
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAirbag - Front
Airbag - SideChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemParking Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedParking Aid System
Stability Control SystemSpeed Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
8

WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the on position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or
by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the
brake system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned to no, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will also sound
when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been
detected.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
11

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty
Guide/Customer Information Guideto find out which parts and
services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries, do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
226

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air filter assembly
6. Engine oil dipstick (access behind air tube)
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Power distribution box
10. Battery
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
228

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

MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number / Ford
specification
Brake fluidBetween MIN
and MAX on
reservoirMotorcraft High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
Fluid
1
PM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A
Door weatherstrips —Silicone Spray
LubricantXL-6 /
ESR-M13P4-A
Engine coolant18.6 quarts
(17.6L)Motorcraft Premium
Gold Engine Coolant
with bittering agent
(yellow colored)
2
VC-7-B /
WSS-M97B51-A1
Cooling system stop
leak pellets—Motorcraft Cooling
System Stop Leak
PelletsVC-6 /
WSS-M99B37-B6
Hinges, latches,
striker plates, fuel
filler door hinge and
seat tracks— Multi-Purpose GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 /
ESB-M1C93-B
Lock cylinders —Motorcraft Penetrating
and Lock LubricantXL-1 /
None
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
260

Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number / Ford
specification
Fuel tank19.0 gallons
(71.9L)——
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.4Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set
by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.5Automatic transmissions that require MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.6Add 4.0 oz. (118 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification
EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear axles only.7Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch (6 mm to
13 mm) below the bottom of the filler hole.8Rear axles are considered lubricated for life when the vehicle is used for normal service. For
severe duty requirements, seeExceptionsandSpecial Operating Conditionsinscheduled
maintenance information.
2008 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
262

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