LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1996 Customer Assistance Guide

LINCOLN
Registered Key Ring
For that special look of distinction. you have been
provided a pull apart Registered Key Ring. This
Key Ring carries the prestigious Lincoln Star Logo
and is registered on the reverse side to facilitate its
return should it ever become lost.
The Key Ring is located inside the Owner Guide
Portfolio, complete with instructions. Once you fill
out the registration card and mail it to us, we will
keep your name, address and registration number on
file. Should you lose your key ring, all the finder
has to do is drop it in any mail box; we will then
forward it to you.
To order an extra Key Ring, simply fill out the order
form below, or call our toll free number, 1-800-
7350482. Please enclose payment of $15-00
(available in the United States only) for each Key
Ring ordered (checks, money orders and Visa or
MasterCard are accepted; please no cash or CODS).
Michigan residents add 6% Sales Tax. Make
checks Payable to Lincoln Key Ring Headquarters.Bottom swivels only,
and not removable.
Slide button down to
remove ring
MAIL TO:PLEASE SEND ___KEY RINGS
Lincoln Key Ringat $15.00 Each $_____
HeadquartersMI Residents at 6%___
P.O. Box 760546Total $____
Lathrop Village, MI 49076Enclosed is my Check forAllow 2-3 Weeks for delivery.
Bill my VISA MASTERCARD
Credit Card Account Number Expiration Date...
SHIP TO: NAME ADDRESS CITY AND STATE ZIP SIGNATURE

Servicing Your ContinentalService Made Easy
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you: We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find them
easily. When possible, we design - such as the
headlamp bulbs-- that can be replaced without
tools. We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your vehicle
easy. The maintenance schedule is located in
the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet.This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you
need to check and service regularly.
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service required.
Check your Warranty Information Booklet to find out
which parts and services are covered. Also see the
Customer Assistance chapter of this Owner Guide.
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner
Maintenance Checks listed in the Maintenance
Schedule and Record booklet be performed for the
proper operation of your vehicle. In addition to the
conditions listed in the Owner Maintenance Checklist,
be alert for any unusual noise, vibration, or other
indication that your vehicle may need service. If you
do notice something unusual, see that your vehicle is
serviced promptly.
231

Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts conforming to Ford
specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is your
assurance that Ford-buflt quality stays in your
vehicle.
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids
in a responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids.
Call your local recycling center to find out about
recycling automotive fluids.
Accident Damage
Should your vehicle suffer accident damage
requiring new sheet metal or plastic replacement
parts, be sure your repair shop uses only genuine
Ford replacement parts.
While imitation body parts may appear similar to
genuine Ford parts on the surface, differences in
232quality become obvious when both are subjected to
standard Ford quality tests.
Ford tests indicate that you should be concerned with
the quality of the fit and finish, corrosion resistance
and structural integrity of these imitation replacement
parts, and how their use will affect your warranty.
How Can You Protect Yourself?.
Before any repair work begins, tell your adjuster that
you want your vehicle repaired using only genuine
Ford body parts. If the adjuster refuses, contact your
insurance agent for help. If your agent and your
insurance company refuse to repair your vehicle with
original factory parts, you should contact your state
insurance commissioner, the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration or a local consumer protection
agency.
In Canada, contact provincial insurance
commissioners, Transport Canada or local consumer
protection groups.

Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing
your vehicle. Here are some general precautions
for your safety: Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly. Always
turn the engine off and let it cool./!\ WARNINGThe cooling fan is automatic and may comeon at any time. Always disconnect thenegative terminal of the battery beforeworking near the fan. If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair. Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space
with the engine running, unless you are sure you
have enough ventilation. Never get under a vehicle while it is supported by a
jack only. If you must work under a vehicle, use
safety stands. Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials
away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
“relearn" its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly. To find out how the engine does this,
see Battery in this chapter.
Working with the engine off.
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
2.Remove the key from the ignition after you turn
the engine off.
233

3.Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on:
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
2.Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly./! WARNINGDo not start your engine with the aircleaner removed and do not remove it whilethe engine is running./! WARNINGThe cooling fan is automatic and may comeon at any time. Always disconnect thenegative terminal of the battery beforeworking near the fan.234If the battery is disconnected' the computer must
releam its idle control. See Battery in the Index.
NOTE: The engine compartment light may be
switched on or off at the light assembly. The light
assembly is located on the hood on the driver's side.
To turn the light on, pull the switch toward you; to
turn it off, push it away from you. The switch may
remain in the on position at all times, as the light will
turn off when the hood is closed.
Opening the Hood
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle
located under the bottom left comer of the
instrument panel.

The hood release under the instrument panel2.Go to the front of the vehicle and release the
auxiliary latch that is located under the hood at the
center of the vehicle.
Auxiliary hood releaseThe auxiliary latch under the front edge of the
hood
3.Lift the hood until the lift cylinders hold it open.
235

Whenever you close the hood, latch it securely.
NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at six-
month intervals to maintain smooth and trouble-
free operation.
NOTE: Read and understand Precautions When
Servicing Your Vehicle at the beginning of this
chapter before opening the hood.
236Engine Compartment
Your vehicle has a 4.6 liter 4V SFI engine. The
following page shows a diagram of where to find
items that you should regularly service.

Engine coolant reservoir Power steering fluid reservoir Windshield washer fluid reservoir Engine oil filler cap Hood safety release High current fuse box Engine oil
dipstick Air filterEngine compartment service points
237

Filling the Fuel Tank
The fuel filler door cannot be opened from outside
the vehicle. To unlatch the fuel door, push on the
fuel door button located on the driver side door
trim.
The fuel door is on the exterior of passenger side,
near the back of the vehicle. The words FUEL
FILL and an arrow on the instrument cluster remind
you that the fuel door is on that side.
238 Manual override fuel filler door
The fuel door release button
If the fuel door does not open when you push the
release button, open the trunk and find the override
release on the right side. The override release is a
handle which says FUEL FILLER DOOR RELEASE
MANUAL OVERRIDE. Open the fuel door by
pulling on the handle.