2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA tow

Seating and Safety Restraints 106
Seating 106
Safety restraints 110
Air bags 125
Child restraints 132
Driving 143
Starting 143
Brakes 147
Traction control 149
Air suspension 151
Transmission operation 152
Vehicle loading 156
Trailer towing 158
Roadside Emergencies 162
Getting roadside assistance 162
Hazard flasher switch 163
Fuel pump shut-off switch 163
Fuses and relays 164
Changing tires 171
Jump starting 176
Wrecker towing 181
Customer Assistance 182
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 190
Cleaning 191
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
2

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible
damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment? In this guide, answers
to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning
triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed to allow parts to adjust
themselves to other parts.
Drive your new vehicle at least 800 km (500 miles) before towing a
trailer.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during
the first few thousand kilometers (miles) of operation, since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
5

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works.If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have
the respective system inspected immediately.
Standard instrument cluster
Optional instrument cluster
Check engine
Illuminates briefly to ensure the
system is functional. If it comes on
after the engine is started, one of
the engine’s emission control
systems may be malfunctioning. The
light may illuminate without a driveability concern being noted and will
not require towing.
CHECK
ENGINE
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster
10

•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
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
18

RADIO FREQUENCY INFORMATION
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio
and Telecommunications Commission(CRTC) establish the frequencies
AM and FM stations may use for their broadcasts. Allowable frequencies
are:
AM 530, 540–1600, 1610 kHz
FM 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz
Not all frequencies are used in a given area.
RADIO RECEPTION FACTORS
Three factors can affect radio reception:
•Distance/strength.The further an FM signal travels, the weaker it is.
The listenable range of the average FM station is approximately 40 km
(24 miles). This range can be affected by“signal modulation.”Signal
modulation is a process radio stations use to increase their
strength/volume relative to other stations.
•Terrain.Hills, mountains and tall buildings between your vehicle’s
antenna and the radio station signal can cause FM reception problems.
Static can be caused on AM stations by power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms. Moving away from an interfering
structure (out of its“shadow”) returns your reception to normal.
•Station overload.Weak signals are sometimes captured by stronger
signals when you pass a broadcast tower. A stronger signal may
temporarily overtake a weaker signal and play while the weak station
frequency is displayed.
The audio system automatically switches to single channel reception if it
will improve the reception of a station normally received in stereo.
AUDIO SYSTEM WARRANTIES AND SERVICE
Refer to theWarranty Guidefor audio system warranty information.
If service is necessary, see your dealer or a qualified technician.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Entertainment Systems
46

To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather conditions:
1. Select Vent.
2. Set the temperature control to full heat.
3. Set the fan speed to full fan.
4. Direct the outer panel vents towards the side windows.
5. To increase airflow to the outer panel vents, close the central panel
vents.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (EATC)
SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The EATC system will maintain a
selected temperature and
automatically control the fan speed
and airflow location.
Automatic operation
Press Automatic/AUTO and select the desired temperature. The system
will either heat or cool to achieve the selected temperature. The system
will automatically determine fan speed, airflow location and if outside air
or recirculated air is required.
When in automatic operation and weather conditions require heat, the
air will be sent to the floor ducts. However, until the engine has warmed,
the fan speed will operate at a low speed and airflow will be directed to
the windshield defroster ducts. Upon engine warm up, the system will
automatically direct airflow to the floor ducts and operate the required
fan speed to achieve the selected temperature.
If unusual conditions exist (i.e.-window fogging, etc.), the manual
overrides allow you to select airflow locations and the fan speed. To
return to automatic operation, press Automatic/AUTO.
NORM A/CVENT FLOOR FLR • DEF DEF
HI
LO
MAX A/C
OUTSIDE TEMP AUTOMATICOFF
FAUTO
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
49

compressor will operate automatically if the outside temperature is
above approximately 2°C (36°F). The air distributed through the floor
ducts will be slightly warmer than that sent to the windshield
defroster ducts and the side window demisters.
•Defrost - Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster
ducts and the side window demisters. The A/C compressor will
operate automatically if the outside temperature is above
approximately 2°C (36°F). This mode will clear ice and fog from the
windshield.
Operating tips
•To reduce fogging under humid weather conditions, place the climate
control system in Defrost and Rear Defrost (if equipped) mode before
driving.
•To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle: Do not drive with the
climate control system in Off mode. Do not drive with the climate
control system in Max A/C mode (if equipped).
•Under normal weather conditions, do not leave your vehicle in Max
A/C (if equipped), recirculation control (if equipped) or Off mode
when turning off the ignition.
•Under snowy or dirty weather conditions, leave your vehicle in Max
A/C (if equipped), recirculation control (if equipped), or Off mode
when turning off the ignition.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the exterior base of the
windshield.
•To increase the efficiency of the A/C (if equipped), drive with the
windows slightly open for 2–3 minutes or until the vehicle has been
“aired”out.
•Do not place objects under the front seat or over the defroster ducts.
They may reduce visibility, fall into the ducts, or degrade the
performance of your climate control system.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather conditions:
1. Select VENT
2. Set the temperature control to full heat
3. Set the fan speed to HI
4. Direct the outer panel vents towards to side windows
To increase airflow to the outer panel vents, close the central panel vents.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
52

High beams
Push the lever toward the
instrument panel to activate. Pull
the lever towards you to deactivate.
Flash to pass
Pull toward you slightly to activate
and release to deactivate.
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the brightness of the
instrument panel during headlight
and parklamp operation.
•Rotate the thumbwheel from left
to right to brighten the
instrument panel.
•Rotate the thumbwheel from right
to left to dim the instrument
panel.
Domelamp Control
The panel dimmer control also controls the domelamp operation.
•Rotate the thumbwheel fully to the right, past detent to activate the
domelamp.
•In order to turn off the domelamp, rotate the thumbwheel to the left.
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident the alignment of your headlamps
should be checked by a qualified service technician.
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Lights
55