WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the
OFF/LOCK position and remove the key whenever you leave your
vehicle.
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 has 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™
For Traction Control™ warning lights refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument clusterchapter.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Traction Control™ system (except on
commercial conversion packages). This system helps you maintain the
stability and steerability of your vehicle, especially on slippery road
surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads and gravel roads. The
system will allow your vehicle to make better use of available traction in
these conditions.
2009 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
182
2. Locate the access plug on the
underside of the steering column
cover.
3. Remove the access plug using a flat head screwdriver, then push and
hold the override button using a flat head screwdriver. Apply the brake
pedal and shift the transmission into N (Neutral) while continuing to
depress the override button.
4. Reinstall the access plug cover, start the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING: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.
2009 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
186
The radar sensor is located behind the rear bumper/fascia. Always
keep the rear bumper/fascia free from snow, ice and large
accumulations of dirt. These elements may cause the system to
operate inaccurately.
If the vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
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.
2009 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
192
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.
MAX
2009 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
262
A
Accessory delay ..........................51
Air cleaner filter ...............264–265
Air suspension ...........................184
description ..............................184
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................115, 124
and child safety seats ............117
description ......................115, 124
disposal ....................................127
driver airbag ....................118, 125
indicator light .................124, 126
operation .........................118, 125
passenger airbag .............118, 125
side airbag ...............................124
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................242
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ..............................180–181
Anti-theft system ..................88, 92
arming the system ....................92
disarming a triggered system ..92
Audio system (see Radio) ...19, 24
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................187
fluid, adding ............................262
fluid, checking ........................262
fluid, refill capacities ..............267
fluid, specification ..................267
Auxiliary power point .................48
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........267
refill capacities ........................267
traction lok ..............................185
B
Battery .......................................240acid, treating emergencies .....240
jumping a disabled battery ....210
maintenance-free ....................240
replacement, specifications ...265
servicing ..................................240
Belt-Minder.............................110
Booster seats .............................141
Brakes ........................................180
anti-lock ...........................180–181
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................181
fluid, checking and adding ....262
fluid, specifications .................267
lubricant specifications ..........267
shift interlock ..........................185
Bulbs ............................................39
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....267
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................202
Child safety seats ......................131
attaching with tether straps ..139
in front seat ............................132
in rear seat ......................132, 135
LATCH .....................................136
recommendations ...................129
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................141
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............227
instrument panel ....................229
interior .....................................230
plastic parts ............................228
washing ....................................226
waxing .....................................227
wheels ......................................227
wiper blades ............................228
2009 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
275
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................35
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................40
daytime running light ...............36
headlamps .................................35
headlamps, flash to pass ..........36
instrument panel, dimming .....37
interior lamps .....................39, 41
replacing bulbs .........................42
LATCH anchors .........................136
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........181
Load limits .................................165
Locks
childproof ..................................78
doors ..........................................76
Lubricant specifications ...........267
Lug nuts ....................................210
Lumbar support, seats ...............96
M
Message center ...........................62
english/metric button ...............67
system check button ................66
warning messages .....................70
Mirrors ...................................52–53
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................52
fold away ...................................54
heated ........................................53
programmable memory ............82
side view mirrors (power) .......53
Motorcraft parts ........231, 248, 265
O
Octane rating ............................253Oil (see Engine oil) ..................237
P
Parking brake ............................181
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....265
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................102
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................54
Power adjustable foot pedals .....54
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................199
Power door locks ........................76
Power mirrors .............................53
Power point .................................48
Power steering ..........................183
fluid, checking and adding ....261
fluid, refill capacity ................267
Power trunk ..........................74–75
Power Windows ...........................50
R
Radio ......................................19, 24
Rear window defroster ...............34
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................129
Relays ........................................195
Remote entry system .................80
illuminated entry ......................85
locking/unlocking doors ...........81
opening the trunk .....................82
panic alarm ...............................82
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................84
2009 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
278