealership or by a
qualified technician.
N
O
R
M
H
C
OILH
L
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Instrument Cluster
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•When the ignition is in the OFF position, the indicator will flash once
every 2 seconds to indicate the SecuriLock
system is functioning as
a theft deterrent.
•When the ignition is in the ON position, the indicator will glow for 3
seconds to indicate normal system functionality.
If a problem occurs with the SecuriLock
system, the indicator will flash
rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the ON position. If this
occurs, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer for service.
Automatic arming
The vehicle is armed immediately
after switching the ignition to the 3
(OFF) or 2 (LOCK) position. The
indicator on the instrument panel
will flash every two seconds when
the vehicle is armed.
Automatic disarming
Switching the ignition to the 4 (ON) position with acoded keydisarms
the vehicle. The indicator on the instrument will illuminate for three
seconds and then go out. If the indicator stays on for an extended period
of time or flashes rapidly, have the system serviced by your dealership or
a qualified technician.
Key information
Your vehicle is supplied withtwo coded keys(or three, if your vehicle
is equipped with the valet feature). Only acoded keywill start your
vehicle. Spare coded keys can be purchased from your dealership. Your
dealership can program your key or you can“do it yourself.”Refer to
Programming spare keys.
The following items may prevent the vehicle from starting:
•Large metallic objects
•Electronic devices on the key chain that can be used to purchase
gasoline or similar items
•A second key on the same key ring as thecoded key
3
2
1
5
4
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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 Control
portion 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 Control
system 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 Control
operation 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
Control
system 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 Control
system
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 Control
system 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.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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•If required, add engine oil to the
engine. Refer toAdding engine
oilin this chapter.
•Do not overfill the engine
with oil. Oil levels above this
mark may cause engine
damage.If the engine is
overfilled, some oil must be
removed from the engine by a
qualified service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal operating range, add
only certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the
engine oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the
opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks can be heard.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
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BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the“level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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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.
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permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your“Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon”light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the“Check Engine/Service Engine Soon”light on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a“not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
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