Ford Crown 1996 User Manual

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Table of Contents

Introductory Information ............................... 1

Safety Restraints .............................................. 7

Starting Your Crown Victoria .................... 37

Warning Lights and Gauges ....................... 47

Instrument Panel Controls .......................... 87

Steering Column Controls ........................ 109

Features .......................................................... 121

Electronic Sound Systems ......................... 149

Driving Your Crown Victoria .................. 173

Roadside Emergencies ................................ 197

Customer Assistance ................................... 215

Reporting Safety Defects ...................... 223

Accessories .................................................... 227

Servicing Your Crown Victoria ............... 233

Quick Index .................................................. 303

Index ............................................................... 313

Service Station Information ...................... 332

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Introductory Information

Our Guiding Principles

Quality comes first. For your satisfaction, the

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quality of our products and services must be our number one priority.

You are the focus of everything we do. Our

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work must be done with you in mind, providing better products and services than our competition.

Continuous improvement is essential to our

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success. We must strive for excellence in everything we do: in our products — in their safety and value — and in our services, our human relations, our competitiveness, and our profitability.

Employee involvement is our way of life.

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We are a team. We must treat one another with trust and respect.

Dealers and suppliers are our partners. We

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must maintain mutually beneficial relationships with dealers, suppliers, and our other business associates.

Integrity is never compromised. Our conduct

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worldwide must be pursued in a manner that is socially responsible and commands respect for its integrity and for its positive contributions to society.

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This Guide

Congratulations on the purchase of your new vehicle. This guide has information about the equipment and the options for your new vehicle. You may not have bought all of the options available to you. If you do not know which information applies to your vehicle, talk to your dealer.

This guide describes equipment and gives specifications for equipment that was in effect when this guide was approved for printing. Ford may discontinue models or change specifications or design without any notice and without incurring obligation.

NOTES and WARNINGS

NOTES give you additional information about

the subject matter you are referencing. WARNINGS remind you to be especially careful

in those areas where carelessness can cause damage to your vehicle or personal injury to yourself, your passengers or other people. Please read all WARNINGS carefully.

RWARNING

Finding Information in This Guide

After you have read this guide once, you will probably return to it when you have a specific question or need additional information. To help you find specific information quickly, you can use the Quick Index or the Index.

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The Quick Index at the end of the book provides a page number following each item which indicates where detailed information can be found.

To use the Index, turn to the back of the book and search in the alphabetical listing for the word that best describes the information you need. If the word you chose is not listed, think of other related words and look them up. We have designed the Index so that you can find information under a technical term.

Canadian Owners — French Version

French Owner Guides can be obtained from your dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box 1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.

Record Booklet

The Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet lists the services that are most important for keeping your vehicle in good condition. A record log is also provided to help you keep track of all services performed.

Your vehicle is covered by three types of warranties: Basic Vehicle Warranty, Extended

Warranties on certain parts, and Emissions Warranties.

Read your Warranty Information Booklet carefully to find out about your vehicle’s warranties and your basic rights and responsibilities.

If you lose your Warranty Information Booklet, you can get a new one free of charge. Contact any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, or refer to the

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addresses and phone numbers on the first page of this owner guide.

Buying a Ford Extended Service Plan

If you bought your vehicle in the U.S., you can buy a Ford Extended Service Plan for your vehicle. This optional contract provides service protection for a longer period of time than the basic warranty that comes with your vehicle.

You do not have to buy this option when you buy your vehicle. However, your option to purchase the Ford Extended Service Plan runs out after 18 months or 18,000 miles. See your dealer for more details about the Ford Extended Service Plan.

If you purchased a Canadian vehicle and did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the time of purchase, you may still be eligible. See your dealer for the details.

Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or break-in period during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in period, you need to pay careful attention to how you drive your vehicle.

Avoid sudden stops. Because your vehicle

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has new brake linings, you should take these steps:

— Watch traffic carefully so that you can

anticipate when to stop. — Begin braking well in advance. — Apply the brakes gradually.

The break-in period for new brake linings lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.

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Use only the type of engine oil that Ford

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recommends. See Engine oil recommendations in the Index. Do not use special “break-in” oils.

Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic Powertrain Control Module that limits engine and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out mode to promote durability.

Vehicle

Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage the paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your vehicle as often as necessary to keep it clean.

Take similar precautions if your vehicle is exposed to chemical industrial fallout.

Paint damage resulting from fallout is not related to a defect in paint materials or workmanship and therefore is not covered by warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual improvement in customer satisfaction is a high priority. For this reason, Ford has authorized their dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by environmental fallout within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) of purchase, whichever comes first. Customers may be required to bring their vehicle in for inspection by a Ford representative.

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Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle

Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the underside, with a mild detergent.

DO NOT:

Wash your vehicle with hot water

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Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct

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sunlight Wash your vehicle while the body is hot

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Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits and protect the finish.

Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts

Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, fuel, or strong detergents.

Cleaning Plastic Parts

Some of your vehicle’s exterior trim parts are plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning.

Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or petroleum-based cleaners.

If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil remover. If rustproofing is not removed from plastic and rubber parts, it can cause deterioration.

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Safety Restraints

The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and your passengers in case of a collision. In most states and in Canada the law requires their use.

Safety belts provide best restraint when:

the seatback is upright

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the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)

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the lap belt is snug and low on the hips

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the shoulder belt is snug against the chest

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the knees are straight forward

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To help you remember to fasten your safety belt, a warning light may come on and a chime may sound. See Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime in the Warning Lights and Gauges chapter.

See the following sections in this chapter for directions on how to properly use these safety belts. Also see Safety Restraints for Children in this chapter for special instructions about using safety belts for children.

RWARNING

Make sure that you and your passengers wear safety belts. Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

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RWARNING

Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. Never swing it around the neck over the inside shoulder. Never use a single belt for more than one person or across more than one seating position. Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. Failure to follow these precautions could increase the risk and/or severity of injury in a collision.

RWARNING

Never drive or ride with a twisted or jammed safety belt. If you cannot untwist or unjam the safety belt, see the nearest qualified technician immediately.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision, children should always ride with the seatback upright.

RWARNING

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision.

Lock the doors of your vehicle before driving to lessen the risk of the door coming open in a collision.

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Belts

While your vehicle is in motion, the combination lap and shoulder belt adjusts to your movement. However, if you brake hard, corner hard or if your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph (8 km/h) or more, the lap and shoulder belt locks and helps reduce your forward movement.

After you get into your vehicle, close the door and lock it. Then adjust the seat to the position that suits you best.

To fasten the belt, pull the lap/shoulder belt from the retractor so that the shoulder portion of the belt crosses your shoulder and chest. Be sure the belt is not twisted. If it is, remove the twist. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

Fastening the front seat combination lap and shoulder belt

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Fastening the rear seat combination lap and shoulder belt

NOTE: Be sure to read and understand

Important Safety Belt Information at the beginning of this chapter.

Safety Belts for All Passenger Outboard Seating Positions

Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for the front and rear outboard passenger seats.

Dual locking mode retractors operate in two ways:

Vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt retractor will allow the occupant freedom of movement, locking tight only on hard braking, hard cornering or impacts of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) or more. The retractor can also be made to lock by pulling/jerking on the belt.

