ECO mode LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1996 Customer Assistance Guide

Driving Your ContinentalYour vehicle has an automatic overdrive
transaxle. You may be familiar with the term
"transmission." We use transaxle because it is a
more accurate term for vehicles that have front-
wheel drive.
Driving with an Automatic
Overdrive Transaxle
Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides
fully automatic operation in either (Overdrive) or D (Drive). Driving with the shift
selector in (Overdrive) gives the best fuel
economy for normal driving conditions. For
manual control, start in 1 (First) and then shift
manually.
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
Powertrain Control Module that limits engine
and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out mode to
promote durability.Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
Your vehicle's gearshift can be on the column
or on the console./! WARNINGHold the brake pedal down while youmove the gearshift lever from position toposition. If you do not hold the brakepedal down, your vehicle may moveunexpectedly and injure someone.179

NOTE: If you are driving down a long or steep hill,
shift to a lower gear and do not apply your brakes
continuously. If you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less effective.
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake system
and is normal. However, if the squeal becomes
louder or more frequent, have your brakes inspected
by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Ford Motor Company has not found any detrimental
effects of popular mobile radio transmitting
equipment installed on vehicles with the anti-lock
brake system, if the equipment is installed according
to the manufacturer's instructions. However, if
mobile radio transmitting
188equipment is installed in your vehicle and, if
either the anti-lock brake system cycles or the
ANTI-LOCK light comes on at any time other
than right after you turn the key to the ON
position or during a sudden stop, have your
mobile radio dealer inspect the installation.
Parking Brake
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
The parking brake is suspended just below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel.
To set the parking brake while parking your
vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right
foot and hold it while you push the parking
brake down firmly and fully with your left foot.

Towing ClassLight-dutyMaximum gross trailer
weight1,000/2,000 lbs. (454/907
kg)*Maximum tongue load100/200 lbs. (45/91 kg)Engine4.OLHitch designLoad carrying typeTraffer-tow package
optionNot requiredVehicle speed should not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when
towing on grades. Limit maximum gross trailer weight to
1,000 lbs. (454 kg) and maximum tongue load to 100 lbs. (45
kg): (1) when you are towing a trailer on steep hills or on
moderate hills for a long distance (five miles (8 kms) or more)
(2) on very hot days (when the temperature is 1OO°F (38°C)
or more).
You should also limit your trailer's load when you
tow in high altitudes.
196Preparing to Tow
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all
towing equipment is properly attached to your
vehicle. If you are not certain that you are
using the right equipment in the proper manner,
see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed
to bear the load.
Always check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires when preparing to tow (see inflation
recommendation on the tire label).
Connecting the safety chains
Always attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the
hitch breaks.

Information about your vehicle's emission control
system is on the Vehicle Emission Control
Information decal located on or near the engine.
This decal identifies engine displacement and gives
some tune-up specifications.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
Testing
In some localities it may become a legal requirement
to pass an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just
been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not
ready for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M
testing, the law specifies a "need for additional
mixed city and highway driving to complete the
check" of the OBD II system. As soon as all of the
OBD II system checks are successfully completed,
the OBD II system is set to the ready condition. The
amount of driving required to reach the ready
condition varies with individual driving patterns. To
complete this requirement in theminimum amount of time, refer to the OBD II Drive
Cycle defined below. If the vehicle owner cannot or
does not want to do the additional driving required by
law, a service center can perform this drive cycle as it
would any other type of repair work.
OBD II Drive Cycle
The following steps must be run in the order shown.
If steps 2 through 9 are interrupted, repeat the
preceeding step. Any safe driving mode is acceptable
between steps.
Always drive vehicle in a safe manner according to
traffic conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start engine and drive until engine has reached
normal operating temperature.
2. Idle vehicle for at least 80 seconds, then
accelerate at part throttle to near 45 mph (72 km/h).
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