Page 87 of 272

3. From a blank display press and
release the MODE button once. The
directional heading will be
displayed.
Note:If the compass is
de-calibrated, CAL will be displayed
in the right corner of the display.
Refer to“Calibration mode”in this
section for more details.
4. The overhead console displays the compass heading in one of eight
directions: NORTH, NORTHEAST, EAST, SOUTHEAST, SOUTH,
SOUTHWEST, WEST, and NORTHWEST.
Zone variation mode
Most geographic areas (zones) have a magnetic north compass point that
varies slightly from the northerly direction on maps. A correct zone
setting will eliminate compass heading error.
For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical accessories (heater/air
conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all vehicle doors are shut.
To set the compass zone:
1. Press and release the MODE
button until the compass directional
heading is displayed.
2. Hold down the MODE button for
5 seconds to enter zone mode. The
display will read PRESS RESET TO
SET ZONE XX where XX is the
current zone.
3. Release the MODE button.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 169 of 272

Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5 (START). If
there is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely.
2. Turn the key to 5 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to 3 (OFF), wait 10 seconds and try again.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
Use of an engine block heater is strongly recommended if you live in a
region where temperatures reach -23°C (-10°F) or below. For best
results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting the vehicle.
The heater can be plugged in the night before starting the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
1
2
34
5
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
169
Page 236 of 272

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the H (hot)
area.
•The
symbol will illuminate.
•A tone will sound 3 times.
•TheService 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
symbol will begin to flash.
•A tone will sound 5 times.
•The engine will completely shut down, causing steering and braking
effort to 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.
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.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
236
Page 267 of 272

waxing .....................................215
wheels ......................................216
windows ..................................219
wiper blades ............................217
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............70
Clock ............................................96
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................87
Console
overhead ....................................85
rear ..........................................110
Controls
power seat ...............................129
steering column ......................102
Coolant
checking and adding ..............231
refill capacities ................234, 256
specifications ..................257, 259
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................99
Customer Assistance ................185
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................220
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................207
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............211
Getting roadside assistance ...185
Getting the service
you need .................................205
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................212
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................208
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............211D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................75
Defrost
rear window ..............................73
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................248
engine oil .................................225
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........257
Driving under special
conditions ..................................177
through water .........................180
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................199
Emergency Flashers .................186
Emission control system ..........244
Engine ........................................259
cleaning ...................................216
coolant .....................................231
fail-safe coolant ......................235
idle speed control ...................229
lubrication
specifications ..................257, 259
refill capacities ........................256
service points ..........................224
starting after a collision .........186
Engine block heater .................169
Engine oil ..................................225
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................225
checking and adding ..............225
dipstick ....................................225
filter, specifications ........228, 255
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
267