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Automatic locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt retractor will be automatically locked and remain locked when the combination lap/shoulder safety belt is buckled, and does not allow the occupant freedom of movement. This mode provides the following:

A tight lap/shoulder belt fit on the occupant.

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Child seat or infant carrier installation

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restraint.

RWARNING

Never install a rear-facing child seat or infant carrier in the right front passenger seat.

This mode must be used when installing a child safety seat on the front passenger seat and rear outboard seats where dual locking retractors are provided.

To switch the retractor from the emergency locking mode to the automatic locking mode, perform the following steps:

1. Buckle the lap/shoulder combination belt.

2. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted, and when allowed to retract, a clicking sound will be heard. At this time, the belt retractor is in the automatic locking mode (child restraint mode).

3. A clicking sound will contnue to be heard as the belt is allowed to retract.

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NOTE: When the combination lap/shoulder

belt is unbuckled and allowed to retract completely, the retractor will switch back to the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode. See the detailed instructions under Safety Seats for Children in this chapter.

Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment

Driver and right front passenger

You can adjust the shoulder belt height to one of five (5) positions. To adjust, pinch the release button (see Figures 1 and 2) and slide it up or down until the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Release the button and make sure the adjuster is firmly in one of the five (5) positions.

RWARNING

If the shoulder belt is off your shoulder or on your upper arm, there is a greater risk of severe injury in a collision.

BE SURE THE BELT IS PROPERLY POSITIONED ON YOUR SHOULDER EACH TIME YOU USE THE BELT.

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The shoulder belt height adjuster

RWARNING

The lap belts should fit snugly and as low as possible around the hips, not around the waist.

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RWARNING

All front and rear seat outboard occupants (including pregnant women) should wear lap and shoulder belts, for optimum protection in a collision.

RWARNING

Failure to follow these precautions could increase the risk and/or severity of injury in a collision. 1) Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing it around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person.

To unfasten all the belts:

1. Push the release button in the center of the buckle. This allows the tongue to unlatch from the buckle.

Unfastening the outboard lap/shoulder belts

2. While the belt retracts, guide the tongue to its stowed position. If you do not guide the tongue, it may strike you or part of the vehicle.

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Lap Belts — Center Seating Position

The lap belts in the center of the front and rear seats do not adjust automatically. You must adjust them to fit snugly and as low as possible around your hips. Do not wear them around your waist.

Pull the belt across your hips and insert the tongue into the correct buckle on your seat until you hear a snap and feel it lock. Make sure the buckle is securely fastened.

If you need to lengthen the belt, unfasten it and tip the belt tongue at a right angle to the belt. Pull the belt tongue over your lap until it reaches the buckle.

If you need to shorten the belt, pull on the loose end of the webbing until the belt fits snugly.

To unfasten the belt, push the release button on the buckle. This allows the tongue to unlatch from the buckle.

Because the center lap belts do not have retractors, they should be shortened and fastened when not in use.

Unfastening center lap safety belts

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Safety Belt Extension Assembly

For some people, the safety belt may be too short even when it is fully extended. You can add about eight inches (20 cm) to the belt length with a safety belt extension assembly (part number 611C22). Safety belt extensions are available at no cost from your dealer.

RWARNING

Failure to follow these instructions will affect the performance of the safety belts and increase the risk of personal injury.

Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended. Do not use extension to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

Safety Belt Maintenance

Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure that they work properly and are not damaged.

All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar) (if equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching hardware, should be inspected after any collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use

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during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

Cleaning the Safety Belts

Clean the safety belts with any mild soap solution that is recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belt webbing because this may weaken it.

System (SRS)

The driver and right front passenger air bags are Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), provided at these seating positions in addition to the lap/shoulder belt, and are designed to supplement the protection provided to properly belted occupants in moderate to severe frontal collisions. The supplemental air bag system does not provide restraint to the lower body.

The Importance of Wearing Safety Belts

RWARNING

Safety belts must be worn by all vehicle occupants to be properly restrained and help reduce the risk of injury in a collision.

RWARNING

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always wear their safety belts, even when an air bag Supplemental Restraint System is provided.

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There are four very important reasons to use safety belts even with an air bag system. Use your safety belts to:

help keep you in the proper position (away

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from the air bag) when it inflates reduce the risk of harm in rollover, side or

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rear impact collisions, because an air bag is not designed to inflate in such situations

reduce the risk of harm in frontal collisions

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that are not severe enough to activate the supplemental air bag

reduce the risk of being thrown from your

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vehicle

The Importance of Being Properly Seated

In a collision, the air bag must inflate extremely fast to help provide additional protection for you. In order to do this, the air bag must inflate with considerable force. If you are not seated in a normal riding position with your back against the seatback, the air bag may not protect you properly and could possibly hurt you as it inflates.

RWARNING

If a passenger is not properly seated and restrained, an inflating air bag could cause serious injury.

RWARNING

Rear-facing infant seats should never be placed in the front seat.

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In rear-facing infant seats, the infant’s head is closer to the air bag. The force of the rapidly inflating air bag could push the top of the rear-facing seat against the vehicle seatback, center console (if so equipped), or center armrests (if so equipped). REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS MUST ALWAYS BE SECURED IN THE REAR SEAT, and other child safety seats and infant seats should be secured in the rear seat whenever possible.

Your vehicle is equipped with a right front passenger air bag. Air bags deploy with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. Front passengers, especially children and small adults, must never sit on the front edge of the seat, stand near the glove compartment of the instrument panel, or lean over near the air bag cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants should sit with their backs against the seatback, move the seat to the most rearward position if possible and use the safety belts. Children weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always should use child or infant seats.

RWARNING

When using forward-facing child seats move the passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as possible. NEVER SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS IN THE FRONT SEAT.

THE FORCE OF THE RAPIDLY INFLATING PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD PUSH THE TOP OF THE REAR-FACING SEAT AGAINST THE VEHICLE SEATBACK, ARMRESTS OR CONSOLE. REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS MUST ALWAYS BE SECURED IN THE REAR SEAT.

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RWARNING

Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the air bag cover on the steering wheel or in front seat areas that may come in contact with a deploying air bag. Failure to follow this instruction may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.

For additional important safety information on the proper use of seat belts, child seats, and infant seats, please read the other sections of this part of the Owner Guide, especially sections entitled Safety Belts for Children and Safety Seats

for Children.

For further information about the proper mounting of equipment in the front seat of this vehicle, please refer to Ford’s brochure entitled

Some Important Information About Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System which can be

obtained by calling Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356. Ask for brochure FPS-8602.

How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System Operates

The driver air bag is in the center of the steering wheel. The right front passenger seat air bag is in the upper right hand section of the instrument panel ledge above the glove compartment. Both air bags are designed to stay out of sight until they are activated.

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The location of the air bag and warning labels

If a collision occurs, the sensors sense the severity of the impact and activates the air bags if necessary. The air bag system is designed to deploy in frontal and front-angled collisions more severe than hitting a parked vehicle (of similar size and weight) head-on at about 28 mph (45 km/h). Because the system senses the crash severity rather than vehicle speed, some frontal collisions at speeds above 28 mph (45 km/h) will not inflate the air bag.

