
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain steering
control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will
enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled
stop.
•The anti-lock system does not reduce stopping distance. Always leave
enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to
stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster momentarily
illuminates when the ignition is
turned on. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up,
remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.
ABS
P!
BRAKE
Driving
180
2010 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked.
To set the parking brake:
1. Move the gearshift to P (Park).
2. Press pedal downward.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned on) until the
parking brake is fully released.
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.
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.
Pull the lever to release the parking
brake.
HOOD
P!
BRAKE
Driving
181
2010 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

2. Locate the access plug on the
underside of the steering column
cover.
3. Remove the access plug using a
flat head screwdriver. Insert the
screwdriver into the access hole
nearest the steering wheel. Then
press and hold the override button
using a flat head screwdriver. Apply
the brake pedal and shift the
transmission into N (Neutral) while
continuing to press 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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
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
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
Driving
185
2010 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

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.
Driving
188
2010 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

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.
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.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
258
2010 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

WHEELS/TIRES/BRAKES
Wheel rims - police
To withstand the demands placed on vehicles driven under heavy-duty
service conditions, Ford Motor Company installs heavy-duty steel wheels.
Tires - police
Tires (including the spare) are speed-rated radials for police use. Use
only the recommended tire size and speed ratings.
In regions with snow and ice during the winter months, installation of
snow tires may be desirable. Snow tires will usually exhibit a drop in dry
pavement handling, but many show an increase in snow and ice traction.
When snow tires are used, they should be installed on all four wheels,
never on the drive wheels only.
Tires - long term storage
Most high performance tires are made with a nylon overlay.
As such, the following steps should be taken to avoid flatspotting when
the vehicles are not used for a period of time.
•Fleets should store the vehicles with 44 psi (303 kPa) in the tires.
•If the vehicle is stored for periods longer than 30 days, it should be
moved several feet at least once during each 30-day period, so that a
different portion of the tread contacts the ground.
•Tire pressure should be reduced to the recommended pressure shown
on the vehicle certification label before the vehicle is placed back into
service.
Training the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
All Crown Victorias are equipped
with the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltale on the
instrument cluster when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Crown Victoria Severe Duty
275
2010 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

If after repeating the procedure and two short beeps are heard when the
ignition is turned to off, seek assistance from your authorized dealer.
Brakes - police
The police vehicle is equipped with heavy-duty front disc brake pads to
meet the varying demands of different police service for fade resistance
and other performance requirements.
The police vehicle has standard anti-lock brakes and may be equipped
with traction control.
Brake fluid maintenance
Police pursuits involving hard braking result in very high temperatures in
the brake system, including the brake fluid. Over time, repeated
exposure to high brake temperatures can degrade brake fluid, potentially
reducing its boiling point. A lower boiling point could cause long brake
pedal travel and a loss of braking confidence during subsequent pursuit
driving. Ford recommends that police fleets replace the brake fluid at
every brake pad service interval. Brake fluid may be replaced more
frequently on vehicles involved in frequent high-speed pursuits with
heavy brake usage.
INTERIOR
Heavy-duty seats - police
The front seat assemblies, including the seat adjustment mechanisms and
supports, are ruggedly designed and ensure working comfort. An
anti-stab plate is integrated into the seat back to reduce the risk of
officer injury. An adjustable power lumbar system is standard on the
driver’s seat.
Seat belt extenders
Some police departments have begun employing the use of seat belt
extenders to make the practice of buckling and unbuckling seat belts
easier for officers wearing hip mounted radios, side arms, etc.
Seat belt extenders should never be worn when the lap strap will not
adjust snugly on the hips and/or when the intersection of the lap belt
and shoulder belt straps (measured along the lap strap) is less than six
(6) inches (15 cm) from an imaginary center line of the occupant’s body.
WARNING:Do not use extensions to change the fit of the
shoulder belt across the torso.
Crown Victoria Severe Duty
280
2010 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................179
Accessory delay ..........................69
Air cleaner filter ...............261–262
Air conditioning ..........................44
Air suspension ...........................183
description ..............................183
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................111, 121
and child safety seats ............113
description ......................111, 121
disposal ....................................123
driver airbag ....................114, 122
indicator light .................121, 123
operation .........................114, 122
passenger airbag .............114, 122
side airbag ...............................121
Airbags (police) ........................288
Alternator ..................................272
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................238
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................179–180
Anti-theft system ........................86
Audio system (see Radio) ..27, 29,
32, 37
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................185
fluid, adding ............................258
fluid, checking ........................258
fluid, refill capacities ..............263
fluid, specification ..................263
Police and fleet vehicles ........270
Auxiliary power point .................67Axle
lubricant specifications ..........263
Police and fleet vehicles ........271
refill capacities ........................263
traction lok ..............................184
B
Battery .......................................236
acid, treating emergencies .....236
jumping a disabled battery ....208
maintenance-free ....................236
Police vehicles ........................271
replacement, specifications ...262
servicing ..................................236
Belt-Minder.............................107
Booster seats .............................138
Brakes ........................................179
anti-lock ...........................179–180
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................180
fluid, checking and adding ....258
fluid, refill capacities ..............263
fluid, specifications .................263
lubricant specifications ..........263
police .......................................280
shift interlock ..........................184
Bulbs ............................................53
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....263
Cell phone use ..............................8
Child safety seats ......................128
attaching with tether straps ..136
in front seat ............................129
in rear seat ......................129, 132
LATCH .....................................133
recommendations ...................126
Index
303
2010 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)