2006 LINCOLN ZEPHYR check transmission fluid

STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
• Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
• Some noise is normal during operation. If excessive, check for low
power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
• Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
• Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while
driving at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system
checked by your authorized dealer.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the RUN position unless brake pedal is depressed.
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BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
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 authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSAXLE FLUID
Checking 6–speed automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance information for scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Checking automatic transmission fluid at normal operating
temperature (140°F-158°F [60°C-70°C])
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]) until the engine coolant gauge
indicates normal operating temperature. 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 20 miles (30 km) or until the coolant guage indicates
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 (approximately
10–15 seconds in each position).
4. Move the gearshift lever to P (Park) and leave the engine running. MAX
MIN
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5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag. If
necessary, refer to Identifying 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 read
within the hot range on the dipstick
if at normal operating temperature
(140°F-158°F [60°C-70°C]).
Checking automatic transmission fluid at cool temperature
(59°F-77°F [15°C-25°C])
If a fluid check is necessary at a low
fluid temperature (59°F-77°F
[15°C-25°C]), perform the check
using the cold range on the dipstick.
However, the fluid must be
re-checked at the proper fluid temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level does not show at all on the
dipstick.
Driving the vehicle with less than
the recommended fluid level may result in transaxle failure. An under fill
condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and /or possible damage to the transaxle.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the normal
operating range may result in
transaxle failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid may
cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible damage to
the transaxle.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specifications section in this chapter.
2006 Zephyr (378)
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A
Accessory delay ..........................52
Air cleaner filter ...............239–240
Air conditioning ....................22, 24
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................116, 125, 128
and child safety seats ............118
description ..............116, 125, 128
disposal ....................................131
driver airbag ............118, 126, 129
indicator light .........125, 127, 130
operation .................118, 126, 129
passenger airbag .....118, 126, 129
side airbag ...............................125
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................220
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................168–169
Anti-theft system ..................89, 93
arming the system ....................93
disarming a triggered system ..94
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................237
fluid, checking ........................237
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................173
fluid, refill capacities ..............241
fluid, specification ..................244
Axle
lubricant specifications ..242, 244
B
Battery .......................................218
acid, treating emergencies .....218
jumping a disabled battery ....190
maintenance-free ....................218 replacement, specifications ...240
servicing ..................................218
BeltMinder
...............................111
Brakes ........................................168
anti-lock ...........................168–169
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................168
fluid, checking and adding ....237
fluid, refill capacities ..............241
fluid, specifications .........242, 244
lubricant specifications ..242, 244
parking ....................................169
shift interlock ..........................171
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................34
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....241
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................184
Child safety restraints ..............132
child safety belts ....................132
Child safety seats ......................135
attaching with tether straps ..139
in front seat ............................136
in rear seat ..............................136
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............205
instrument panel ....................207
interior .....................................207
interior trim ............................207
plastic parts ............................206
washing ....................................203
waxing .....................................204
wheels ......................................204
wiper blades ............................206
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......22, 24
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Clock ............................................48
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................65
Console
overhead ....................................48
Controls
power seat .................................96
steering column ........................56
Coolant
checking and adding ..............220
refill capacities ................224, 241
specifications ..................242, 244
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................53
Cupholder(s) .............................102
Customer Assistance ................175
Ford Extended Service Plan ...200
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............201
Getting roadside assistance ...175
Getting the service you need ..196
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................201
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................199
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................30
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid .237
engine oil .................................214
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........242
Driving under special
conditions ..................................174
through water .........................174 E
Electronic message center .........63
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................190
Emission control system ..........234
Engine ........................................244
cleaning ...................................205
coolant .....................................220
fail-safe cooling .......................225
idle speed control ...................218
lubrication specifications ......242,
244
refill capacities ........................241
service points ..........................212
starting after a collision .........177
Engine block heater .................167
Engine oil ..................................214
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................214
checking and adding ..............214
dipstick ....................................214
filter, specifications ........217, 240
recommendations ...................217
refill capacities ........................241
specifications ..................242, 244
Exhaust fumes ..........................167
F
Fail safe cooling ........................225
Fluid capacities .........................241
Foglamps .....................................30
Fuel ............................................226
calculating fuel economy ..64, 231
cap ...........................................228
capacity ...................................241
choosing the right fuel ...........229
2006 Zephyr (378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)Index
252

Safety defects, reporting ..........202
Safety restraints ........102, 106–110
BeltMinder
............................111
extension assembly ................115
for adults .........................107–109
for children .....................131–132
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................104
safety belt maintenance .........115
warning light and chime ........110
Safety seats for children ..........135
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................246
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............102
Seats ............................................95
child safety seats ....................135
climate control ..........................99
front seats .................................95
heated ........................................22
memory seat .......................80, 98
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................89
Servicing your vehicle ..............210
Side air curtain .........................128
Spark plugs, specifications ......240,
244
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................242, 244
Speed control ..............................53
Starting your vehicle ........164–166
jump starting ..........................190
Steering
speed sensitive .......................171
Steering wheel
controls ......................................56
tilting .........................................47 T
Tilt steering wheel ......................47
Tires ...........................143–144, 184
alignment ................................150
care ..........................................147
changing ..........................184, 186
checking the pressure ............147
inflating ...................................145
label .........................................156
replacing ..................................149
rotating ....................................151
safety practices .......................149
sidewall information ...............152
snow tires and chains ............157
spare tire .................................184
terminology .............................144
tire grades ...............................144
treadwear ........................143, 148
Towing .......................................162
recreational towing .................162
trailer towing ..........................162
wrecker ....................................195
Traction control ........................170
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................237
Transmission .............................171
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....171
fluid, refill capacities ..............241
lubricant specifications ..242, 244
Trunk ...........................................76
remote release ....................71, 80
Turn signal ..................................33
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................244
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................247
2006 Zephyr (378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus) Index
255