2009 LINCOLN TOWN CAR Owners Manual

The air suspension shut-off switch is
located on the left side of the trunk.
If this switch is in the off position,
the rear air suspension will not
operate.
WARNING:On vehicles
equipped with air
suspension, turn off the air
suspension switch prior to jacking,
hoisting or towing your vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation does not require any action by the driver.
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle. The axle may
exhibit a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.
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 on position unless 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, it is possible that a fuse
has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer
toFuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to 2 (accessory).
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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.
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Driving with a 4–speed automatic transmission
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
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.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
(Overdrive)
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The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the gearshift lever.
Drive (not shown)
Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: heavy city traffic where continuous shifting in
and out of overdrive occurs, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing
and when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control
switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
2 (Second)
This position allows for second gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use to start-up on slippery roads.
•To return to
(Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the
(Overdrive) position.
•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.
O
/
D
O
F
F
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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.
If necessary, try turning the Traction Control™ system off. This will
allow the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For
more information, refer toTraction Control™in this chapter.
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.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The reverse sensing system sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles
near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) gear is selected.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, please read and
understand the limitations of the reverse sensing system as
contained in this section. The park assist is only an aid for some
(generally large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat
surface at “parking speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the
function of the RSS; this may include reduced performance or a false
activation.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, always use caution
when in R (Reverse) and when using the reverse sensing system.
WARNING:This system is not designed to prevent contact with
small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a
warning to assist the driver in detecting objects to avoid damaging the
vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly those
close to the ground.
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WARNING:Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches,
bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the
normal detection zone of the reverse sensing system may create false
beeps.
The system will assist the driver in detecting certain objects while the
vehicle moves in reverse at speeds less than 6 mph (10 km/h). The
system is not effective at speeds greater than 6 mph (10 km/h) and may
not detect certain angular or moving objects.
The system detects obstacles within approximately 16 feet (five meters),
at speeds above 2.5 mph (4 km/h) behind the rear bumper with a
decreased coverage area at the outer corners of the bumper. If vehicle
speed is below 2.5 mph (4 km/h), the system detects obstacles within
approximately 9 feet (2.6 meters) behind the rear bumper with a
decreased coverage area at the outer corners of the bumper. As you
move closer to the obstacle, the rate of the tone increases. When the
distance to the obstacle is approximately less than 18 inches (45.0 cm),
the tone will sound continuously. If the system detects an object that is
approaching the vehicle at such a rate that rapid braking is required, a
very high rate tone will sound. If this tone is heard while reversing, the
driver is advised to slow down immediately until the tone either changes
to a slower rate or stops.
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Audible Warnings
Distance to Object Warning
Speed above 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
up to 1.6 feet (.5 meters) Solid
1.6 feet (.5 meters) to 3.1 feet
(1 meter)Fast beep
3.1 feet (1 meter) to 5.7 feet
(1.8 meters)Medium/fast beep
5.7 feet (1.8 meters) to 9 feet
(2.8 meters)Medium beep
9 feet (2.8 meters) to 13 feet
(4 meters)Medium/slow beep
13 feet (4 meters) to 19.6 feet
(6 meters)Slow beep
Speed below 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
up to 1.4 feet (.4 meters) Solid
1.4 feet (.4 meters) to 3 feet
(.9 meters)Fast beep
3 feet (.9 meters) to 4.5 feet
(1.4 meters)Medium beep
4.5 feet (1.4 meters) to
6.3 feet (1.9 meters)Medium/slow beep
6.3 feet (1.9 meters) to
8.7 feet (2.6 meters)Slow beep
8.7 feet (2.6 meters) to
16.4 feet (5 meters)No sound
The reverse sensing system is automatically enabled when the gear
selector is placed in R (Reverse) and the ignition is on. A control in the
message center allows the driver to disable the system only when the
ignition is on and the gear selector is in R (Reverse). Refer toMessage
centerin theDriver Controlschapter.
The message center will indicate the system is off and will not allow the
driver to switch the system on to indicate a failure of the reverse sensing
system.
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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.
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