Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking comfortable, spacious, and dignified transportation, often associated with executive or livery use.
Key Competitors:
Cadillac DeVille/DTS, Chrysler 300M, Buick Park Avenue, Mercedes-Benz S-Class (entry models), BMW 7 Series (entry models).
Defining Characteristics:
Body-on-frame construction, rear-wheel drive, powerful V8 engine, exceptionally long wheelbase for superior ride quality and interior space, quiet cabin, plush interior appointments.
Primary Coverage:
Driver and passenger safety, instruments and controls, vehicle features, driving operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, technical information, warranty.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 150-200 pages (typical for this era and vehicle type).
Safety Systems:
Seat belts (lap and shoulder), SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags (driver and passenger), child protection (child seat anchorages, child safety locks).
Cockpit Controls:
Indicator lights, warning lamps, gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, coolant temperature), information display, dashboard layout, steering column controls (headlights, turn signals, wipers, horn).
Comfort Features:
Climate control (manual/automatic, A/C, heater, fan speed, air distribution), audio system operation, steering wheel controls (if equipped), security system operation, cruise control.
Powertrain Operation:
Engine operation basics, transmission operation (automatic), driving modes (if applicable).
Maintenance And Service:
Maintenance Minder system, fluid level checks (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), minor service procedures, vehicle storage guidelines.
Emergency Procedures:
Flat tire changing procedure, jump starting a dead battery, addressing overheating, fuse identification and replacement.
Technical Data:
Vehicle specifications, tire information (size, pressure), emission control systems.
Warranty And Customer Care:
Warranty coverage details, customer assistance information.
Pre Driving Checks:
Fueling procedures, vehicle break-in recommendations, cargo loading guidelines.
Driving Techniques:
Proper engine and transmission operation for optimal performance and longevity.
Maintenance Tasks:
Checking and topping off essential fluids, understanding dashboard indicators, basic cleaning and care.
Troubleshooting Steps:
Guidance for common unexpected situations like a flat tire or dead battery.
Depth:
Covers essential owner-level information, focusing on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not delve into detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a Service Manual.
Engine Code:
4.6L V8 (Modular engine)
Displacement:
4.6 Liters (281 cubic inches)
Configuration:
V8, 90-degree bank angle, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
235-240 hp @ 4750-5000 rpm (depending on specific engine tune and intake/exhaust configuration)
Torque:
288-294 lb-ft @ 3500-3750 rpm (depending on specific engine tune)
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change
Recommended Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (meeting Ford WSS-M2C153-H or equivalent API SJ)
Spark Plugs:
Typically long-life iridium plugs (e.g., Motorcraft AWSF22F).
Type:
4-speed Automatic Overdrive
Transmission Model:
4R70W (often identified by its internal designation)
Shift Modes:
Selectable 'Normal' and 'Comfort' (or 'Overdrive') modes, providing different shift points for economy or smoother acceleration.
Fluid Type:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 10-12 quarts (9.5-11.4 Liters) for a complete fluid flush and fill (includes torque converter).
Length:
Approx. 214.4 inches (5446 mm)
Width:
Approx. 78.2 inches (1986 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.5 inches (1435 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 117.7 inches (2990 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,100 - 4,300 lbs (1860 - 1950 kg), depending on trim and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5,300 lbs (2404 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 20.4 cubic feet (578 liters)
Standard Wheel Size:
16-inch alloy wheels
Standard Tire Size:
P225/60R16
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 4.5 inches (114.3 mm)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not explicitly tested by NHTSA for this model year in the same way as modern vehicles, but body-on-frame design with a lower center of gravity generally contributes to stability.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Assist system (often referred to as 'TCS').
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS).
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts, driver and front passenger pretensioners.
Child Safety:
Rear door child safety locks, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seating positions (standard on models produced after Sept 1, 2000, and often retrofitted or available on earlier models).
Audio System:
Premium ETR AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player, potentially with premium amplifier and speaker system (e.g., JBL).
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (optional on some trims, standard on others) with dual-zone capability.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control with steering wheel mounted buttons.
Phone Integration:
No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity; typically handled via aftermarket solutions.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require shorter intervals.
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or at every oil change.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically recommended around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or as per the Maintenance Minder if equipped and calibrated. Check manual for specific guidance on fluid and filter changes.
Coolant Change:
Initial change typically at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 (meeting Ford WSS-M6C65-A1 or equivalent).
Power Steering Fluid:
MERCON V ATF or specific power steering fluid (check manual for exact specification).
Coolant:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Common Wear Items:
Front air suspension (air springs, compressor), exhaust system components (rust), catalytic converters, ignition coils (especially on early modular engines), ABS sensors.
Common Electrical Issues:
Window regulators, power seat motors, climate control head unit failures.
Lincoln Legacy:
Lincoln has a long-standing reputation for luxury and comfort, often associated with executive and chauffeured transportation. The Town Car embodies this heritage.
Town Car Lineage:
The Town Car nameplate has been a cornerstone of Lincoln's lineup since the early 1980s, evolving from its Continental roots. The 2000 model represents the third generation of the dedicated Town Car platform, emphasizing comfort and a classic American luxury car aesthetic.
Manufacturing Location:
Wixom, Michigan, USA
Model Years Covered:
This manual specifically covers the 2000 model year of the Lincoln Town Car, which falls within the 1998-2011 third generation (VN116).