2008 FORD CROWN VICTORIA brakes

If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear.
Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with
emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations
can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by
weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can
be removed with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A).
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
This vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). A noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s
anti-lock brake system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by
an authorized dealer.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain steering
control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will
enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled
stop.
2008 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
181

The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Your vehicle may be equipped with an automatic parking brake release.
To release the parking brake:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Press the brake pedal.
3. Move the gearshift from the P (Park) position to one of the forward
gears (the parking brake will not release automatically when you shift
into reverse). The brake pedal must remain pressed while the gearshift is
moved.
If the parking brake fails to release
after completing this procedure, use
the manual parking brake release
lever.
Pull the lever to manually release
the parking brake.
TRACTION CONTROL™ (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional Traction Control™
system. This system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of
your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces.
The system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system
borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements already present
in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Control™ portion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is
realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
rear wheels “search” for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
2008 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
183

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Brake-shift interlock – floor-shift transmission
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 ON position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to ACC.Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
When the key is in the ignition and in the ACC position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
2008 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
188

•Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to
downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in
(Overdrive) or Drive.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
2008 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
191

BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp 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.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor 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 20 miles [30 km]). 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 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.
M
AX
2008 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
261

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................181
Air cleaner filter ...............263–264
Air conditioning ..........................35
Air suspension ...........................186
description ..............................186
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................121, 130
and child safety seats ............123
description ......................121, 130
disposal ....................................133
driver airbag ....................123, 131
indicator light .................130, 132
operation .........................123, 131
passenger airbag .............123, 131
side airbag ...............................130
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................241
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................181
Anti-theft system ..................95, 99
arming the system ..................100
disarming a triggered
system .....................................100
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18, 20, 23, 28
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................189
fluid, adding ............................261
fluid, checking ........................261
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
fluid, specification ..................266
Auxiliary power point .................62
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........266
refill capacities ........................266traction lok ..............................186
B
Battery .......................................239
acid, treating emergencies .....239
jumping a disabled battery ....211
maintenance-free ....................239
replacement, specifications ...264
servicing ..................................239
Belt-Minder.............................116
Booster seats .............................134
Brakes ................................180–181
anti-lock ...................................181
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................182
fluid, checking and adding ....261
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
fluid, specifications .................266
lubricant specifications ..........266
shift interlock ..................187–188
Bulbs ............................................44
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....266
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............133
child safety belts ....................133
Child safety seats ......................137
attaching with tether straps ..141
in front seat ............................138
in rear seat ..............................138
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................134
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............226
instrument panel ....................228
interior .....................................229
2008 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
274

programming entry code .........93
Keys .......................................85, 98
positions of the ignition .........175
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................38
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................44
daytime running light ...............39
headlamps .................................38
headlamps, flash to pass ..........39
instrument panel, dimming .....40
interior lamps .....................42–45
replacing bulbs .........................45
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................42
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........182
Limited slip axle
(see Traction Loc) ....................186
Load limits .................................165
Locks
autolock .....................................86
childproof ..................................87
doors ..........................................85
Lubricant specifications ...........266
Lug nuts ....................................210
Lumbar support, seats .............105
M
Message center ...........................75
english/metric button ...............79
system check button ................78
warning messages .....................80
Mirrors ...................................64–65automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................64
fold away ...................................65
heated ........................................65
side view mirrors (power) .......65
Moon roof ....................................70
Motorcraft parts ........230, 247, 264
O
Octane rating ............................252
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................236
P
Parking brake ............................182
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....264
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................108
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................66
Power adjustable foot pedals .....66
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................199
Power door locks ..................85–86
Power mirrors .............................65
Power point .................................62
Power steering ..........................185
fluid, checking and adding ....260
fluid, refill capacity ................266
Power Windows ...........................63
R
Radio ..........................18, 20, 23, 28
Rear window defroster ...............37
Relays ................................195, 203
2008 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
277