Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV
Brand Focus:
Lincoln, Ford's luxury division, targets buyers seeking comfort, refinement, and premium features.
Key Competitors:
Cadillac SRX, Acura MDX, Lexus RX, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
Vehicle Focus:
The 2004 Aviator emphasizes a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a powerful V8 engine, offering a blend of luxury and capability.
Primary Coverage:
Driver and passenger safety, instruments and controls, features, driving procedures, maintenance, troubleshooting, technical information, warranty.
Secondary Coverage:
Fueling, break-in procedures, cargo loading, engine and transmission operation, climate control, audio system, steering wheel controls, security system, cruise control, flat tire, dead battery, overheating, fuses, vehicle specifications, tires, emissions controls, customer relations.
Estimated Page Count:
200-250 pages (estimated based on typical owner's manual content for this era and vehicle class)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, transmission operation, fuel system.
Chassis:
Brake system overview, tire information.
Electrical:
Indicator lights, gauges, information display, fuses.
Interior:
Climate control, audio system, steering wheel controls, seating, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), child protection (LATCH system).
Exterior:
Door operation, lighting controls, cargo loading.
Comfort Convenience:
Cruise control, security system.
Brakes:
Basic operation, brake fluid check, warning lights, ABS overview.
Suspension:
Mentioned indirectly in tire pressure and driving comfort sections, but no detailed information on components.
Body And Trim:
Operation of doors, windows, locks, seating adjustments, cargo area access.
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, using features like cruise control and climate control.
Maintenance:
Fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, minor services, vehicle storage procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Responding to dashboard warning lights, changing a flat tire, jump-starting a dead battery, addressing overheating, replacing fuses.
Safety:
Proper use of seat belts, understanding SRS system, child seat installation and usage recommendations.
Vehicle Break In:
Guidance on initial engine break-in for optimal longevity.
Vehicle Storage:
Recommendations for storing the vehicle for extended periods.
Depth:
Focuses on owner-level understanding and operation, basic maintenance, and emergency procedures. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in service manuals.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Limited to basic troubleshooting steps for the owner (e.g., what to do when a warning light appears). No OBD-II code explanations or diagnostic procedures.
Digital Format Availability:
While the product is listed as a printed manual, the content is typical for what would be found in a searchable PDF. Actual product is printed.
Quality:
Expected to be original factory print quality, typically black and white text with some color diagrams for clarity.
Binding:
Likely a perfect bound or saddle-stitched booklet.
Paper Quality:
Standard paper stock suitable for owner's manuals, durable enough for glovebox use.
Engine Type:
4.6L SOHC V8
Engine Code:
Likely uses a version of Ford's modular V8 family (e.g., 4.6L 'InTech' or similar).
Horsepower:
Approximately 302 hp
Torque:
Approximately 315 lb-ft
Injection Type:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Required Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended.
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (VC-7B) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C153-H.
Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approximately 7.0 quarts (with filter)
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission
Drive Type:
Available in Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Shift Modes:
Selectable overdrive, potentially a manual shifting mode ('SelectShift' on some models, though less common for 2004).
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C195-A.
Length:
Approximately 199.7 inches
Width:
Approximately 78.7 inches
Height:
Approximately 72.0 inches
Wheelbase Inches:
114.7 inches
Cargo Volume Cubic Feet:
Approximately 81.7 cubic feet (with rear seats folded)
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approximately 4,600 - 4,900 lbs (depending on RWD/AWD and trim)
Towing Capacity Lbs:
Up to 7,200 lbs (with factory tow package)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Likely 5-star (based on typical ratings for similar Ford/Lincoln vehicles of this era)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Likely 5-star
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Likely 'Good' or 'Acceptable' (need specific test data for confirmation)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Assist (TA) or Electronic Stability Program (ESP) depending on trim/options.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, side-impact airbags for front occupants, available third-row side curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point active belts with pretensioners for front occupants, 3-point belts for rear occupants. LATCH system for child seats.
Audio System:
Premium audio systems available, often from Ford's partner brands like JBL or Audiophile, with AM/FM/CD capability. Some may have rear-seat entertainment options.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls.
Remote Entry:
Remote keyless entry and alarm system.
Security:
SecuriLock anti-theft ignition system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions; severe conditions require more frequent changes).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect and replace as needed, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically at 100,000 miles, or as indicated by the 'Maintenance Minder' system if equipped, or under severe service conditions.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Likely MERCON V ATF or a specific power steering fluid meeting Ford specifications.
Windshield Washer Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 4 quarts
Common Complaints:
Intermittent electrical issues, potential for worn suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), transmission shifting concerns (especially with higher mileage), catalytic converter issues.
Recall Information:
Recalls would be specific to vehicle build date and VIN; owners should check NHTSA or manufacturer websites.
Lincoln Legacy:
Lincoln has a long history of producing luxury vehicles in the United States, known for comfort, quiet interiors, and V8 power.
Aviator Origin:
The Lincoln Aviator (2003-2005) was based on the Ford Explorer platform, but with Lincoln's distinctive styling and luxury appointments. It served as Lincoln's entry into the mid-size luxury SUV segment before the launch of the MKX.
Production Years:
2003-2005
Manufacturing Location:
St. Louis Assembly Plant, Missouri (shared with Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer)