Lincoln 1998 Continental User manual

Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 3
Controls and features 26
Seating and safety restraints 71
Starting and driving
Starting 90
Driving 95
Roadside emergencies 109
Servicing
Maintenance and care 126
Capacities and specifications 160
Reporting safety defects 166
Index 167
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including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from Ford Motor Company.
Copyright r1997 Ford Motor Company
Contents
1

ICONS
Indicates a warning. Read the
following section on Warnings for a
full explanation.
Indicates vehicle information related
to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards
protecting the environment.
WARNINGS
Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal
injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its
equipment.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the
first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.
If possible, you should avoid full use of the brakes for the first 1 600 km
(1 000 miles).
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing.
Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring
obligation.
Introduction
2

Instrumentation
3

RESUME
SET ACCEL
COAST
OFF ON
80
MPH
km/h
ABS
P!
BRAKE
+—
RPMx1000
N
O
R
M
T/C
OFF
C
H
E
F
FILL ON RIGHT
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
AIR
BAG
TURN ON
HEAD
LAMPS
0
1
2
3
456
7
0
20
60 80
100
120
0
20
40
60
100 120
140
160
180
200
40
OFF
HI
LO
P
0FF
LIGHTS
AUTO
LAMP
SRS
Headlamp control
(pg. 26)
Turn signal and
wiper/washer control
(pg. 35)
Instrument cluster
(pg. 6)
Driver air bag
(pg. 80)
Speed control
(pg. 36)
Instrument panel
dimmer switch
(pg. 27)
Auto lamp
(pg. 27)
Instrumentation
4

NEXT
MODE VOL
TEMP FAN
000000.0
SYSTEM
DRIVER ID
MENU
TRIP
RESET
SELECT
DISPLAY
DTE ECON
VEHICLE HANDLING
N
I
T
N
O
C
L
A
T
N
E
VOL
PUSH ON
TAPE
MUTE SEEK TUNE
AM FM REW FF SIDE 1 2 COMP SHUFF
EXT OFF MAX
A/C
CD EJ RDS
SCAN AUTO
AUTO
12
3
4
56
FRONT
REAR
BASS
TREB
SEL
BAL
FADE
HI HI
OFF OFF
BACK
BOTH BOTH
BACK
00
HEATED SEATS
Electronic sound system
control
(pg. 35)
Message Center
(pg. 12)
Clock
(pg. 33) Electronic sound
system; refer to
Audio Guide
(pg. 33)
Climate control
systems
(pg. 27)
Heated seat
control*
(pg. 73)
Climate controls*
(pg. 36)
*if equipped
Instrumentation
5

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Service engine soon
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System
(OBD II). This OBD II system
protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to
meet government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
The Service Engine Soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is
first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine’s emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause your Service Engine Soon light to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
80
MPH
km/h
ABS
P!
BRAKE
+–
RPMx1000
N
O
R
M
T/C
OFF
C
H
E
F
FILL ON RIGHT
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
AIR
BAG
TURN ON
HEAD
LAMPS
0
1
2
3
456
7
0
20
60 80
100
120
0
20
40
60
100 120
140
160
180
200
40
000000.0
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
6

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening
the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other
temporary malfunctions present, the Service Engine Soon light should
turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by
mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If the Service Engine Soon light remains on, have your vehicle serviced
at the first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash
or remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
the Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the position ON
and the engine is off. Also
illuminates when the parking brake
is engaged. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level.
AIR
BAG
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
7

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. If the light
remains on, continues to flash or
fails to illuminate, have the system
serviced immediately.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or both of the
indicators stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
turn signal bulb. Refer to Exterior bulbs in the Maintenance and care
chapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Turn on headlamps
Illuminates to remind the driver to
turn the headlamps on when:
•the daytime running lamps are on
•the autolamps are off
•the autolamp sensor determines it
is nighttime
Charging system
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
ABS
TURN ON
HEAD
LAMPS
Instrumentation
8

