Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan.
Target Audience:
Comfort-oriented luxury buyers, fleet operations, traditional Lincoln clientele.
Key Competitors:
Cadillac DeVille, Buick Park Avenue, Chrysler New Yorker/300M.
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, robust V8 engine, traditional luxury styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables DIY repair, cost savings on dealership maintenance, deeper understanding of vehicle systems, essential for independent shops.
Engine Mechanical:
V8 4.6L Triton (2V SOHC) internal components, timing, lubrication, cooling, exhaust.
Fuel System:
Fuel delivery, injection system (EFI), fuel pump, pressure regulator, fuel tank.
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, coils, ignition control module, crankshaft/camshaft position sensors.
Transmission:
4R70W Automatic Transmission: service, overhaul, fluid, torque converter, electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, rear axle, universal joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, ball joints, control arms, springs, shock absorbers, air suspension (if equipped).
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, tie rods.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic system, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, horn, power windows, power locks, seats.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning (A/C) system, heater, ventilation, climate control module.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belt pre-tensioners.
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, frame inspection and repair.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), OBD-II system, scan tool usage, diagnostic flowcharts.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues.
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding major components like the transmission.
Wiring:
Complete wiring schematics and electrical diagrams for all vehicle circuits.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical data.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds.
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations and diagrams to guide repair procedures.
Engine Code:
4.6L V8 SOHC (2-valve Triton)
Displacement:
4.6 liters (281 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
Approx. 205-215 hp @ 4500-4800 RPM (depending on exact application/tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 260-270 lb-ft @ 3000-3250 RPM (depending on exact application/tuning)
Induction:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 18.0 gallons (68 liters)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C153-E or equivalent)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.0 US quarts (11.4 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 stars (Driver/Passenger) for 2000 Model Year.
NHTSA Side Impact:
Not rated or 4/5 stars (Front/Rear Passenger) depending on equipment and testing methodology for this year.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS), front side airbags (optional/some trims).
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners, height-adjustable shoulder belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, using synthetic or synthetic blend oil.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), or as per severe service schedule.
Coolant Change:
Initial change at 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 3 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for Long Life Spark Plugs (e.g., Motorcraft Platinum).
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 (meeting Ford specification WSS-M6C62-A or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid:
MERCON V ATF or specific Ford Power Steering Fluid (consult manual for exact spec).
Common Issues:
Coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system failure, intake manifold coolant leaks (plastic), rear air suspension (springs or compressor failure), trunk lock actuator failure, occasional transmission solenoid issues.
Body Corrosion:
Potential for rust, especially in areas with road salt, on rocker panels, rear wheel arches, and underbody.
Brand Positioning:
Lincoln is Ford's luxury division, historically known for its comfortable, quiet, and large sedans.
Platform Basis:
Built on the Ford Panther platform, shared with Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis. This generation (1998-2011) represented a significant update from the previous generation.
Manufacturing Location:
St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.
Production Years:
The Panther platform Town Car was produced from 1981 to 2011. The 2000 model year falls within the third generation (1998-2011).