2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR check transmission fluid

When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles:
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel
drive capability.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph)
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
184

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 (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
248

Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10°C-35°C [50°F-95°F]).
DON’T ADD
DON’T ADD
DON’T ADD
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
249

A
Accessory delay ..........................97
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........147–148, 152
and child safety seats ............149
description ......................148, 152
disposal ....................................154
driver air bag ..................150, 153
indicator light .................151, 154
operation .........................150, 153
passenger air bag ...........150, 153
side air bag ..............................152
Air cleaner filter .......250–251, 255
Air suspension ...........................173
description ..............................173
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................231
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................170
Anti-theft system ......................126
Audio system (see Radio) .........17
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................175
fluid, adding ............................248
fluid, checking ........................248
fluid, refill capacities ..............256
fluid, specification ..................259
Auxiliary power point .................96
Axle
lubricant specifications ..257, 259
refill capacities ........................256
traction lok ..............................177
B
Battery .......................................229
acid, treating emergencies .....229jumping a disabled battery ....199
maintenance-free ....................229
replacement, specifications ...255
servicing ..................................229
BeltMinder .................................142
Brakes ........................................170
anti-lock ...................................170
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............170
fluid, checking and adding ....247
fluid, refill capacities ..............256
fluid, specifications .........257, 259
lubricant
specifications ..................257, 259
shift interlock ..........................174
Bulbs ............................................79
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....256
CD changer .................................21
CD-single premium .....................17
Cell phone use ..........................104
Certification Label ....................261
Changing a tire .........................194
Child safety restraints ..............155
child safety belts ....................155
Child safety seats ......................158
attaching with tether straps ..162
in front seat ............................159
in rear seat ..............................159
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............216
instrument panel ....................218
interior .............................218–219
plastic parts ............................217
safety belts ..............................220
washing ....................................215
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
266

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

treadwear ................................252
Towing .......................................181
recreational towing .................184
trailer towing ..........................181
wrecker ....................................204
Traction control ........................172
Traction-lok rear axle ...............177
Transmission .............................174
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................248
fluid, refill capacities ..............256
lubricant specifications ..257, 259
Trunk .........................................114
remote release ................109, 117
Turn signal ..................................78
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................259Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................262
Vehicle loading ..........................180
Ventilating your vehicle ...........169
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................225
Water, Driving through .............180
Windows
power .........................................97
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................83
checking and adding fluid .....225
replacing wiper blades .............84
Wrecker towing .........................204
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
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