Engine oil pressure
Illuminates when the oil pressure
falls below the normal range. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level and
add oil if needed. Refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and Care
chapter.
This lamp also illuminates when the ignition is turned to ON and the
engine is off.
Traction ControlYoff light
Illuminates when the Traction
Controlysystem has been disabled
(by the driver or as a result of a
system failure). For more
information, refer to the Driving
chapter.
Safety belt warning chime
Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to the Seating
and safety restraints chapter.
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime
For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to the Seating and
safety restraints chapter.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position and either front door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off
(and the key is not in the ignition) and either front door is opened.
Turn signal chime
Sounds when the turn signal lever has been activated to signal a turn.
T/C
OFF
Instrumentation
9

GAUGES
Fuel gauge
Displays approximately how much
fuel is in the fuel tank (when the
key is in the ON position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion. The ignition
should be in the OFF position while
the vehicle is being refueled. When
the gauge first indicates empty,
there is a small amount of reserve
fuel in the tank. When refueling the
vehicle from empty indication, the amount of fuel that can be added will
be less than the advertised capacity due to the reserve fuel.
Speedometer
Indicates the current vehicle speed.
Odometer
The odometer is located in the message center. It registers the total
kilometers (miles) of the vehicle. Pressing the E/M control will alternate
between English (miles) and Metric (kilometers) measurements.
80
MPH
km/h
ABS
P!
BRAKE
+–
RPMx1000
N
O
R
M
T/C
OFF
C
H
E
F
FILL ON RIGHT
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
AIR
BAG
TURN ON
HEAD
LAMPS
0
1
2
3
456
7
0
20
60 80
100
120
0
20
40
60
100 120
140
160
180
200
40
000000.0
E
F
FILL ON RIGHT
80
MPH
km/h
0
20
60 80
100
120
0
20
40
60
100 120
140
160
180
200
40
Instrumentation
10

Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer
pointer in the red zone may damage
the engine.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains
within the normal area (the area
between the “H” and “C”). If it
enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, switch off
the engine immediately and let the
engine cool. Refer to Engine
coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine is
running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the
coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication
will not be accurate.
ABS
RPMx1000
AIR
BAG
ANTI
THEFT
0
1
2
3
456
7
N
O
R
M
C
H
Instrumentation
11

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER
The electronic message center only
works when the ignition is in the
ON position.
The message center tells you about
the condition of your vehicle by two
methods:
•operator selectable features
•continuous warning reporting of
monitored systems
You can select different features for
the message center to display by
using the message center controls
located to the right of the
instrument cluster. You will hear a tone when you press one of these
controls. However, the message center will display the appropriate
warning message if it detects a warning from any of the monitored
systems.
If you have a vehicle with the Driver
Select System, you have a DRIVER
ID control in place of the E/M
control.
•Refer to DRIVER ID
(if equipped)
for DRIVER ID control
information.
•Refer to E/M (if equipped) for
E/M control information.
Operator selectable features
These features are controlled by the message center controls located to
the right of the instrument cluster.
SYSTEM
E/M
MENU
TRIP
RESET
SELECT
DISPLAY
DTE ECON
VEHICLE HANDLING
SYSTEM
DRIVER ID
MENU
TRIP
RESET
SELECT
DISPLAY
DTE ECON
VEHICLE HANDLING
Instrumentation
12

System check
Pressing this control causes the
message center to cycle through a
status of each of the systems being
monitored. For each of the monitored systems, the message center will
indicate either an OK message or a warning message for three seconds.
The sequence of the system check report is as follows:
•voltage level
•engine temperature
•oil level
•engine coolant level
•washer fluid level
•doors closed (driver and passenger side). This message can only be
reset by closing the door(s). If the RESET control is pressed, PLEASE
CLOSE DOOR will be displayed.
•trunk closed
•exterior lamps (front turn, brake and tail)
•fuel level
•distance to empty
•traction control
•ride control
System warnings
System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your
vehicle’s operating systems.
The message center will display the
last selected feature if there are no
more warning messages. This allows
you to use the full functionality of
the message center after you acknowledge the warning by pressing the
RESET control and clearing the warning message.
SYSTEM
RESET
Instrumentation
13