The whole inflation and deflation process takes place in a matter of seconds.

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RWARNING

Air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

Inflated driver side air bag

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Inflated right front passenger side air bag

RWARNING

If the air bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT FUNCTION AGAIN AND MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

The air bag system uses a readiness light and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. The readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When you turn the ignition to the ON position, this light will illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the system is operating normally. NOTE: Maintenance of the air bag system is not required.

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A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:

the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,

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or it will not light immediately after the ignition

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is turned on, or a group of five beeps will be heard.

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If any of these things happen, have the air bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the air bag supplemental restraint system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

RWARNING

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles

For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST be disposed of by qualified personnel.

In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law to use safety restraints for children. If small children ride in your vehicle — this generally includes children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or less — you must put them in safety seats that are made specially for children. Safety belts alone do not provide maximum protection for these children. Check your local and state laws for specific requirements.

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RWARNING

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision.

RWARNING

Passengers should not be allowed to ride in the cargo area. Persons not riding in a seat with a fastened seat belt are much more likely to suffer serious injury in a collision. Cargo should always be secured to prevent it from shifting and causing damage to the vehicle or harm to passengers.

When possible, put children in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions.

RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

RWARNING

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them.

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RWARNING

Never leave a child unattended in your vehicle.

RWARNING

When using forward-facing child seats move the passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as possible. NEVER SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS IN THE FRONT SEAT.

Safety Seats for Children

Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Always follow the safety seat manufacturer’s instructions when installing and using the safety seat.

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more information on top tether straps see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

When installing a child safety seat, be sure to use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position, and make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

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Children weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) should use child or infant seats. Forward facing child seats must have the passenger seat moved as far back from the instrument panel as possible.

RWARNING

REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS SHOULD NEVER BE USED IN THE FRONT SEAT. REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS MUST ALWAYS BE PLACED IN THE REAR SEAT. Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious injury.

All child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or by the lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt.

RWARNING

If you do not properly secure the safety seat, the child occupying the seat may be injured during a collision or sudden stop. An unsecured safety seat could also injure other passengers.

RWARNING

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Installing Safety Seats in the Front and Rear Outboard Passenger Seating Positions

For seating positions equipped with a dual locking mode retractor, use the following procedure.

If you choose to install a child safety seat or infant carrier in the front seating positions, move vehicle seat as far back as possible.

1. Position the child seat in the center of the passenger seat.

2. Pull down on shoulder belt, then grasp shoulder belt and lap belt together. Figure 1.

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3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. See Figure 2. Be sure that the belt webbing is not twisted.

Routing the lap/shoulder belt

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4. Insert the belt tongue into the buckle for that seating position until you hear and feel the latch engage. Figure 3. Make sure tongue is latched securely to buckle by pulling on tongue.

Buckling the belt

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5. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted and a click is heard. At this time, the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (child seat restraint mode). Figure 4.

NOTE: The dual-locking mode retractor must

be in the automatic locking mode to properly restrain a child.

Setting the retractor to automatic locking mode

6. Allow the belt to retract. Pull up on the shoulder webbing. A clicking sound will be heard as the belt retracts. This indicates the retractor is in the automatic locking mode. Push down on the child seat while you pull up on the belt to remove any slack in the belt. Figures 5 and 6.

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7. Before placing the child in the child seat, forcibly tilt the seat from side to side, and tug it forward to make sure that the seat is securely held in place, Figure 7.

Checking that the seat is secure

8. Double check that the retractor is in the automatic locking mode. Try to pull more belt out of the retractor. If you cannot, the belt is in the automatic locking mode, Figure 8.

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Checking the retractor

9. Check to make sure that the child seat is properly secured prior to each use. If the retractor is not locked, repeat steps 4 through 7.

Installing a Child Safety Seat at the Rear Center Seating Position with Adjustable Lap Belt

1. Lengthen the lap belt. To lengthen the belt, hold the tongue so that its bottom is perpendicular to the direction of webbing while sliding the tongue up the webbing.

2. Place the child safety seat in the center seating position.

3. Route the tongue and webbing through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

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4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle for the center seating position until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened to the buckle by pulling on tongue.

5. Push down on the child seat while pulling on the loose end of the lap belt webbing to tighten the belt.

6. Before placing the child into child seat, forcibly tilt the child seat from side-to-side and in forward direction to ensure that the seat is held securely in place. If the child seat moves excessively, repeat steps 5 through 6, or properly install the child seat in a different position.

Safety Belts for Children

Children who are too large for child safety seats should always wear safety belts. (See instructions with your child seat, or contact its manufacturer, to determine maximum size of child that will safely fit in the seat.)

RWARNING

If safety belts are not properly worn and adjusted as described, the risk of serious injury to the child in a collision will be much greater.

If the shoulder belt position of one of the lap and shoulder belts can be positioned so that it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit.

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RWARNING

If the shoulder belt cannot be properly positioned, the child should sit in the center rear seat and use the lap belt or, if that seat is unavailable, in the center front seat and use the lap belt.

To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that encourages safer seating posture and better fit of lap and shoulder belts on the child. A belt-positioning booster should be used if the shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion when the lower legs hang over the edge of the seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the specific needs of your child with your pediatrician.

RWARNING

Do not use a belt-positioning booster with a lap-only belt.

Lap belts and the lap belt portion of lap and shoulder belts should always be worn snugly and below the hips, touching the child’s thighs.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision, children should always ride with the seatback upright.

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Warning Lights and Gauges

The instrument panel (dashboard) on your vehicle is divided into several different sections. The illustrations on the following pages show the major parts of the instrument panel that are described in this chapter. Some items shown may not be on all vehicles.

In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges are grouped together in the instrument cluster and the indicator lamp module.

Your vehicle is equipped with one of the following clusters:

a mechanical cluster

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an electronic cluster

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The mechanical cluster

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The following warning lights and gauges are on the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to possible problems with your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are optional. The following sections detail what each of these indicators means.

Brake System Warning Light

The warning light for the brakes can show two things — that the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is low, the brake system should be checked by a qualified service technician.

This light comes on when the parking brake is set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when you turn the ignition key to START. It normally goes off shortly after the engine starts and you release the parking brake. If the light stays on after you have fully released the parking brake, have the hydraulic brake system serviced.

RWARNING

The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.

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Anti-Lock Brake System Light (If equipped)

This warning light will go on each time you start your vehicle. If it remains on for longer than five seconds, you should shut off your engine and restart. If the anti-lock brake light stays on, this indicates that the anti-lock feature is disabled and should receive immediate attention by a qualified service technician. Normal braking is not affected unless the brake warning light is also lit.

The Anti-Lock Brake System has self-check capabilities. As previously described, the system turns on the anti-lock light each time you start your engine. After the engine is started and the anti-lock light is out, the system performs another test the first time the vehicle reaches 14 mph (22 km/h). The system turns on the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) pump motor for approximately 1/2 second. At this time a mechanical noise may be heard. This is a normal part of the self-check feature. If a malfunction is found during this check the anti-lock light will come on.

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RWARNING

If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or comes on while driving, have the braking system checked by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.

NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock

system, and the brake warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled but normal brake function remains operational.

Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime

This warning light and chime remind you to fasten your safety belt. The following conditions will take place:

If the driver’s safety belt is not buckled when

❑

the ignition is turned to the ON position, the light will turn on for 1 to 2 minutes and the chime will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.

If the driver’s safety belt is buckled while the

❑

light is on or the chime is sounding, both the light and the chime will turn off.

If the driver’s safety belt is buckled before the

❑

ignition is turned to the ON position, neither the light nor the chime will turn on.

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Air Bag Readiness Light

The air bag system uses a readiness light to indicate the condition of the system. If the system is functioning properly, the light will stay on for 6 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.

If there is a problem with the system, two things may happen: the readiness light will either flash or stay lit up, or you will hear a beeping sound. If either of these things happen, have the air bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.

Charging System Light

This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and that you need to have the electrical system checked.

This light comes on every time you turn the ignition to the ON or START position (engine off). The light should go off when the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.

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If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is running, have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.

Overdrive Off Indicator

This light tells you that the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) on the gearshift lever has been pushed. When the light is on, the transmission will not shift into overdrive. Depressing the button on the shifter will return the vehicle to “overdrive on” mode. The transmission will be in the “overdrive on” mode when the vehicle is started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected when the vehicle was last shut off.

NOTE: If the light does not come on when the

TCS is depressed or if the light flashes when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced at the first opportunity. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the transmission.

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High Beam Light

This light comes on when the headlamps are turned to high beam or when you flash the lights.

Low Fuel Alert Light

This light comes on when your fuel gauge indicates between 1/8 and 1/16 of a tank. Your car must be turned to ON for this light to come on.

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Air Suspension Light (If equipped)

This light tells you if the air suspension needs repair or if the air suspension switch (in the trunk on the right side) is OFF.

Normally, the light will glow momentarily as you turn the ignition key to the ON position. If it glows continuously:

1. Safely pull off the road as soon as possible. Turn the ignition key from ON to OFF and ON again.

2. If the light still glows, check to see if the air suspension switch is OFF. If it is OFF, push the switch ON. If it is ON, push the switch OFF and have the system checked as soon as possible.

Check Engine Warning Light

The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) system consists of the hardware and software necessary to monitor the operation of the powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to check the function of the vehicle’s powertrain control system during normal operation. If an emission problem is detected, the Check Engine Warning Light (in the cluster) is turned on.

Modification or additions to the vehicle may cause incorrect operation of the OBD II system. Additions such as burglar alarms, cellular phones, and CB radios must be carefully

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installed. Do not install these devices by tapping into or running wires close to powertrain control system wires or components.

The light comes on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON, but it should turn off when the engine starts. If the light does not come on when you turn the ignition to ON or if it comes on and stays on when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. This indicates a possible problem with one of the vehicle’s emission control systems. You do not need to have your vehicle towed in.

If the light turns on and off at one (1) second intervals while you are driving the vehicle, it means that the engine is misfiring. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the engine or catalytic convertor. Have your vehicle serviced at the first opportunity. You do not need to have your vehicle towed in.

If the light turns on and off on rare occasions while you are driving, it means that a malfunction occurred and the condition corrected itself.

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Engine Warning Light will turn off after the vehicle has completed three consecutive warm up cycles without a misfire condition occurring. A warm up cycle consists of engine start from a cold condition (engine at ambient temperature) and running until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

On the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light will turn off as soon as the engine begins to crank. It is not necessary to have the engine serviced.

Under certain conditions, the Check Engine Warning Light may come on if the fuel cap is not properly installed. If the Check Engine Warning Light comes on and you suspect that the fuel cap is not properly installed, pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible and turn off the engine. Remove and replace the fuel cap, making sure it is properly seated.

After completing the three consecutive warm up cycles and on the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light should turn off. If the light does not go off after the fourth engine restart, have your vehicle serviced by your dealer or a qualified technician.

Turn Signal Indicator Lights

The turn signal arrow will flash to indicate the direction in which you are going to be turning.

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Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge

The fuel gauge displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the ignition switch is ON. For proper fuel gauge indication after adding fuel, turn the ignition switch OFF while refueling the vehicle.

The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion. The most accurate reading is obtained with the vehicle on level ground.

With ignition switch OFF, the fuel gauge indicator may drift from the ignition switch ON position.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the gauge indication will not be accurate.

The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into the NORMAL band as your engine coolant warms up. Under normal driving conditions, the pointer should stay in the NORMAL band. It is acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate within the NORMAL band under normal driving

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conditions, and under certain driving conditions such as, heavy stop and go traffic, or driving up hills in hot weather, for the pointer to indicate at the top of the NORMAL band.

If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves above the NORMAL band, the engine is overheating and continued operation may cause engine damage.

The engine coolant temperature gauge

If your engine coolant overheats:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Turn off the engine.

3. Let the engine cool. DO NOT REMOVE

COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.

4. Check the coolant level following the instructions on checking and adding coolant to your engine, see Engine Coolant in the Index. If you do not follow these instructions, you or others could be injured.

If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system serviced.

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Speedometer

The speedometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.

Odometer

The odometer tells you the total number of miles (kilometers) your vehicle has been driven.

Trip Odometer

If you want to track your mileage up to 999.9 miles (kilometers), use the trip odometer. Simply set the trip odometer to zero by pressing the reset button firmly when beginning the distance you wish to measure.

Since the trip odometer displays distance independent of the odometer it will not always advance to the next mile (kilometer) at the same time as the odometer.

Battery Voltage Gauge (If Equipped)

This gauge shows you the battery voltage when the ignition key is in the ON position.

If the battery is operating under cold weather conditions, the pointer may indicate in the upper range of the NORMAL band while the battery is charging. If you are running electrical accessories (when the engine is off, or idling at a low speed), the pointer may move toward the lower end of the NORMAL band.

If it stays outside the NORMAL band, have your vehicle’s electrical system checked as soon as it is safely possible.

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The battery voltage gauge

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge

This gauge indicates the engine oil pressure, not the oil level. However, if your engine’s oil level is low, it could affect the oil pressure. With the engine running, the pointer should move into the NORMAL band. If the pointer drops below the NORMAL band while the engine is running, you have lost oil pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine damage.

If you lose engine oil pressure:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Shut off the engine immediately or severe engine damage could result.

3. Check the engine’s oil level, following the instructions on checking and adding engine oil, see the Engine Oil in the Index. If you do not follow these instructions, you or others could be injured. To assure an accurate reading, your car should be on level ground.

4. If the level is low, add oil as necessary before you start the engine again. Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the pointer is below the NORMAL band, regardless of the oil level. Contact your nearest dealer for further service actions.

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For more information about adding oil, see Engine Oil Recommendations in the Index.

The electronic cluster works only when your ignition is in the ON position. Each time you start your vehicle, the displays go through a self-test by flashing on and off once before the actual readings are displayed. (Neither the turn signals nor the high beam indicator light will flash like the other indicators do for the self-test.) Some of the warning lights will flash on and remain on (will not immediately flash off) until the normal cluster display is lit. This self-test is used to indicate that all of the warning/indicator lights are working properly.

