Vehicle Segment:
Full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan
Target Audience:
Police departments, taxi services, fleet operators, and private owners valuing durability and traditional RWD architecture
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Caprice (until 1996), Buick Roadmaster (until 1996), Chrysler New Yorker/Concorde, Dodge Intrepid
Durability:
Renowned for robust construction and long service life
Powertrain Layout:
Body-on-frame construction, rear-wheel drive
V8 Engine:
Standard V8 power, providing ample torque and a distinctive engine note
Smooth Ride:
Comfort-oriented suspension tuning for a quiet and comfortable ride
Coverage Scope:
All Models and All Repairs A-Z
Specific Nature:
Specific to model, not generic
Page Count Estimate:
Thousands (implied by comprehensive coverage)
Type:
Factory Service and Repair Manual
Usage:
Used by dealership technicians
Accessibility:
Printable pages, searchable content (implied by PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine, Control System, Mechanical, Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake Exhaust Cooling, Lube, Ignition Starting Charging, Auto Transmission Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Suspension, Tire & Wheel
Brakes Steering:
Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering
Climate Comfort:
Air Condition
Safety Restraint:
Suppl Restraint System, Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control
Electrical Body:
Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/ Door, Exterior & Interior, Electrical, Multiplex/ Can Communication
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), component testing
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for component removal and installation
Technical Data Provision:
Specifications, torque values, clearances, resistance readings
Depth Level:
Complete, factory-level detail
Illustrations:
Diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics
Information Source:
Official dealership service information
Engine Code And Displacement:
4.6L (281 cu in) SOHC V8 (Modular Engine Family)
Engine Variants:
P71 Police Interceptor versions often featured a more powerful variant with higher horsepower and torque ratings, and an enhanced cooling system.
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 215-235 hp for standard models, up to 250 hp for P71 variants
Torque Range:
Approximately 280-295 lb-ft for standard models, higher for P71 variants
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
8 U.S. quarts (7.6 liters) - *Confirm with specific manual section for accuracy*
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 15.7 quarts (14.9 liters) - *Confirm with specific manual section for accuracy*
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug (COP) or coil-near-plug (CNP) depending on specific model year and engine variant.
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic overdrive
Transmission Model:
4R70W
Optional Transmission:
None for this generation (typically only automatic)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - *Confirm specific year/model requirements in manual*
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 11.2 quarts (10.6 liters) for a dry fill, lower for a fluid change - *Confirm with specific manual section for accuracy*
Wheelbase:
114.7 inches (2913 mm)
Overall Length:
212.0 inches (5385 mm)
Overall Width:
78.2 inches (1986 mm)
Overall Height:
54.7 inches (1390 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3,900 - 4,200 lbs (1769 - 1905 kg) depending on trim and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Typically around 5,000 - 5,300 lbs (2268 - 2404 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:
4 Stars (1998-2002 models varied slightly in testing, but generally performed well for their era)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:
4 Stars (1998-2002 models varied slightly in testing)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction control available on some models, especially later years or P71 variants.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts, with pretensioners for front occupants
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard for this generation (rely on seat belt installation for child seats).
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or optional CD player. Basic analog controls.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control with physical knobs and buttons.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Exterior Lighting:
Halogen headlights, dedicated fog lamps available on some trims. Standard exterior lighting controls.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type used) - *Consult manual for precise interval*
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 24-36 months - *Consult manual for precise interval and specific fluid type requirements*
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 24-36 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 100,000 miles for the 4.6L Modular V8 (depending on plug type) - *Consult manual for exact specification*
Engine Oil Type And Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 API SG/SH or SJ certified - *Confirm specific API rating and viscosity with manual*
Coolant Type:
Ford specified Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or a compatible equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Intake Manifold Cracks:
Certain early Modular V8 engines were prone to plastic intake manifold cracks, leading to coolant leaks. This was largely addressed in later revisions and is a key area covered in service manuals for repair/replacement.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Some vehicles may experience hard shifting; often resolved by fluid and filter changes or adjustments to electronic controls.
Rear Air Suspension Issues:
If equipped with optional rear air suspension, leaks or compressor failure can occur.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many vehicles of this age, minor electrical issues like faulty sensors, switches, or wiring can develop. Comprehensive wiring diagrams in the manual are crucial for diagnosis.
Ford Fullsize Sedan Legacy:
Successor to the Ford LTD Crown Victoria, continuing Ford's long-standing tradition of large, comfortable sedans.
Platform Development:
Built on the Panther platform, shared with Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car. This platform was known for its durability and truck-like body-on-frame construction.
Design Changes 1998-2002:
Minor styling updates occurred during this period, including front and rear fascia revisions, and interior refinements. The core chassis and powertrain remained largely consistent.
Production Location:
St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
Production Period For This Generation:
1998-2002
Police Vehicle Reputation:
The P71 Police Interceptor variant was widely adopted by law enforcement agencies across North America, earning a reputation for durability, reliability, and performance under demanding conditions.
Fleet Sales:
Consistently ranked among the top-selling full-size sedans for fleet and government sales throughout its production run.
