Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Competitors:
Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban (higher trims), GMC Yukon (higher trims), Jeep Grand Cherokee (higher trims), Lexus RX 330 (newer model, but general competitor in luxury SUV space)
Vehicle Highlights:
Body-on-frame construction (shared with Ford Explorer), powerful V8 engine, upscale interior appointments, available AWD, comfortable ride.
Primary Areas:
Driver and Passenger Safety, Instruments and Controls, Vehicle Features, Driving Operation, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Technical Information, Warranty and Customer Relations
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a 2003 Lincoln owner's manual, based on content description)
Format:
Printed Book (typical for original equipment manuals)
Primary Systems:
Restraint Systems (Seat Belts, SRS Airbags), Powertrain (Engine, Transmission), Climate Control, Audio System, Security System, Cruise Control, Lighting, Instrumentation, Displays, Vehicle Body and Chassis
Operational Procedures:
Vehicle Break-in, Cargo Loading, Engine and Transmission Operation, Climate Control Usage, Audio System Operation, Cruise Control Engagement, Security System Arming/Disarming
Maintenance Procedures:
Minder System Operation, Fluid Level Checks (Engine Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, Washer Fluid), Minor Services (e.g., tire pressure checks), Vehicle Storage
Emergency Procedures:
Flat Tire Change, Jump Starting (Dead Battery), Overheating Response, Fuse Replacement
Diagnostic Level:
Basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., warning lights, minor component malfunctions), primarily for owner awareness and interim solutions.
Repair Level:
Owner-level repairs or adjustments (e.g., fluid top-offs, fuse replacement, tire pressure adjustments). Does not cover in-depth mechanical or electrical repair procedures.
Format Details:
Physical printed manual (as per typical OEM offering). Not a digital PDF unless specified separately.
Quality:
High-quality OEM printing, durable paper stock suitable for automotive environment.
Binding:
Perfect bound or saddle-stitched (typical for owner's manuals).
Paper:
Coated or uncoated paper, designed for readability and longevity.
Engine Type:
4.6L Modular V8
Engine Code:
Ford 'N' V8 (e.g., 4.6L 2V SOHC)
Horsepower:
239 hp @ 4,700 rpm (typical for 2003 model)
Torque:
282 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm (typical for 2003 model)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Bore X Stroke:
3.55 in x 3.30 in (90.2 mm x 83.7 mm)
Displacement:
4.6 Liters (281 cubic inches)
Length:
199.9 inches (5077 mm)
Width:
77.7 inches (1974 mm)
Height:
71.9 inches (1826 mm)
Wheelbase:
119.0 inches (3023 mm)
Front Track:
65.4 inches (1661 mm)
Rear Track:
65.0 inches (1651 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
14.0 cubic feet (estimated)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
40.0 cubic feet (estimated)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,600 - 5,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 6,000 - 6,200 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 7,300 lbs (with optional towing package)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (for 2003 model year, typical for vehicles of this class and era)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (for 2003 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (likely for 2003 model year, based on platform sharing with Explorer)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, available front side-impact airbags, available rear side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats, three-point seat belts for rear seats.
Child Protection:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, child safety rear door locks.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player (optional), and premium audio system options (e.g., Audiophile).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (may be DVD-based).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system, operated via steering wheel buttons.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Remote Entry:
Standard keyless entry fob.
Telematics:
Optional Lincoln SOS Post-Crash Alert System (may be integrated with roadside assistance).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to specific Ford/Lincoln recommendations).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, or as indicated by the 'Minder' system and severe driving conditions.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30, API Certified (refer to manual for specific certification)
Engine Coolant:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Power Steering Fluid:
MERCON V ATF or specific Ford Power Steering Fluid
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads and rotors, spark plugs, suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), oxygen sensors.
Powertrain Concerns:
Spark plug blowouts (early models, TSBs exist), transmission solenoid issues, occasional catalytic converter failure.
Electrical Concerns:
Power window motor failures, HVAC blower motor issues, sensor failures (e.g., ABS sensors).
Body And Interior:
Water leaks in the rear cargo area, seat wear, door handle trim.
Lincoln Legacy:
Lincoln, established in 1917, has a long history of producing luxury vehicles in the United States.
Aviator Introduction:
The Lincoln Aviator was introduced for the 2003 model year as Lincoln's first mid-size luxury SUV. It was built on the same platform as the Ford Explorer.
Manufacturing Plant:
Wayne, Michigan, USA (same plant as Ford Explorer)
Production Years:
2003-2005
Consumer Ratings 2003:
While specific awards for the 2003 Aviator are less common, its segment peers like the Lexus RX series often received strong reviews for comfort and reliability, influencing the luxury SUV market.
Safety Ratings Overview:
Generally received good safety ratings for its time, as evidenced by likely 5-star front impact ratings from NHTSA.