Door Ajar Cannot be reset
Driver’s Door Ajar
Check Engine Temp Warning returns after 10 minutes
Transmission Overheat
Check Transmission
Low Oil Level
Check Charging System
Low Fuel Level
Low Engine Coolant
Low Tire Pressure (if equipped)
Gear Display Data ERR Warning reappears after key is
turned from OFF to ON
Brake Lamp Out
Check Traction Control
Check Ride Control
Trunk Ajar
Check Steering Assist
Low Washer Fluid
Air Leveling Disabled
Tail Lamp Out
Check FRT Turn Lamps
Turn on Headlamps
Warning messages that have been reset are divided into two categories:
•They will reappear on the display ten minutes from the reset.
•They will not reappear until an ignition OFF-ON cycle has been
completed. This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still
exist within the vehicle.
TRIP
Press this control to display the first
of two trip odometers. Press it again
to display the second trip odometer.
To reset the displayed trip
odometer, press the RESET control.
TRIP
RESET
Instrumentation
14

DTE/ECON
•Press the DTE/ECON control
once to display the approximately
how far you can drive before
running out of fuel, or the
distance to empty (DTE). To ensure accuracy, turn the ignition OFF
when you fill the tank.
•Press the DTE/ECON control a second time to display the average fuel
economy in liters/100 kilometers or miles/gallon, based on distance
traveled and rate of fuel used information.
•To reset this feature, press the
RESET control while average fuel
economy is displayed (while you
are driving).
DTE is calculated using a running average fuel economy initialized by the
factory. This value is not the same as the average fuel economy display.
The running average fuel economy is based on more than 800 kilometers
(500 miles) of driving history, and is reinitialized if the battery is
disconnected.
If the FUEL LEVEL ERROR message is displayed, there is a problem
with the fuel indication system and you should contact your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
E/M (if equipped)
Press this control to switch the
odometer and the message center
display from metric (kilometers) to
English (miles) units, and to change
the temperature indication on the climate control unit.
DRIVER ID (if equipped)
Press this control to set vehicle
comfort settings for up to two
drivers. Seat and mirror position and
vehicle handling characteristics can
be set with this control.
DTE ECON
RESET
E/M
DRIVER ID
Instrumentation
15

RESET
Press this control to reset:
•warnings
•average fuel economy
•trip odometers
The other selectable features are unaffected by pressing RESET.
DISPLAY
Press this control to turn the
message center display off. Press it
again to turn the display on.
Warnings override an off display and
must be reset for the display to be off again.
VEHICLE HANDLING
Press this control once to adjust
RIDE CONTROL SETTINGS
(if equipped) between NORMAL,
PLUSH and FIRM. This feature
cannot be adjusted on vehicles not
equipped with the Driver Select System.
Press this control a second time to adjust the STEERING EFFORT
SETTINGS between NORMAL, LOW and HIGH.
Press the SELECT control to change
these settings while in VEHICLE
HANDLING mode. The combination
of firm ride control (if equipped)
and low steering effort is undesirable and cannot be selected.
MENU
Press this control to change various
convenience settings throughout the
vehicle. Each press of the MENU
control will display a different
convenience setting as follows:
Save to driver (if equipped)
This allows you to select driver setting one, two or off.
RESET
DISPLAY
VEHICLE HANDLING
SELECT
MENU
Instrumentation
16

Traction control
Refer to Traction Controlyfor more information.
Express window
•Standard vehicle setting is saved as vehicle setting only (not the
Driver 1 or 2 individualized profiles).
•Standard vehicle with Memory Profile System: setting may be saved to
either Driver 1 or 2 personalized profiles or as a vehicle setting.
•Settings: ON or OFF.
•Original setting: ON.
•Setting adjustment is made using the message center MENU/SELECT
controls.
Auto door locks
•Standard vehicle: setting is saved as vehicle setting only (not the
Driver 1 or 2 individualized profiles.
•Standard vehicle with Memory Profile System: setting may be saved to
either the Driver 1 or 2 personalized profiles or as a vehicle setting.
•Settings: ON or OFF.
•Original setting: ON.
•Setting adjustment is made using the message center MENU/SELECT
controls.
Horn chirp
•Standard vehicle: setting is saved as vehicle setting only (not the
Driver 1 or 2 individualized profiles).
•Standard vehicle with Memory Profile System: setting may be saved to
either the Driver 1 or 2 personalized profiles or as a vehicle setting.
•Settings: ON or OFF.
•Original setting: ON.
•Setting adjustment is made using the message center MENU/SELECT
controls.
Easy entry/exit seat access
•Standard vehicle: setting is saved as vehicle setting only
(not the Driver 1 or 2 individualized profiles).
Instrumentation
17

•Standard vehicle with Memory Profile System: setting may be saved to
either the Driver 1 or 2 personalized profiles or as a vehicle setting.
•Settings: ON or OFF.
•Original setting: ON.
•Setting adjustment is made using the message center MENU/SELECT
controls.
Reverse mirrors
•Standard vehicle: setting is saved as vehicle setting only
(not the Driver 1 or 2 individualized profiles).
•Standard vehicle with Memory Profile System: setting may be saved to
either the Driver 1 or 2 personalized profiles or as a vehicle setting.
•Settings: ON or OFF.
•Original setting: ON.
•Setting adjustment is made using the message center MENU/SELECT
controls.
Adjustable ride
•Standard vehicle: not available.
•Standard vehicle with Memory Profile System: setting may be saved to
either the Driver 1 or 2 personalized profiles or as a vehicle setting.
•Settings: plush, normal or firm.
•Original setting: normal.
•Setting adjustment is made using the message center VEHICLE
HANDLING/SELECT controls.
Adjustable steering
•Standard vehicle: setting is saved as vehicle setting only (not the
Driver 1 or 2 individualized profiles).
•Standard vehicle with Memory Profile System: setting may be saved to
either the Driver 1 or 2 personalized profiles or as a vehicle setting.
•Settings: low, normal or high.
•Original setting: normal.
•Setting adjustment is made using the message center VEHICLE
HANDLING/SELECT controls.
Instrumentation
18

Autolamp on/delay time
Standard vehicle with Memory Profile System: setting may be saved to
either the Driver 1 or 2 personalized profiles or as a vehicle setting.
Instrument panel dim control setting
•Standard vehicle: setting is saved as vehicle setting only
(not the Driver 1 or 2 individualized profiles).
•Standard vehicle with Memory Profile System: setting may be saved to
either the Driver 1 or 2 personalized profiles or as a vehicle setting.
•Settings: variable.
•Original setting: maximum.
•Setting adjustment is made using the lighting control module-panel
dim control.
Driver’s seat position
•Setting may be saved to either the Driver 1 or 2 personalized profiles
or as a vehicle setting.
•Settings: 8-way adjustment.
•Original setting: N/A.
•Setting adjustment is made using the driver seat control.
Outside mirror position
•Setting may be saved to either the Driver 1 or 2 personalized profiles
or as a vehicle setting.
•Settings: horizontal and vertical.
•Original setting: N/A.
•Setting adjustment is made using the outside mirror control.
DRIVER PROFILE SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Driver profile System allows for two primary drivers to save their
individual seat and outside rearview mirror position preferences. The
feature will then be set to the individual’s preferences when that
individual identifies themselves to the system before entering the vehicle.
The Message Center info allows the driver to program eight vehicle
features (listed in Driver Profile features) according to their driving
preferences. These feature preferences will be saved as the vehicle
Instrumentation
19

settings (not individualized settings). To change a feature setting see
Driver profile features in this section.
Associated systems
Keyless Entry System
Programming personalized codes:
With a key and/or Key FOB outside of the vehicle:
•Enter the factory code
•Press the 1/2 control
•Enter the five digit personalized code
Press:
•The 1/2 control to save the code as Driver 1.
•The 3/4 control to save the code as Driver 2.
•The 5/6 control to save as a third code that will not identify the driver
to the System and turn the system OFF.
•When the desired codes have been entered, press the 7/8 and 9/0
controls simultaneously to end programming, and to lock all of the
doors.
•Test the programmed codes by entering them and verifying the
driver’s door unlocks. Press 7/8 and 9/0 simultaneously to lock all of
the doors. Repeat for other codes as required.
The Message Center System
The Message Center is used to display Driver Profile messages and
warning and program many of the Driver Profile System features. Press
the following controls for desired programming:
•The MENU control will display options for the Express Window, Auto
Door Locks, Horn Chirp, Easy Entry/Exit Seat Access and Reverse
Mirror features which can be set by using the SELECT control.
•The VEHICLE HANDLING control will display options for Adjustable
Steering and Adjustable Ride (DSS only) features which can be set
using the SELECT control.
•The DRIVER ID control will display the option of selecting Driver 1,
Driver 2 or OFF.
Instrumentation
20