
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel capLow tire warning
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
9

10. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown.
11. Put flat tire, jack and lug wrench
away. Be sure to stow the jack
properly in the holder bracket.
12. Turn on the air suspension
switch.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; also, the
catalytic converter may become damaged.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
1
4 3
2 5
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
199

3. Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal of the
assisting battery.
4. Make the final connection of the negative (-) cable to an exposed
metal part of the stalled vehicle’s engine, away from the battery and the
carburetor/fuel injection system.Do notuse fuel lines, engine rocker
covers or the intake manifold asgroundingpoints.
Do not connect the end of the second cable to the negative (-)
terminal of the battery to be jumped. A spark may cause an
explosion of the gases that surround the battery.
5. Ensure that the cables are clear of fan blades, belts, moving parts of
both engines, or any fuel delivery system parts.
+–+–
+–+–
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
201

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.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
229

Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
•Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.
•Always turn off the vehicle before
fueling.
•Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as gasoline is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed,
call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are immediately
apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for hours.
•Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind
can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.
•Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.
•Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
•Be particularly careful if you are taking“Antabuse”or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors,
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse
reaction.
When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke while
refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
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.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
238

•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 4.6L SOHC V8 engine
Air filter element FA-1668
Fuel filter FG-986B
Battery-standard BXT-65-650
Battery-heavy duty
1BXT-65-750
Oil filter FL-820-S
PCV valve EV-258
Spark plugs
2AWSF-32P
1Included in long wheelbase package.
2Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
255

2Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok rear axles.
For limousine, use 2.1-2.3L (4.50-4.75 pints) of Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
High Performance Rear Axle Lubricant XY-75W140–QL or equivalent
meeting Ford Specification WSL-M2C192-A for complete refill of rear
axles.
3Ensure the correct transmission fluid is used. Transmission fluid
requirements are indicated on the dipstick or the dipstick handle.
MERCONand MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix
MERCONand MERCONV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide
to determine the correct service interval.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 4.6L SOHC V8 engine
Cubic inches 281
Required fuel 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.4:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions mm (in)
(1) Overall length 5 471 (215.4)/5 623 (221.4)*
(2) Overall width 1 987 (78.2)
(3) Overall height 1 489 (58.6)
(4) Wheelbase 2 990 (117.7)/3 142 (123.7)
*
(5) Track - Front 1 611 (63.4)
(5) Track - Rear 1 673 (65.9)
*Denotes long wheel base
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
259

Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................191
Power door locks ......................113
Power point .................................96
Power steering ..........................173
fluid, checking and adding ....247
fluid, refill capacity ................256
fluid, specifications .................257
Power trunk ......................109–110
Power Windows ...........................97
R
Radio ............................................17
Rear window defroster ...............73
Relays ........................................187
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ....................119
locking/unlocking doors .........116
opening the trunk ...................117
Reverse sensing system ...........177
Roadside assistance ..................185
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........147
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................133, 136–140
Safety defects, reporting ..........214
Safety restraints ........133, 136–140
belt minder .............................142
cleaning the safety belts ........220
extension assembly ................146
for adults .........................137–140
for children .............................155
lap belt ....................................141
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................134safety belt maintenance .........147
warning light and
chime ...............................141–142
Safety seats for children ..........158
Seat belts (see
Safety restraints) ......................133
Seats ..........................................128
child safety seats ....................158
cleaning ...................................218
easy access/easyout feature ..132
memory seat ...................120, 132
Servicing your vehicle ..............222
Spare tire (see
Changing the Tire) ...................195
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................255, 259
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................257, 259
Speed control ..............................99
Starting your
vehicle ........................166–167, 169
jump starting ..........................199
Steering
speed sensitive .......................173
Steering wheel
controls ....................................102
tilting .........................................85
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................85
Tires ...........................194, 251–253
changing ..........................194–195
checking the pressure ............253
replacing ..................................254
rotating ....................................253
snow tires and chains ............254
tire grades ...............................252
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
270