1987 Ford Crown Victoria Owners Manual

The 1987 Ford Crown Victoria is a full-size sedan featuring a 5.0L V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, premium sound system, and luxurious interior appointments. This comprehensive manual covers operation, maintenance, safety features, and troubleshooting for your vehicle.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Instrument Panel 3. Starting & Operating 4. Specifications 5. Controls & Features 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Driving Tips 8. Safety Systems 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Overview

Key components: 5.0L V8 engine, automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with cassette player.

FeatureDescription
Engine5.0L V8 with electronic fuel injection
Transmission4-speed automatic overdrive
BrakesPower front disc/rear drum with ABS
SteeringPower-assisted recirculating ball
Fuel Capacity20 gallons
Seating Capacity6 passengers
Air ConditioningManual climate control system
Audio SystemAM/FM stereo with cassette player
Exterior Dimensions214.2" length, 77.3" width
Curb WeightApproximately 3,800 lbs

Instrument Panel

Familiarize yourself with dashboard controls and indicators.

  1. Speedometer: Shows vehicle speed in mph
  2. Tachometer: Engine RPM display
  3. Fuel Gauge: Monitors fuel level
  4. Temperature Gauge: Engine coolant temperature
  5. Warning Lights: Oil pressure, brake, battery, check engine
  6. Odometer: Total and trip mileage

WARNING! Never ignore warning lights; stop vehicle immediately if red warning lights illuminate.

Starting & Operating

Proper starting procedure and basic operation.

  1. Ensure parking brake is engaged
  2. Insert key into ignition
  3. Turn to ON position, wait for warning lights to cycle
  4. Turn to START position, release when engine starts
  5. Shift from PARK to DRIVE after engine warms
  6. Release parking brake before driving

CAUTION! Never shift from PARK without foot on brake. Allow engine to warm before hard acceleration.

Specifications

Controls & Features

Master vehicle controls for optimal operation.

Steering Column: Ignition, turn signals, headlight switch, wiper controls.

Center Console: Climate controls, radio, ashtray, power window switches (if equipped). Dashboard: Headlight switch, hazard lights, rear defroster, power mirror controls.

Climate: Temperature control, fan speed, vent selection, A/C button. Audio: AM/FM radio, cassette player, volume, tone controls, seek/scan functions.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and reliability.

  1. Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
  2. Filter Replacement: Air filter every 15,000 miles
  3. Tire Rotation: Every 6,000 miles
  4. Brake Inspection: Every 10,000 miles
  5. Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles
  6. Transmission Service: Every 30,000 miles
  7. Spark Plugs: Every 30,000 miles

Tip: Keep maintenance records for warranty and resale value.

Driving Tips

Optimize performance and fuel economy.

  1. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking
  2. Maintain proper tire pressure (32 PSI)
  3. Use overdrive for highway driving
  4. Plan routes to avoid excessive idling
  5. Remove unnecessary weight from vehicle
  6. Keep windows closed at highway speeds
  7. Use cruise control on long trips

WARNING! Never exceed posted speed limits or vehicle load capacity.

Safety Systems

Understand and utilize safety features.

Seat Belts: Lap and shoulder belts for all positions. Brakes: Power-assisted with anti-lock feature. Lighting: Headlights, parking lights, brake lights, turn signals. Mirrors: Inside rearview, outside manual or power mirrors.

Care & Cleaning

Proper cleaning preserves appearance and value.

Exterior: Wash with automotive soap, wax every 3 months. Interior: Vacuum regularly, use automotive upholstery cleaner. Windows: Use automotive glass cleaner. Tires: Clean with tire cleaner, protect with dressing.

CAUTION! Never use household cleaners on automotive surfaces. Avoid high-pressure washers near seals.

Warranty Information

1987 Ford Crown Victoria includes 12-month/12,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. Rust-through coverage: 3 years/unlimited miles. Emissions components: 5 years/50,000 miles. Maintain service records for warranty claims. Contact Ford dealership for warranty service.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startBattery, fuel, ignitionCheck battery connections, fuel level, spark plugs
OverheatingCoolant, thermostatCheck coolant level, radiator, water pump
Poor fuel economyTires, filters, driving habitsCheck tire pressure, replace air filter, adjust driving
Brake problemsFluid, pads, linesCheck brake fluid, inspect pads, check lines
Electrical issuesBattery, alternatorTest battery, check alternator output

Emergency: Keep emergency kit in trunk including flares, jack, and spare tire.

Service: Contact authorized Ford dealership for professional service.

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