Ford Crown Victoria (2011 year). Manual — part 45

TRACTION CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)

The traction control system helps you maintain the stability and
steerability of your vehicle, especially on slippery road surfaces such as
snow- or ice-covered roads and gravel roads. The system will allow your
vehicle to make better use of available traction in these conditions.

During traction control operation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric
motor type of sound coming from
the engine compartment, and the
engine may not “rev-up” when you press farther on the accelerator. This
is normal system behavior and should be no reason for concern.

WARNING: Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe

personal injury or property damage. The occurrence of a traction
control event is an indication that at least some of the tires have
exceeded their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death. If you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.

The traction control switch is
located on the instrument panel.
The traction control system will
automatically turn on every time the
ignition is turned off and on. When
disabled, OFF will be illuminated on
the switch. The traction control
system will automatically turn on every time the ignition is turned to off
and on.

If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the traction control system off. Switching the
traction control system off may allow excess wheel spin to “dig” the
vehicle out and enable a successful “rocking” maneuver. When the
traction control system is off, an indicator light will illuminate and will
remain on until the system is turned back on or the ignition is turned off
and on. Remember to switch the traction control system back on once
the vehicle is no longer stuck.

If a system fault is detected, the traction control active light will
illuminate, the traction control button will not turn the system on or off
and your vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer.

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STEERING

To help prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the
steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than
a few seconds when the engine is running.

It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the
power steering fluid reservoir:
• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.

See Power steering fluid in the Maintenance and Specifications
chapter.

• Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check

for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.

• Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering

pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.

• Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the maximum

level, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir. See Power
steering fluid in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is off), you
can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.

If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment

AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

The air suspension system is designed to improve ride, handling and
general vehicle performance during:
• Certain road conditions
• Steering maneuvers
• Braking
• Accelerations
This system keeps the rear of your vehicle at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the springs.

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If you exceed the load limit, the rear air suspension may not operate.

The air suspension shut-off switch is
located on the left side of the trunk.
If this switch is in the off position,
the rear air suspension will not
operate.

WARNING: On vehicles
equipped with air

suspension, turn off the air
suspension switch prior to jacking,
hoisting or towing your vehicle.

Normal vehicle operation does not
require any action by the driver.

TRACTION-LOK™ AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)

This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok™ axle functions like a standard rear axle.

Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on a
Traction-Lok™ rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving
and should not be noticeable to the driver.

BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK

This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless brake pedal is pressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to
Fuses and relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:

1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to the accessory position.

AIR SUSPENSION
SWITCH

INTERRUPTEUR DE
LA SUSPENSION
PNEUMATIQUE

WARNING

AVERTISSEMENT

OFF-ARRET

To prevent sudden
vehicle movement,
turn off air suspen-
sion switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or
towing vehicle.

Pour prévenir tout mouvement soudain du véhi-
cule, placer à l'arrêt l'interrupteur de la suspension
pneumatique avant de lever le véhicule (cric ou
pont élévateur) ou de le remorquer.

OFF

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2. Locate the access plug on the
underside of the steering column
cover.

3. Remove the access plug using a
flat head screwdriver. 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

Driving

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Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA (fus)