2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR check engine

When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir capwhile the engine is
running or hot.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
WHATYOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUTAUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
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 capto disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Maintenance and Specifications
255

The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-upwhen filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
•Place approved fuel container on the ground.
•DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area).
•Keepthe fuel pumpnozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
•DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler caphas an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler capcounterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler capclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
“CHECK/TIGHTEN FUEL CAP” will display in the message center when
the fuel filler cap is not properly installed. Proper fuel filler cap
installation is checked automatically as the vehicle is driven, but not until
after some fuel is used (fuel gauge drops below full). Once the fuel filler
cap is properly secured, “CHECK/TIGHTEN FUEL CAP” will turn off
after a short period of driving.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
257

•Warming upa vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
Maintenance and Specifications
262

It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats upthe engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the “Check Engine” light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
Maintenance and Specifications
263

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 Ford Premium Power Steering Fluid or MERCONAT F.
Maintenance and Specifications
264

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

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................168
Accessory delay ..........................73
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........143–144, 147
and child safety seats ............145
description ......................144, 147
disposal ....................................151
driver air bag ..................146, 148
indicator light ...................12, 150
operation .........................146, 148
passenger air bag ...........146, 148
side air bag ..............................147
Air cleaner filter .......................270
Air conditioning ..........................41
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................47
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................181
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................251
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................168–169
Anti-theft system ......................117
arming the system ..................117
disarming a triggered
system .....................................118
Audio system (see Radio) ...18, 27
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................176
fluid, adding ............................265
fluid, checking ........................265
fluid, refill capacities ..............270
fluid, specification ..................275
Auxiliary power point .................69Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................273, 275
refill capacities ........................270
B
Battery .......................................249
acid, treating emergencies .....249
charging system warning
light ............................................12
jumping a disabled battery ....219
maintenance-free ....................249
replacement, specifications ...270
servicing ..................................249
BeltMinder .................................139
Brakes ........................................167
anti-lock ...........................168–169
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 169
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....265
fluid, refill capacities ..............270
fluid, specifications .........273, 275
lubricant
specifications ..................273, 275
parking ....................................169
shift interlock ..........................174
Bulbs ............................................56
C
Calculating load ........................193
Capacities for refilling fluids ....270
Cargo cover ...............................102
CD-single premium .....................18
Cell phone use ............................98
Certification Label ....................276
Changing a tire .........................211
Index
281

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