Your electronic cluster tells you about the condition of your vehicle by using two types of equipment:

warning lights and gauges

❑

message center

❑

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Electronic cluster

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Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

This gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the gauge indication will not be accurate. It is identified by a thermometer symbol, an “H” (hot), and a “C” (cold). The “NORMAL” indicates the normal operating range. The bars will move into the normal operating range as the engine coolant warms up. It is acceptable under certain driving conditions such as, heavy stop and go traffic, or driving up hills in hot weather, for the gauge to indicate at the top of the NORMAL band.

If, under any circumstance, the pointer moves above the NORMAL band, the temperature symbol flashes and a tone will sound to alert the driver that the engine coolant is overheating and continued operation may cause engine damage.

If your engine coolant overheats:

1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible.

2. Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage could result.

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3. Let the engine cool. DO NOT REMOVE COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.

If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system serviced.

If only the top two and bottom two bars appear on the gauge, then the system is indicating that it requires servicing. Contact your dealer for service as soon as possible.

Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime

This warning light and chime remind you to fasten your safety belt. The following conditions will take place:

If the driver’s safety belt is not buckled when

❑

the ignition is turned to the ON position, the light will turn on for 1 to 2 minutes and the chime will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.

If the driver’s safety belt is buckled while the

❑

light is on or the chime is sounding, both the light and the chime will turn off.

If the driver’s safety belt is buckled before the

❑

ignition is turned to the ON position, neither the light nor the chime will turn on.

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High Beam Light

This light comes on when the headlamps are turned to high beam or when you flash the lights.

Check Engine Warning Light

Modification or additions to the vehicle may cause incorrect operation of the OBD II system. Additions such as burglar alarms, cellular phones, and CB radios must be carefully installed. Do not install these devices by tapping into or running wires close to powertrain control system wires or components.

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If the light turns on and off on rare occasions while you are driving, it means that a malfunction occurred and the condition corrected itself.

An example of a condition which corrects itself occurs when an engine running out of fuel begins to misfire. In this case, the Check Engine Warning Light may turn on and will then set a Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the engine was misfiring while the last of the fuel was being consumed. After refueling, the Check Engine Warning Light will turn off after the vehicle has completed three consecutive warm up cycles without a misfire condition occurring. A warm up cycle consists of engine start from a cold condition (engine at ambient temperature) and running until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

On the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light will turn off as soon as the engine begins to crank. It is not necessary to have the engine serviced.

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Air Bag Readiness Light

The Air Bag Readiness light will go on each time you start your vehicle and will remain on for about 6-8 seconds indicating normal air bag operation. If this light stays on continuously or flashes, or if the light never comes on at all, there is something wrong with the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System and your vehicle should be taken in for service to the nearest Lincoln-Mercury dealer as soon as possible. Unless serviced, the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System may not function properly in the event of a collision.

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Charging System Warning Light

This light comes on when you turn your ignition key from OFF to ON. The light should go out when the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.

If this light stays on or comes on while your engine is running, this tells you that your battery is not being charged and that you need to have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.

Engine Oil Pressure Light

This light indicates the engine oil pressure, not the oil level. However, if your engine’s oil level is low, it could affect the oil pressure. The light should come on every time your ignition key is turned to ON or START, and should go out when the engine starts. If the light stays on or turns on while the engine is running, you have lost oil pressure and continued operation will

cause severe engine damage.

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If you lose engine oil pressure:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage could result.

3. Check the engine’s oil level, following the instructions on checking and adding engine oil, see Engine Oil in the Index. If you do not follow these instructions, you or others could be injured. To assure an accurate reading, your vehicle should be on level ground.

4. If the level is low, add only as much oil as necessary before you start the engine again. Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the light is on, regardless of the oil level. Contact your nearest dealer for service as soon as possible.

For more information about adding oil, see Adding engine oil in the Servicing Your Vehicle chapter of this guide.

Turn Signal Indicator Lights

The turn signal arrow will flash to indicate the direction in which you are going to be turning.

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Speed Control Indicator Light

This light comes on when the speed control system is actively maintaining the set speed. It will go off when the brakes are used or if the speed control is turned off.

This light does not indicate any problems but is only a convenience to tell when the speed control is active.

Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge tells you approximately how many gallons/liters of fuel you have in the tank.

When your tank reaches 1/8 or approximately 2 gallons (8 liters), a flashing fuel pump will appear.

Turn the ignition switch off while fueling to obtain an accurate fuel gauge indication.

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NOTE: At least 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) of fuel

must be added for the fuel gauge to immediately show the new level of fuel. If less than 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) of fuel is added, the gauge will reach the new level slowly.

If the fuel gauge displays only the top two bars and the bottom two bars, or, if fuel remaining or distance to empty functions display CO or CS, then there is a problem. Take your vehicle in for service.

When you turn the ignition key to the ON or ACC position, all the display segments will light up, then go off for a second indicating the gauge is working. Then the gauge will show you how much fuel you have in the tank.

FUEL REMAIN — Fuel Remaining

This function shows you how many gallons (liters) of fuel you have left in the fuel tank.

If your fuel level is above 20 gallons (76 liters), the letter “F” (full) will appear on the display. But if your fuel level has dropped to below 1 gallon (4 liters), the letter “E” (empty) will appear in the display.

Because of factors like rounding of numbers and fuel movement in the tank, your fuel gauge and the service station fuel pump readings may disagree slightly.

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A problem is indicated if the fuel gauge bar graph displays only the top two and bottom two bars and the message center display for Distance To Empty or Fuel Remaining functions display the letters “CO” or “CS”. If this happens, contact your dealer for service as soon as possible.

Speedometer

The speedometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving. It indicates the speed up to 120 mph or up to 195 km/h.

You can press the E/M (English/Metric) button located just below the message center display to show the speed you are going in either miles per hour or kilometers per hour.

Odometer

The odometer tells you the total number of miles or kilometers your vehicle has been driven. If the cluster is replaced, and the accumulated mileage on the odometer is unknown, the replacement cluster will have the circled “S” illuminated with zero miles on the odometer. If the actual vehicle mileage can be verified, then an authorized service center can program the actual mileage into the odometer of the replacement cluster. The actual mileage (if known) or an estimated mileage (if unknown) is shown on a label affixed on the door pillar.

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Press the E/M (English/Metric) button located just below the message center display to show miles or kilometers.

If the odometer displays the word “ERROR” contact your dealer for service.

(If equipped)

Along with information the warning lights and gauges provide, the electronic message center lets you:

see problems such as Door Ajar, Air

❑

Suspension, Trunk Ajar, Washer Fluid see how many miles/kilometers you can

❑

drive with the fuel remaining in your tank see when overdrive has been turned off

❑

monitor your average fuel economy

❑

monitor your instantaneous fuel economy

❑

check the distance you have travelled during

❑

a trip on either Trip A or Trip B monitor your average speed

❑

Message center display showing all segments on

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All of the message center functions are controlled by the three switches located just below the message center display:

E/M — Changes the electronic instrument

❑

cluster display to read in either English or Metric units.

