If theService engine soonindicator remains on, have your vehicle
serviced at the first available opportunity. Although some malfunctions
detected by the OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with theService engine soon
indicator on can
result in increased emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced engine and
transmission smoothness, and lead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
Some state/provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M
test if theService engine soon
indicator is on or not working
properly (bulb is burned out), or if the OBD-II system has determined
that some of the emission control systems have not been properly
checked. In this case, the vehicle is considered not ready for I/M testing.
If theService engine soon
indicator is on or the bulb does not
work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. Refer to the On board
diagnostics (OBD-II) description in this chapter.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the on position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If theService engine
soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing; if theService engine soon
indicator stays on
solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
253
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer toscheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval
schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
254
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 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
255
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
System
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
TRANSMISSION CODE DESIGNATIONS
You can find a transmission code on
the Safety Compliance Certification
Label. The following table tells you
which transmission each code
represents.
Description Code
Four-speed automatic (4R75E) Q
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
265
A
Accessory delay ..........................49
Air cleaner filter ...............257–258
Air suspension ...........................178
description ..............................178
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................112–113, 122
and child safety seats ............115
description ......................113, 122
disposal ....................................124
driver airbag ....................115, 123
indicator light .................122, 124
operation .........................115, 123
passenger airbag .............115, 123
side airbag ...............................122
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................235
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................174
Anti-theft system ..................85, 89
arming the system ....................89
disarming a triggered system ..89
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 22
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................180
fluid, adding ............................255
fluid, checking ........................255
fluid, refill capacities ..............260
fluid, specification ..................260
Auxiliary power point .................46
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........260
refill capacities ........................260
traction lok ..............................178
B
Battery .......................................233acid, treating emergencies .....233
jumping a disabled battery ....203
maintenance-free ....................233
replacement, specifications ...258
servicing ..................................233
Belt-Minder.............................108
Booster seats .............................126
Brakes ........................................173
anti-lock ...................................174
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................174
fluid, checking and adding ....255
fluid, specifications .................260
lubricant specifications ..........260
shift interlock ..........................178
Bulbs ............................................37
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....260
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................195
Child safety restraints ..............125
child safety belts ....................125
Child safety seats ......................129
attaching with tether straps ..133
in front seat ............................130
in rear seat ..............................130
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................126
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............221
instrument panel ....................222
interior .....................................223
plastic parts ............................221
washing ....................................219
waxing .....................................220
wheels ......................................220
wiper blades ............................222
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
268
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............29
Clock ............................................46
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................65
Console
rear ......................................47–48
Controls
power seat .................................93
steering column ........................54
Coolant
checking and adding ..............235
refill capacities ................239, 260
specifications ..........................260
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................52
Customer Assistance ................186
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................215
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............216
Getting roadside assistance ...186
Getting the service you
need .........................................211
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................217
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................215
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................34
Defrost
rear window ..............................32
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................255engine oil .................................230
Driving under special
conditions ..................................182
through water .........................185
E
Electronic message center .........59
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................203
Emergency Flashers .................187
Emission control system ..........251
Engine ........................................263
cleaning ...................................221
coolant .....................................235
fail-safe cooling .......................240
idle speed control ...................233
lubrication specifications .......260
refill capacities ........................260
service points ..................228–229
starting after a collision .........188
Engine block heater .................172
Engine oil ..................................230
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................230
checking and adding ..............230
dipstick ....................................230
filter, specifications ........232, 258
recommendations ...................232
refill capacities ........................260
specifications ..........................260
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................171
F
Fail safe cooling ........................240
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....241
Floor mats ...................................70
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
269
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................33
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................38
daytime running light ...............34
headlamps .................................33
headlamps, flash to pass ..........34
instrument panel, dimming .....35
interior lamps .....................37–39
replacing bulbs .........................39
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........174
Load limits .................................158
Locks
childproof ..................................75
doors ..........................................73
Lubricant specifications ...........260
Lug nuts ....................................202
Lumbar support, seats ...............93
M
Message center ...........................59
english/metric button ...............64
system check button ................63
warning messages .....................67
Mirrors ...................................49–50
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................50
fold away ...................................51
heated ........................................51
programmable memory ............79
side view mirrors (power) .......50
Motorcraft parts ........224, 241, 258
O
Octane rating ............................246Oil (see Engine oil) ..................230
P
Parking brake ............................175
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....258
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................99
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................51
Power adjustable foot pedals .....51
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................192
Power door locks ........................73
Power mirrors .............................50
Power point .................................46
Power steering ..........................177
fluid, checking and adding ....254
fluid, refill capacity ................260
Power trunk ..........................71–72
Power Windows ...........................48
R
Radio ......................................17, 22
Rear window defroster ...............32
Relays ........................................188
Remote entry system .................77
illuminated entry ......................82
locking/unlocking doors ...........78
opening the trunk .....................78
panic alarm ...............................79
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................81
replacing the batteries .............80
Reverse sensing system ...........182
Roadside assistance ..................186
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
271