Unleaded gasoline engines
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded
gasoline. “Premium” unleaded gasoline is not recommended because it
may cause these problems to become more pronounced. If the problems
persist, see your authorized dealer.
FFV engine (if equipped)
To identify if your vehicle is an FFV, it may be equipped with a yellow
fuel cap with the text “E85/Gasoline”, or check if there is a label on the
fuel filler door.
It is best not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E85. If you do
switch fuels, it is recommended that you add as much fuel as
possible—at least half a tank. Do not add less than five gallons (18.9 L)
when refueling. You should drive the vehicle immediately after refueling
for at least 5 miles (8 km) to allow the vehicle to adapt to the change in
ethanol concentration.
If you operate your vehicle 50% or more of the time on ethanol, you
should follow a different maintenance schedule. In addition to this, it is
also recommended to fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline
once every 3,000 miles (4,800 km). Seescheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•TheService engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on theService engine soon
indicator, refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
2009 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
254
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of theService engine soon
indicator, charging system
warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
WARNING:Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
2009 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
258
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
replacing the batteries .............83
Reverse sensing system ...........189
Roadside assistance ..................193
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........101, 104, 106–109
Safety Canopy ...........................124
Safety defects, reporting ..224–225
Safety restraints ...............101, 104,
106–109
Belt-Minder...........................110
extension assembly ................109
for adults .........................106–109
for children .............................127
lap belt ....................................106
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................102
warning light and chime ........110
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................136
Safety seats for children ..........131
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................271
Seats ............................................93
child safety seats ....................131
easy access/easyout feature ..100
heated ........................................98
memory seat .....................82, 100
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................88
Servicing your vehicle ..............233
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................265, 270
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................267
Speed control ..............................54Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......177
Starting your vehicle ........175–177
jump starting ..........................210
Steering wheel
controls ......................................57
tilting .........................................47
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................47
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....160
Tires ...........................145–146, 202
alignment ................................153
care ..........................................149
changing ..........................202, 205
checking the pressure ............149
inflating ...................................147
label .........................................159
replacing ..................................151
rotating ....................................153
safety practices .......................152
sidewall information ...............154
snow tires and chains ............165
spare tire .........................203, 205
terminology .............................146
tire grades ...............................146
treadwear ........................145, 150
Towing .......................................171
recreational towing .................174
trailer towing ..........................171
wrecker ....................................216
Traction control ........................182
Traction-lok rear axle ...............185
Transmission .............................185
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....185
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................262
fluid, refill capacities ..............267
2009 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
279
lubricant specifications ..........267
Trunk ...........................................79
remote release ....................74, 82
Turn signal ..................................39
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................271
Vehicle loading ..........................165
Ventilating your vehicle ...........178W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Water, Driving through .............192
Windows
power .........................................50
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................46
replacing wiper blades ...........236
Wrecker towing .........................216
2009 Town Car(tow)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
280