Reset — Sets the selected function to zero

❑

(if resettable). Select — Selects the function. This is a dual

❑

action switch, the right side advances function to the right, the left side advances function to the left.

Buttons for the message center

How to use the message center

To reset any function:

1. Push either the right or left side of the SELECT button to choose the function you would like to set.

2. Push the RESET button and the selected message center function will be reset to zero. (The only functions which can be reset to zero are: AVG ECON, TRIP A or TRIP B, and AVG SPEED.)

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What the message center functions can show you

DIST TO EMPTY — Distance to Empty (DTE)

Message center display showing the DTE function selected

This function estimates how many miles or kilometers you can drive with the fuel remaining in your tank under standard driving conditions.

Remember to turn off the ignition when filling up with fuel. Otherwise, the display will not show the addition of fuel for a few miles.

NOTE: At least 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) of fuel

must be added for the fuel gauge to imediately show the new level of fuel.

When you have approximately 50 miles (80 km) left before you run out of fuel, the DTE function will flash for five (5) seconds and sound a tone for one (1) second. The message center will remain in the DTE function until you push the select button to change it. This low fuel warning also happens at 25 miles (40 km), and 10 miles (16 km).

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Displayed DTE will not be equal to AVG ECON multiplied by the FUEL REMAIN value. This is because DTE is calculated using a method that takes into consideration the fuel economy of the last 500 miles (800 Km) driven.

If “CO” or “CS” is displayed, this means that there is a problem with the fuel indication system and you should contact your dealer for service as soon as possible.

AVG ECON — Average Fuel Economy

Select this function to display your average fuel economy in miles per gallon or liters per 100 kilometers. Your message center computes this figure using the distance traveled and fuel used information. If you want to reset this function, press the RESET button while the average fuel economy feature is displayed.

The average shown is the average since the reset.

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If you calculate your average fuel economy by dividing miles traveled by gallons used, your figure may be different than displayed because of:

Your vehicle not being perfectly level during

❑

fill-up Differences in the automatic shut-off points

❑

on the fuel pumps at service stations Variations in top-off procedure from one

❑

fill-up to another Rounding of the displayed values to the

❑

nearest 0.1 gallon (liters) on the fuel gauge.

INST ECON — Instantaneous Fuel Economy

Select this function to calculate your instantaneous fuel economy. Your instantaneous fuel economy is the fuel economy you get at any particular moment. For example, you can see what your fuel economy is in heavy traffic or on an open highway.

Your vehicle must be moving to calculate fuel economy. When your vehicle is not moving, instantaneous fuel economy is displayed at 0 miles per gallon or 99 liters per 100 kilometers. When you are moving, the display may read anything between 0 and 99 miles/gallon (1 to 99 L/km). Instantaneous fuel economy cannot be reset.

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TRIP A and TRIP B — Elapsed Distance Traveled

These two functions of the message center allow you to see how far you have traveled since you last reset. Trip A and Trip B are completely independent and must be reset individually.

To reset either trip feature to zero, press the RESET button while a trip distance feature (Trip A or Trip B) is displayed.

AVG SPEED — Average Speed

Select this function to display your average speed in miles per hour or kilometers per hour.

Your vehicle must be moving to calculate your average speed. When your vehicle is not moving, the average speed is displayed at 0 miles per hour or 0 kilometers per hour.

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Check Air Suspension Light

This light glows momentarily when the ignition is turned to the ON position. With the ignition on this light will flash five (5) times and sound a tone for one (1) second, and then the light will remain on to indicate that the air suspension switch (located in the trunk on the right side) is off or to indicate a possible system fault.

If the light is displayed while driving and the air suspension switch is not turned off, safely pull off the road as soon as possible. Turn the ignition switch from ON to OFF and to ON again. If the light continues to be displayed after flashing five (5) times, turn the air suspension switch (located in the trunk on the right side) off and take your vehicle to a dealership for service as soon as possible.

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Overdrive Off Indicator

NOTE: If the light does not come on when the

TCS is depressed or if the light flashes when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced at the first opportunity. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the transmission.

Low Washer Fluid Light

This light comes on when there is less than a quarter of the container of washer fluid left. With the ignition ON this light will flash five (5) times and a tone will sound for one (1) second, and then the light will remain on.

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Door Ajar Light

If one of the doors is not completely shut, this light comes on when you turn the ignition to ON. With the ignition on this light will flash five (5) times and sound a tone for one (1) second, and then the light will remain on.

Trunk Ajar Light

If the trunk is not completely closed, this light comes on when you turn the ignition to ON. With the ignition ON this light will flash five (5) times and sound a tone for one (1) second, and then the light will remain on.

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The following warning lights are on the indicator lamp module. The following section details what each of these indicators mean.

The indicator lamp module

Anti-Theft System Light (If equipped)

The anti-theft system light illuminates to remind you that the anti-theft system has been activated. The indicator light remains on steadily for approximately 30 seconds after the last door is closed, and then goes out.

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Anti-Lock Brake System Light (If equipped)

This warning light will go on each time you start your vehicle. If it remains on for longer than 5 seconds, you should shut off your engine and restart. If the anti-lock brake light stays on, this indicates that the anti-lock feature is disabled and should receive immediate attention by a qualified service technician. Normal braking is not affected unless the brake warning light is also lit.

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RWARNING

If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or comes on while driving, have the braking system checked by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.

NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock

system, and the brake warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled but normal brake function remains operational.

Brake System Light

This light comes on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON, but it normally goes off shortly after the engine starts and you release the parking brake. If the light stays on or comes on after you have released the parking brake fully, have the hydraulic brake system serviced.

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RWARNING

The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.

Hazard Warning Light

The hazard warning light will blink on and off continuously when you use the hazard flasher. See Using the Hazard Flasher in the Steering Column Controls section.

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Crown Victoria instrument panel

Instrument Panel Controls

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The main controls for the climate control system, clock, and radio are on the instrument panel.

NOTE: Any cleaner or polish that increases the

gloss (shine) of the upper part of the instrument panel should be avoided. The dull finish in this area is to help protect the driver from undesirable windshield reflection.

Your vehicle has one of two different climate control systems. The two systems are:

a manual heating and air conditioning system

❑

an electronic automatic temperature control

❑

system

If you are not sure which system your vehicle has, see the diagrams on the following pages.

The Manual Heating and Air Conditioning System

You can heat the inside of your vehicle, defrost the windshield, and turn on the air conditioning with the three knobs in the center of the instrument panel:

FAN

❑

TEMP

❑

SELECT

❑

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The controls for the manual heating and air conditioning system

For maximum heating, move the SELECT knob to FLOOR, move the TEMP knob to the end of the red range (full clockwise) and move the fan speed to HI.

To heat the interior of your vehicle and defrost the windshield at the same time, move the SELECT knob to MIX and select the temperature and fan speed desired.

For maximum defrosting, move the SELECT knob to DEFROST V, move the temperature to the end of the red range (full clockwise) and operate the fan as necessary to provide the volume of air required.

For ventilation, move the SELECT knob to VENT and select the temperature and blower speed desired.

To cool the inside of your vehicle quickly, in warm weather, move the SELECT knob to MAX A/C, move the TEMP knob to the end of the blue range (full counterclockwise) and move the fan to HI.

