VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION
Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.
VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 2
SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS
Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions
Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions
Severe Service
- Short Trips (About 10 Miles) In Freezing Temperatures
- Towing Or Heavily Loaded
- Severe Dust Conditions
- Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
- Extensive Idling Conditions
Normal Service
- Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
- No Severe Service Operating Conditions
| CAUTION | Diesel-powered models require additional servicing. Refer to diesel engine maintenance schedule. |
CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT (DIESEL ENGINE ONLY)
| CAUTION | Failure to replace a faulty camshaft timing belt may result in serious engine damage. |
The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".
Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.
Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist
- Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
- Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
- Oil Contamination
- Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
- Incorrect Tension Adjustment
Replace camshaft timing belt on diesel engines every 60,000 miles.
COOLING SYSTEM, HOSES & CLAMPS
Replace engine coolant every 36 months or 30,000 miles. Check condition of hoses and clamps annually regardless of mileage or driving conditions. Replace hoses and clamps as necessary.
Scheme 3
Scheme 4
Scheme 5
SERVICE LABOR TIMES
Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.
TIRE INFLATION
Inflation pressure can be found on the decal attached to the front face of the right-hand door pillar.
Note. On vehicles equipped with anti-theft wheel lug nuts, there is one locking lug nut on each wheel. The key for this nut is attached to the lug wrench in spare tire compartment.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
On models with anti-lock brake systems, always observe the following cautions
- DO NOT attempt to bleed or add hydraulic fluid to system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKES SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.
- Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in ABS-equipped vehicles.
- DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical on all 4 tires.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG SYSTEM)
| CAUTION | Disconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag inflation |
WARRANTY INFORMATION
| CAUTION | Always refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific model application and/or coverage limitations. |
BASIC NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY
All parts of the vehicle (except tires) are covered against defects in factory-supplied materials and workmanship for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
Note. Powertrain Warranty varies in coverage length (either 4 years/50,000 miles or 6 years/60,000 miles) depending on model year.
This warranty begins at 12 months or 12,000 miles. There is a 50-100 deductible per repair visit. Warranty covers all moving internal and external parts, including seals and water pump on the engine and clutch cover and "U" joints on the transaxle. Items not covered include, accessory drive belts, clutch discs and brake pads. See copy of warranty for specific components covered and length of coverage.
Note. 1991-92 Lincoln models are covered bumper-to-bumper for 4 years or 50,000 miles whichever occurs first.
BUMPER-TO-BUMPER COVERAGE
Vehicle is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. There is no deductible with this warranty. Items not covered include tires and parts that are subject to normal wear and tear, such as windshield wiper blades, brake linings, brake pads, clutch linings and scheduled maintenance items.
BATTERY COVERAGE
Begins at 12 months or 12,000 miles and lasts for 3 years or 50,000 miles from warranty start date, whichever comes first. Covers replacement cost of battery on a pro-rated adjustment basis spread over 36 months from vehicle in-service date. Labor cost of battery replacement is covered in full for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM COVERAGE
Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers safety restraint problems not related to comfort or appearance.
CORROSION COVERAGE
Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Model years earlier than 1991 are covered for 6 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers any holes in body sheet metal caused by corrosion.
EMISSIONS DEFECT & PERFORMANCE WARRANTIES (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Defect Warranty ensures that vehicle meets applicable EPA regulations and that vehicle's emission control system is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
The Performance Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts as needed for the vehicle to pass a Federally required state or local emissions test.
Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the Performance Warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered. Performance Warranty coverage is limited to fewer components after 2 years or 24,000 miles.
EMISSIONS PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
If vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made by manufacturer to ensure that vehicle passes the inspection. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
EMISSIONS DEFECT WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
If any emission-related part on the vehicle is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Some emission-related parts are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever occurs first, and will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer if found to be defective in material or workmanship. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.
FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Fuse panel is located in the instrument panel, to left of steering column. Turn signal flasher is located on front of fuse panel. Hazard flasher is located on back of fuse panel behind turn signal flasher.
