
More or less wiping may occur under the following conditions:
•on cool mornings with high humidity
•in very light mist or rain
•salty water/mist
•hydrophobic coating applied to the windshield such as Rain-X or wax
(use of these types of coating is not recommended)
You can override the moisture sensitive wiper function by selecting
HIGH, LOW and OFF.
The moisture sensitive wiper feature should be turned OFF before
entering a car wash.
Windshield wiper/washer features
The exterior lamps will illuminate after 10–20 second delay when the
ignition is ON and the windshield wiper control is in the LO or HI
position.
The lights will remain on for 30 seconds after the wipers are turned off.
Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades every 6
months for optimum performance.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
84

•Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
•Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use Ford Extra Strength Tar and
Road Oil Removal (B7A-19520–AA).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
regularly. If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the
windshield, rear window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These
may include hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree
sap, or other organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow
these tips:
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Cleaning
217

•The windshield or rear window may be cleaned with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23),
available from your dealer.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
CLEANING SEATS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS
Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner. In order to remove
stains and soil, clean with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner
(E8AZ-19523–AA).
Never saturate the seat covers with any cleaning solution.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat where the side air bag is mounted. Such products could
contaminate the side air bag system and affect performance of the side
air bag in a collision. The air bag may not function correctly and not
provide injury reduction benefits.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Cleaning
218

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Windshield washer fluid
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. Refer toRefill
capacitiesin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common
windshield washer antifreeze
additive. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should
be used only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging
the vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5°C (40°
F), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait up to 10 minutes for the oil to drain into
the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
2003 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
225

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
271