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If the inside of the vehicle is very warm, drive for the first few minutes with the windows open to force the hot, stale air out of the vehicle.

Fan speed can be reduced, after a comfortable temperature has been reached, to provide quieter system operation.

To cool your vehicle using outside air, move the SELECT knob to NORM A/C, move the TEMP knob to the end of the blue range (full counterclockwise) and set the fan to the desired speed. Cooling your vehicle in this way provides quieter operation, but it is not as economical as MAX A/C.

The instrument panel registers may be adjusted to control the quantity and direction of air being discharged. The thumbwheel controls the volume of air and the knob in the center of the register directs the air up and down or side to side.

When the SELECT knob is moved to OFF, the system is off and the fan will not operate.

Adjusting the panel register airflow

The instrument panel registers may be adjusted to your comfort needs. The thumbwheel controls the volume of air and the knob in the center of the register controls direction up or down or side to side.

Electronic Automatic Temperature Control System

The control for your Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC) is located at the center of the instrument panel and operates only when the key is in the ON position.

The EATC feature maintains the temperature you select and automatically controls the airflow for your comfort. It also allows you to override

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the automatic operation with manual override buttons.

The controls for the electronic automatic temperature control

To turn your EATC on, push the AUTOMATIC button or any of the six override buttons along the bottom of the control.

To turn your EATC off, press the OFF button. When the system is off, the display window will be blank (dark) except when OUTSIDE TEMP has been selected. Then, OUTSIDE TEMP and the temperature will appear in the window.

If you select AUTOMATIC, the system will automatically determine fan speed and airflow location. If an override button is selected, your selection determines airflow location only. Fan speed remains automatic unless you override it by rotating the vertical thumbwheel located at the extreme right of the control panel.

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To change the temperature in the display window, select any temperature between 65˚F (18˚C) and 85˚F (29˚C) using the BLUE (cooler) or RED (warmer) buttons. The Electronic Automatic Temperature Control will do the rest.

If you want continuous maximum cooling, push the BLUE button until 60˚F (16˚C) is shown in the display window. Your EATC will cool at maximum and disregard the 60˚F (16˚C) setting until you select a warmer temperature with the RED button. If you want continuous maximum heating, push the RED button until 90˚F (32˚C) is shown in the display window. Your EATC will provide maximum heat regardless of the 90˚F (32˚C) setting until you select a cooler temperature with the BLUE button.

The display window tells you how the system is operating. It will indicate the selected temperature and the operating function you have chosen; AUTO or one of the six manual overrides. It will also indicate manual (thumbwheel) control of the fan speed with the

symbol. The display window with all possible

displays and their positions are shown here. Normally not all are shown at the same time but are included here to familiarize you with the names and symbols.

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Automatic operation

Push the AUTOMATIC button and select the desired temperature. The selected temperature and AUTO will be shown in the display window. The EATC will automatically heat or cool to achieve the set temperature. Under normal conditions, your EATC will need no additional attention.

When in AUTOMATIC and weather conditions require heat, air will be sent to the floor. But, a feature is included in your EATC to prevent blowing cold air to the floor if the engine coolant is not warm enough to allow heating. For a short time the fan will be at low speed and air directed to the windshield. In 3-1/2 minutes or less, the fan speed will start to increase and the airflow will change to the floor area.

If unusual conditions exist (i.e., window fogging, etc.), the six manual override buttons allow you to select special air discharge locations. A thumbwheel allows you to adjust the fan speed to suit your needs.

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Temperature selection

The RED and BLUE buttons at the upper left of the Control are for temperature selection. The RED button will increase the set temperature and the BLUE button will lower the set temperature. Pressing a button and releasing it will change the set temperature one degree. Holding either button in will rapidly change the temperature setting in one degree increments to either 65˚F (18˚C) (BLUE) or 85˚F (29˚C)(RED). Then, the set temperature will jump 5˚ and stop at either 60˚F (16˚C) which is maximum cooling or 90˚F (32˚C) which is maximum heating.

The average temperature range used is between 68˚F (20˚C) and 78˚F (26˚C). Changing the temperature setting by several degrees outside this range will not speed up the heating or cooling process.

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Temperature display

The selected temperature displayed in the window can be set for either 0˚F or 0˚C. Your car may have an English/Metric (E/M) Button to change your speedometer from miles to kilometers. When pressed, this button also changes the temperature display. With or without an E/M Button, the temperature display can also be changed to 0˚F or 0˚C using the MAX A/C and DEFrost override buttons.

To change the temperature display to 0˚F or 0˚C, press and hold the MAX A/C and DEF Buttons at the same time for 3/4 second. The display will change. If you continue to press the two buttons, the display will continuously switch between 0˚F and 0˚C. If the temperature display does not agree with the speedometer on vehicles with an E/M button, pressing the E/M button will make them agree.

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Fan speed and thumbwheel

Your EATC automatically adjusts the fan speed to the existing conditions. You must push AUTOMATIC for automatic fan speed operation. To control the fan speed yourself, use the thumbwheel which will cancel the automatic fan speed control. The thumbwheel is located at the extreme right side of the EATC control panel. It is a vertical control marked with a fan symbol. Rotate up for HI and down for LO speeds.

When you move the thumbwheel, the fan speed will go to manual control. The display window will show theHsymbol in the lower right corner along with the selected temperature and operating function.

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You can override the fan speed at any time. If you use the thumbwheel to override the fan speed, the EATC will continue to control the temperature but you control the fan speed. To return to auto fan control, press the AUTOMATIC button. If you are operating in one of the override functions (FLOOR, MAX A/C, etc.), automatic fan control will continue unless you rotate the fan thumbwheel. To return to automatic fan control, press the AUTOMATIC button. The EATC will return to Automatic operation. If you want to return to any override function, press the button for that function. The fan speed will continue to be automatically controlled.

Manual override buttons

Your EATC has six buttons which allow you to make special selections. The buttons are located along the bottom edge of the EATC control and allow you to determine where the air will be discharged. Pressing any override button changes the air discharge location only. It does not affect the ability of the system to control temperature or the fan speed. Return to fully Automatic operation by pushing the AUTOMATIC button.

MAX A/C button

The MAX A/C feature allows for faster cooling because air is drawn from inside the car. Using inside air causes the fan to sound louder which is normal for this selection. The Display window will indicate MAX A/C under the selected temperature. The airflow will be from the instrument panel registers.

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NORM A/C button

When you push this button, you select air conditioning using outside air. The Display window will indicate A/C under the selected temperature. The cooled air will flow from the instrument panel registers. The fan speed will continue on automatic.

VENT button

Push this button to select outside air through the instrument panel registers. The display window will show the set temperature and VENT to the lower right of the temperature. Your EATC will heat the air if the temperature you have selected is warmer than the outside air coming into the vehicle. However, the air will NOT be cooled regardless of the temperature setting. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers.

FLOOR button

Airflow will be to the floor when the FLOOR button is pressed. The display window will show the set temperature and FLR to the left of the temperature. The air cannot be cooled in the FLOOR position, only heated. Fan speed will be automatic unless manually controlled. If you override the fan speed and wish to return to automatic fan control, push AUTOMATIC. Then, again select FLOOR for airflow to the floor.

