
Accessories 263
Index 266
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Copyright © 2003 Ford Motor Company
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
3

UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM
(CANADA ONLY)
In those cases where you continue to feel that the efforts by Ford and
the dealer to resolve a factory-related vehicle service concern have been
unsatisfactory, Ford of Canada participates in an impartial third party
mediation/arbitration program administered by the Canadian Motor
Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).
The CAMVAP program is a straight-forward and relatively speedy
alternative to resolve a disagreement when all other efforts to produce a
settlement have failed. This procedure is without cost to you and is
designed to eliminate the need for lengthy and expensive legal
proceedings.
In the CAMVAP program, impartial third-party arbitrators conduct
hearings at mutually convenient times and places in an informal
environment. These impartial arbitrators review the positions of the
parties, make decisions and, when appropriate, render awards to resolve
disputes. CAMVAP decisions are fast, fair, and final; the arbitrator’s
award is binding both to you and Ford of Canada.
CAMVAP services are available in all territories and provinces. For more
information, without charge or obligation, call your CAMVAP Provincial
Administrator directly at 1-800-207-0685.
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA
Before exporting your vehicle to a foreign country, contact the
appropriate foreign embassy or consulate. These officials can inform you
of local vehicle registration regulations and where to find unleaded fuel.
If you cannot find unleaded fuel or can only get fuel with an anti-knock
index lower than is recommended for your vehicle, contact a district or
owner relations/customer relationship office.
The use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without proper conversion may
damage the effectiveness of your emission control system and may cause
engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford Motor Company/Ford of
Canada is not responsible for any damage caused by use of improper
fuel.
In the United States, using leaded fuel may also result in difficulty
importing your vehicle back into the U.S.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Customer Assistance
211

Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when 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).
•Keep the fuel pump nozzle 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 cap has 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 cap counterclockwise 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 cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
The“Check Fuel Cap”light illuminates when the ignition is turned to the
ON position. It will also illuminate 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, the“Check
Fuel Cap”light 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.
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.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
239

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

recommendations ...................228
refill capacities ........................256
specifications ..................257, 259
Exhaust fumes ..........................169
F
Fail safe cooling ........................235
Floor mats .................................112
Fluid capacities .........................256
Foglamps .....................................75
Fuel ............................................237
calculating fuel
economy ....................89, 106, 241
cap ...........................................239
capacity ...................................256
choosing the right fuel ...........240
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................244
detergent in fuel .....................241
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................237, 239, 241
filter, specifications ........241, 255
fuel filler door override ..........110
fuel filler door release ............110
fuel pump shut-off switch .....186
improving fuel economy ........241
octane rating ...................240, 259
quality ......................................240
running out of fuel .................241
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................237
Fuses ..................................187–188
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............239
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................241
Gauges .........................................15GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ..........................180
definition .................................180
driving with a heavy load ......180
location ....................................180
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ..........................180
calculating ...............................180
definition .................................180
driving with a heavy load ......180
location ....................................180
H
Hazard flashers .........................186
Head restraints .........................128
Headlamps ...................................74
aiming ........................................76
autolamp system .......................74
bulb specifications ....................79
daytime running lights .............75
flash to pass ..............................76
high beam .................................75
replacing bulbs .........................80
turning on and off ....................74
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see
Garage door opener) ..................90
Hood ..........................................223
I
Ignition ...............................166, 259
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................158
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................246
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................218
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and interior .76
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
268

J
Jack ............................................194
positioning ...............................194
storage .....................................194
Jump-starting your vehicle ......199
K
Keyless entry system ...............121
Keys
positions of the ignition .........166
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................74
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................79
cargo lamps ...............................76
daytime running light ...............75
fog lamps ...................................75
headlamps .................................74
headlamps, flash to pass ..........76
instrument panel, dimming .....76
interior lamps .....................78–79
replacing bulbs ...................79–82
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................78
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........170
speed control ..........................102
Load limits .................................180
GAWR ......................................180
GVWR ......................................180
trailer towing ..........................180
Locks
childproof ................................114
doors ........................................113
Lubricant specifications ...257, 259
Lumbar support, seats .............129M
Message center .........................104
english/metric button .............108
reset button ............................105
warning messages .....................93
Mirrors ...................................85, 98
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................98
fold away ...................................99
heated ........................................99
programmable memory ..........120
side view mirrors (power) .......98
Moon roof ..................................103
Motorcraft parts ................241, 255
N
Navigation system .......................24
cd functions ..............................37
destination mode ......................50
map mode .................................41
quick start .................................26
radio functions ..........................30
O
Octane rating ............................240
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................225
P
Parking brake ............................171
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....255
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................134
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................99
Power adjustable foot pedals .....99
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
269

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