Segment:
Full-size Luxury SUV
Target Audience:
Affluent families and individuals seeking a spacious, comfortable, and luxurious SUV.
Key Competitors:
Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe (high-trim), GMC Yukon (high-trim), Jeep Grand Cherokee (lower trims), possibly Lexus LX 470.
Distinctive Features:
Spacious interior for up to seven passengers, powerful V8 engine, premium comfort features, robust towing capacity, independent rear suspension for improved ride quality.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Manual for 1998 Lincoln Navigator
Secondary Coverage:
Driver and passenger safety, instruments and controls, features, driving procedures, maintenance, unexpected situations, technical information, warranty, customer relations.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 250-300 pages (estimated based on typical owner's manual length for this era and vehicle class)
Format:
Printed (Original Equipment)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, transmission operation, fuel system overview.
Chassis:
Brake system basics, suspension overview, steering system.
Electrical:
Indicator lights, gauges, information display, basic electrical features (lighting, power accessories).
Comfort & Convenience:
Climate control system, audio system operation, cruise control, security system, steering wheel controls.
Safety Systems:
Seat belt operation and adjustment, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags, child protection features (child seat installation).
Pre-Driving Checks:
Fueling instructions, vehicle break-in procedures, cargo loading recommendations.
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, basic transmission usage, operating climate and audio systems.
Maintenance:
Understanding the maintenance minder system, fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid), basic user-maintainable items, vehicle storage procedures.
Troubleshooting (Basic):
Procedure for flat tire change, jump-starting a dead battery, addressing overheating, fuse identification and replacement.
Depth:
Owner-level information for safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Overdrive
Features:
Electronically controlled, selectable drive modes (e.g., Overdrive, Drive).
Type:
N/A for 1998 Model Year
Type:
Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Capacity:
Approximately 12.0 quarts (11.4 liters) with filter change
Length:
207.7 inches (5276 mm)
Width:
79.9 inches (2030 mm)
Height:
70.4 inches (1788 mm)
Wheelbase:
119.0 inches (3023 mm)
Front Track:
67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Rear Track:
67.2 inches (1707 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 117.2 cubic feet (3319 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 24.0 cubic feet (680 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 54.0 cubic feet (1529 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 110.5 cubic feet (3129 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 5,100 - 5,300 lbs (2313 - 2404 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 6,700 - 6,800 lbs (3039 - 3084 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 7,700 lbs (3493 kg)
Tongue Weight Max:
Approx. 770 lbs (349 kg)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not extensively rated by NHTSA for this model year in detailed breakdown, but typical for the era.
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Not extensively rated by NHTSA for this model year in detailed breakdown, but typical for the era.
ABS:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Availability may vary by trim, but not a standard feature on all 1998 models.
Airbags Driver:
Driver Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Airbag
Airbags Passenger:
Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Airbag
Seatbelts Front:
Three-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners
Seatbelts Rear:
Three-point rear seat belts
Child Anchors:
Rear seat lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) or equivalent system for the era.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and optional CD player. Premium audio systems may have more speakers.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic dual-zone climate control.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, integrated into steering wheel or column stalks.
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors were optional on some models.
Aux Input:
Not available in its original form. Auxiliary inputs would require aftermarket modifications.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions; Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check owner's manual, but typically around 50,000 - 100,000 miles depending on usage. Mercon V specification is crucial.
Coolant Change:
Initial change at 50,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles thereafter (or as specified by Ford coolant type).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs (if equipped, though likely copper for this era).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (confirm based on specific engine build and climate, 5W-30 common for this era).
Engine Oil Capacity:
6 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mercon V ATF or equivalent power steering fluid
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Early models can sometimes exhibit harsh shifting due to solenoid issues or valve body wear. Transmission fluid and filter changes are crucial.
Rear Air Suspension:
While not standard on all 1998 models, early vehicles with rear auto-leveling suspension can develop leaks in air springs or compressor failures.
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Some Ford modular V8 engines of this era can experience coolant leaks from the intake manifold gaskets.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Exhaust manifold cracks can occur due to thermal stress, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
PCM Failure:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failures can lead to various drivability issues.
Lincoln Legacy:
Lincoln, Ford Motor Company's luxury division, has a long history of producing premium vehicles, focusing on comfort, refinement, and advanced features.
First Generation:
The 1998 Lincoln Navigator was the inaugural model year for the Navigator, marking Lincoln's entry into the full-size luxury SUV market. It was built on the Ford Expedition platform.
Platform Sharing:
Shared its body-on-frame construction and powertrain components with the Ford Expedition.
Manufacturing Location:
Wayne, Michigan, USA (Same as Ford Expedition)
Launch Impact:
The Navigator was a highly anticipated vehicle and immediately became a significant player in the luxury SUV segment, contributing to Lincoln's brand rejuvenation.
Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:
Not awarded to the Navigator for 1998.
North American Truck Of The Year:
The Ford Expedition (which the Navigator shares its platform with) was a finalist for the North American Truck of the Year award in 1997, signaling the platform's initial positive reception.