FLR & DEF button

Push this button to get air to the floor and windshield defrosters at the same time. The display will show the set temperature, FLR and the Defrost symbol V to indicate FLR-DEF has been selected. If the outside temperature is about 50˚F (10˚C) and above, the air will be dehumidified to remove moisture. This will help to prevent fogging in humid weather.

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DEF V button

Press the DEF V button to obtain maximum airflow to the windshield. Adjust the temperature setting as required for defrosting. The Display window will show the temperature setting with the defrost symbol V to the left of the temperature. When the outside temperature is about 50˚F (10˚C) and above, the air will be dehumidified to remove moisture. This will help prevent fogging in humid weather.

OUTSIDE TEMP button

By pressing this button the temperature of the air outside of the vehicle will show in the display. The outside temperature will continue to be displayed until the OUTSIDE TEMP button is pressed again to cancel. If the selected temperature setting is changed while the outside temperature is displayed, the new selected temperature will be displayed for 4 seconds after it is changed. Then, the outside temperature will return to the window. If a manual override is pressed or the thumbwheel is rotated while the outside temperature is displayed, the window will show the change for 4 seconds. Then, the outside temperature will return along with the changed override selection.

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If the EATC is turned OFF while the outside temperature is displayed, the temperature will continue to be displayed. Press the OUTSIDE TEMP button to clear the display window. When the ignition key is turned OFF the display will be blank (dark).

NOTE: The outside temperature reading is

most accurate when the vehicle is moving. Higher readings may be obtained when the vehicle is not moving. The readings that you get may not agree with temperatures given on the radio due to differences in vehicle and station locations.

Operating tips

The following tips will help you to get the most satisfaction from your Electronic Automatic Temperature Control system.

In humid weather, select DEF V before

❑

starting your engine. This will help to prevent windshield fogging. After a few minutes of operation, switch to AUTOMATIC or an override selection of your choice.

To prevent humidity buildup inside your

❑

vehicle, always drive with the EATC System turned on.

Do not put objects under the front seats that

❑

interfere with the flow of air to the back seat area.

Remove any snow, ice, or leaves from the air

❑

intake area of your EATC System which could block the air intake. The intake area is located at the bottom of the windshield, under the hood at the passenger side rear corner.

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Service

If your EATC is not operating as described here, take it to your dealer to have it checked. System diagnostics are built in which will allow your dealer to readily identify problems that might occur.

Rear Window Defroster

The defroster for the rear window clears frost, fog, or thin ice from both the inside and outside of the rear window.

The button for the rear window defroster is located on the left hand (driver’s) side of the instrument panel.

The button that controls the rear window defroster

Clear away any snow that is on the rear window before using the defroster. With the engine running, push the defrost button.

After approximately 10 minutes, the defroster will turn off. If the window is still not clear, turn the defroster on again.

The defroster will turn off when the ignition key is turned to the OFF position.

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The heating elements are bonded to the inside of the rear window. Do not use sharp objects to scrape the inside of the rear window or use abrasive cleaners to clean it. Doing so could damage the heating elements.

Daytime Running Light System

(Canadian vehicles only)

The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system turns the high beam headlamps on, with a reduced light output, when:

The headlamp system is in the OFF position,

❑

and The vehicle is running, and

❑

The vehicle has a fully released parking

❑

brake.

NOTE: If you have a vehicle with an

automatic lighting system, the DRL system is active until the automatic system turns on the headlamps.

NOTE: The high beam indicator will not turn

on in the flash-to-pass mode during nighttime driving.

NOTE: You may notice that the lights flicker

when the vehicle is turned on or off. This is a normal condition.

RWARNING

The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system will not illuminate the tail lamps and parking lamps. Turn on your headlamps at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a collision.

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Turning On the Exterior Lights

To turn on the headlamps, parking lamps, side markers, and tail lamps, use the rotary knob that is to the left of the steering wheel.

The knob that controls the headlamps and parking lamps

When you turn on the headlamps, the parking lamps, tail lamps, and side markers automatically turn on. But you can turn on the parking lamps, tail lamps, and side markers without turning on the headlamps.

For more information about how the high beams work, refer to the Steering Column Controls chapter.

Chime for headlamps on

This chime sounds if the driver or any passenger door is open when the parking lamps or headlamps are on. The chime sounds until you close the door, turn off the lamps or turn the ignition to the ON position.

Cleaning the Exterior Lamps

Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents or abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps, as these may cause scratches or crack the lamps.

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Setting the Autolamp On/Off Delay System

The autolamp sets the headlamps to turn on and off automatically. You can use the autolamp to:

turn on the lamps automatically at night

❑

turn off the lamps automatically during

❑

daylight keep the lamps on for up to three minutes

❑

after you turn the key to OFF.

The autolamp system on the left side of the instrument panel

To activate the autolamp feature, simply turn the headlamp knob counterclockwise towards the autolamp delay area. The autolamp automatically turns the lamps on and off for you.

Do not put any articles on top of the photocell that is located in the top left corner of the instrument panel. This photocell controls the autolamp. If you cover it, the photocell reacts as if it is nighttime, and the lamps turn on.

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You can adjust the autolamp to keep the lamps on after you leave your vehicle. The further you move the headlamp knob to the left (counterclockwise), the longer the lamps stay on.

You can set the autolamp so the lamps stay on for up to three minutes after you turn your vehicle off.

Lighting Up the Interior and Instrument Panel

With the parking lamps or headlamps illuminated, you can brighten or dim the lights in the instrument panel. To do this, locate the switch above the headlight control knob and press it up (to brighten the lights) or down (to dim the lights). To turn the interior lights on and off, push the headlamp knob in.

The knob controls the light on the instrument panel and the interior light (autolamp feature shown — other models similar)

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Using the Automatic Illuminated Entry System (If equipped)

The interior lights will illuminate for approximately 25 seconds when either front door handle is lifted, any button on the keyless entry pad is pressed, or the remote entry system UNLOCK button is pushed. If the amount of light outside your vehicle is below a predetermined level, the exterior lights will also illuminate.

These lights automatically turn off after 25 seconds or when you turn the ignition key to ON or ACC. The inside lights will not turn off if you have turned them on manually or if a door is opened.

Tips on the illuminated entry system:

The illuminated entry timer will not turn off

❑

the courtesy lamp if that lamp has been turned on manually or by the door switch.

Occasionally, you will need to clean the lens

❑

of the door lock assembly. Use Ford Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate, a mild soap, or household ammonia and water solution. Apply with a soft cloth or cotton swab, followed by a clear water rinse.

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Turning on the Map and Reading Lamps

Your vehicle has two map lamps for the passenger and the driver. To turn on the map lamps, push the switch next to each lamp.

Front seat map and dome lamps

The dual beam map lamps are located on each side of the dome lamp. Each map lamp can be turned on by the switches on the lamp.

Cleaning the Interior Lamps

Your interior dome lamps and map lamps are plastic and should be cleaned with a mild detergent diluted in water. Rinse them with clear water.

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Ford Crown 1996 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Introductory Information

Safety Restraints

Warning Lights and Gauges

Instrument Panel Controls