2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR check engine

3. Press and hold the RESET
control to display OIL LIFE SET TO
100%. Your oil life is now reset.
To reset the oil monitoring system to your personalized oil life %:
1. From step3 above.
2. Release the RESET control
momentarily, then press RESET and
SETUP controls at the same time to
activate a service mode which will
display OIL LIFE XX% RESET TO
ALTER.
3. Press RESET until you find your personalized OIL LIFE XX%.
4. With your personalized OIL LIFE XX% displayed, press SETUP to
continue the system check.
DATA ERR.These messages indicate improper operation of the vehicle
network communication between electronic modules.
•Fuel computer
•Oil life
•Charging system
•Door sensor
•Washer fluid
•Brake fluid
•Compass
•Outside temperature
•Engine sensor
Contact your dealer as soon as possible if these messages occur on a
regular basis.
Driver Controls
97

Automatic arming
The vehicle is armed immediately
after switching the ignition to the 1
(OFF) position. The
THEFT
indicator will flash every two
seconds.
Automatic disarming
Switching the ignition to the 3 (ON) position with acoded keydisarms
the vehicle. The
THEFTindicator will illuminate for three seconds and
then go out. If the
THEFTindicator 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.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 toProgramming 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
If any of these items are present, you need to keep these objects from
touching thecoded keywhile starting the engine. These objects and
devices cannot damage thecoded key,but can cause a momentary “no
start” condition if they are too close to the key during engine start. If a
problem occurs, turn ignition OFF and restart the engine with all other
objects on the key ring held away from the ignition key. Check to make
sure thecoded keyis an approved Lincolncoded key.
If your keys are lost or stolen you will need to do the following:
•Use your spare key to start the vehicle, or
•Have your vehicle towed to a dealershipor a locksmith. The key codes
will need to be erased from your vehicle and new key codes will need
to be re-coded.
4
3
2
1
Locks and Security
115

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in
order to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have the vehicle checked.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraintschapter.
2. Make sure vehicle accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Make sure the gearshift lever is in
P (Park).
Driving
165

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 steephill, shift to a lower gear.
Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On ABS-equipped vehicles, 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. The ABS performs a
self-check after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief
mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If a
malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
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.
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 always 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.
Driving
168

indicator light in the instrument cluster remains on while the engine is
running, have the system serviced immediately.
Pressing the control once will disable the AdvanceTracstability
enhancement and the engine power reduction portion of the traction
enhancement feature; the brake portion of the traction enhancement
feature will still function normally. Pressing and holding the control for
more than five seconds will disable the AdvanceTracstability
enhancementandtraction enhancement feature. If the vehicle is stuck
in snow or mud or when driving in deepsand, switching off the
AdvanceTracsystem may be beneficial so the wheels are allowed to
spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while driving in deep
sand or very deepsnow, switching off the AdvanceTracstability
enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will enhance
momentum through the obstacle.
Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
AdvanceTracperforms a system self-check. During AdvanceTrac
operation you may experience the following:
•A rumble or grinding noise
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The AdvanceTracindicator light will flash
•If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal will move to apply higher brake forces. You may also hear
a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe
condition.
All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTracoperation.
Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTracsystem. Also, do not install a stereo
loudspeaker near the rear console or either rear seat. The
speaker vibrations can adversely affect the AdvanceTrac
sensors located in this area.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control
event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to gripthe road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
Driving
172

STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver’s effort in steering the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
•Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the MIN mark on the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
•Uneven vehicle loading
•High crown in center of road
•High crosswinds
•Wheels out of alignment
•Loose or worn suspension components
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Your vehicle has special design and equipment features to make it
capable of performing in a wide variety of circumstances. These special
design features, such as larger tires and increased ground clearance, give
the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
Driving
173

sound. The warning displays and chime will continue until RESET is
pressed (which will clear the message from the display).
•AWD LOCKED can still be engaged by pressing SETUP (the message
center will display AWD LOCKED), then pressing
RESET. The AWD LOCKED indicator light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster and the message center will display AWD
DISABLED .
•To disable AWD, press RESET. The system will go back to AWD AUTO
mode momentarily, then the AWD LOCKED indicator light will flash in
the instrument cluster eight times every two minutes. The display will
then show AWD LOCKED for four seconds and then
turn off.
•If a serious problem occurs with the AWD system, the AWD LOCKED
indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash 10 times every two
minutes. The message center will also display CHECK AWD and a
warning chime will sound. You can press SETUP to check the status of
the AWD system (which will display AWD LOCKED),
but the AWD system will be disabled until the system is serviced.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
AWD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
When driving at slow speeds off-road under high outside temperatures,
use 1 (First) gear when possible. 1 (First) gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung upor damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you gripthe steering wheel from the outside. Do not
gripthe spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
Driving
183

when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to helppreserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steepincline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steepslope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, Do not try to
turnaround because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Driving
187