FordCrown Victoria1996Overview/ford/crown-victoria/1996/base/

1996 Ford Crown Victoria

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1996 Crown Victoria.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 1996 Ford Crown Victoria is a full-size passenger car equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission and a 5.0-quart oil capacity requiring 5W-20 API viscosity, returning EPA fuel economy of 15 city, 23 highway, and 18 combined mpg. Within the model’s 1990–2011 complaint history, this year logged 311 owner complaints—concentrated in the Engine & Engine Cooling area—and 12 recalls, placing it in the earlier, higher-complaint era of the platform, well above the 2010 low of 12 complaints but below the 1992 peak of 424.

Model year201120102009200820072006200520041996

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy15/23/18 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 58 - EARLY · 540 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 58 - EARLY · 540 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP225-60R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5-, 7-JJ inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length212.6 in
Overall width78 in
Overall height56.7 in
Wheelbase114.6 in
Curb weight3823 lb
Track (front / rear)63 / 63.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)55/45

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined15 / 23 / 18 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume111 cu ft
Cargo volume21 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Crown Victoria of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.9–8.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.90 sec — 2004 LX Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
1999Police Interceptor Sedan 4.6L V88.40 sec16.50 sec250 hpRWD
2004LX Sedan 4.6L V87.90 sec16.20 sec224 hpRWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 10.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.0 qt
Power Steering FluidATF

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts114-121 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)12.0-17.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)27.0-30.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts14-16 ft-lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts15.0-22.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug8.0-12.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug10.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Front Wheel Hub221 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub250 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)800 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)25 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.052-0.056 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity2.13 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeYN-12-D
Oil Capacity7.00 oz
Optional BCI Group Number59 - LATE
Optional BCI Cranking Performance540 cca
Standard BCI Group Number58 - EARLY

Service checks

Pressure Test13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature188-195 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)35-45
RPM30-45 @ Idle rpm
Injector Primary Resistance11-18 ohms

Brakes

Torque to Knuckle19-25 ft-lbs / 85-105 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.125; Rear: 0.125 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.030
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.00035 in / 0.0005 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.024 in / 0.5 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To1.024 in / 0.5 in
Rotor Minimum Machining0.974 in / 0.44 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
130 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
3loosen 1 turn
430 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
590 degrees90 degrees
690
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages
135-40 ft. lbs.35–40 ft. lbs
256-60

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; spark plugs every 30,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 5,000 miTire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 5,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 10,000 miTire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miEngine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 25,000 miFuel Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Exhaust System Heat Shield (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 miPCV Valve (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Federal data places 1996 at the apex of a mid-1990s high-activity cycle, with 311 complaints, 12 recalls, 10 investigations, and 186 TSBs representing increases over 1995 in complaints, investigations, and TSBs while nearly matching 1997’s 316 complaints, 11 recalls, 10 investigations, and 202 TSBs. Following a dramatic 1992 spike of 424 complaints, the generation settled into a sustained elevated plateau through the mid-1990s before federal filings dropped sharply to 139 complaints by 1998, positioning 1996 at the crest just before that decline. That concentration of scrutiny is reflected in the model year’s leading complaint categories—Engine & Engine Cooling (66), Suspension (41), Fuel System, Gasoline (33), and Steering (29)—along with 14 crash complaints and 19 fire complaints, though the data does not specify root causes. With complaint, investigation, and TSB counts ranking among the highest of the generation and recall volume tied for the peak, 1996 represents one of the most heavily documented years in the run. Consequently, it is a riskier purchase than 1998-and-later examples whose complaint volumes fell dramatically, and any prospective buyer should prioritize detailed inspection of engine, suspension, and fuel components; it is not the strongest year to buy unless price and condition offset the elevated federal activity.

12
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
186
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
10
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
311
Owner complaints
14 involved a crash · 19 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 311 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine & Engine Cooling66
Suspension41
Fuel System, Gasoline33
Steering29
Service Brakes, Hydraulic23
Vehicle Speed Control15
Electrical System11
Visibility9

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 12 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

15E082000SteeringReported 06/10/2015

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured… Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at…

08V051000Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise ControlReported 04/02/2008

FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS… Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 186 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
CSP 08B042008-05-15Fuel System, GasolineFORD/LINCOLN MERCURY: CERTAIN 1992-2001 MODEL YEAR CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, AND…
05N042005-12-14Engine And Engine CoolingEXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM 05N04 - EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS…
0205032005-03-21Fuel System, GasolineGUIDANCE FOR CNG TANK INSPECTION FOR VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER DECEMBER 2, 1996. *TT…
183512004-12-01Engine And Engine CoolingCHARGING SYSTEM LIMITATIONS. *EH
02B022003-11-01EquipmentINSTALLATION OF OPTIONAL POLICE INTERCEPTOR PACKAGE UPGRADE KIT. *TT UPDATE PART 2…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Crown Victoria. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1996 Crown Victoria take?

5.0 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 1996 Crown Victoria have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Crown Victoria get?

EPA figures are 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined mpg.