2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR coolant temperature

•Extreme cold:increase the coolant concentration above 50%.
NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•Extreme hot:it is acceptable to decrease the coolant concentration
below 50%.NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below
40%.
The coolant concentration in severe climates must always be
between 40% and 60%.Coolant concentrations not within the
40%-60% range may cause engine damage.
Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate protection at the
temperatures in which you drive.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The
and thesymbol
will illuminate.
•The “Service Engine Soon”
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
•The engine will completely shut down.
•Steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
Maintenance and Specifications
254

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).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the range between the MIN and
MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap
back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will dropslowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lampare within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Maintenance and Specifications
265

Child safety restraints ..............151
child safety belts ....................151
Child safety seats ......................154
attaching with tether straps ..159
in front seat ............................156
in rear seat ..............................156
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............237
instrument panel ....................239
interior .............................239–240
interior trim ............................240
plastic parts ............................238
washing ....................................236
waxing .....................................236
wheels ......................................237
wiper blades ............................238
Clock ................................27, 38, 69
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................87
Console ........................................99
overhead ..............................67–68
rear ............................................99
Controls
power seat ...............................123
steering column ........................80
Coolant
checking and adding ..............251
coolant temperature light ........13
refill capacities ................253, 270
specifications ..................273, 275
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................76
Customer Assistance ................200
Ford accessories for
your vehicle ....................241, 278
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................228
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............232Getting roadside assistance ...200
Getting the service
you need .................................226
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................233
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................229
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............232
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................52
Defrost
rear window ..............................49
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................265
engine oil .................................245
Doors
door ajar warning .....................14
lubricant specifications ..........273
Driving under special
conditions ..........................184, 187
sand .........................................186
snow and ice ...........................188
through water .................186, 190
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................41
E
Electronic message center .........86
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................219
Emission control system ..........263
Engine ........................................275
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
Index
282

cleaning ...................................237
coolant .....................................251
fail-safe coolant ......................254
idle speed control ...................249
lubrication
specifications ..................273, 275
refill capacities ........................270
service points ..........................244
starting after a collision .........201
Engine block heater .................167
Engine oil ..................................245
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................245
checking and adding ..............245
dipstick ....................................245
filter, specifications ........248, 270
recommendations ...................248
refill capacities ........................270
specifications ..................273, 275
Exhaust fumes ..........................167
F
Fail safe cooling ........................254
Floor mats ...................................99
Fluid capacities .........................270
Foglamps .....................................50
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................183
indicator light ...........................14
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................173
Fuel ............................................255
calculating fuel
economy ............................88, 260
cap...........................................257
capacity ...................................270
choosing the right fuel ...........258
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................262detergent in fuel .....................259
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................255, 257, 260
filter, specifications ........259, 270
fuel pump shut-off switch .....201
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........260
octane rating ...................258, 275
quality ......................................258
running out of fuel .................259
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................255
Fuses ..................................202–203
G
Garage door opener ....................82
Gas cap(see Fuel cap) ............257
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................260
Gauges .........................................15
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................15
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................16
speedometer .............................16
tachometer ................................17
tripodometer ............................17
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ..........................191
calculating ...............................193
definition .................................191
driving with a heavy load ......191
location ....................................191
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ..........................191
calculating .......................191, 193
definition .................................191
driving with a heavy load ......191
location ....................................191
Index
283