engine LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1996 Customer Assistance Guide

Travel
Heavy-duty battery
Comfort and convenience
Engine block heater
Cargo net
224Protection and appearance
Carpeted floor mats
Cleaners, waxes and polishes
Styled wheel protector locks
Super Seal undercoating (in U.S. only)
Touch-up paints
Vinyl protectant
Wheel splash guards (flat)
Vehicle security system

NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment,
passengers, and luggage to your vehicle, do not
exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label). Consult
your dealer for specific weight information.
NOTE: The Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) or in Canada the Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulates
the use of mobile communications systems - such as
two-way radios, telephones, and theft alarms that
are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply
with FCC or in Canada the CRTC regulation and
should be installed only by a qualified technician.NOTE: Mobile communications systems may harm
the operation of your vehicle, particularly if they are
not properly designed for automotive use or are not
properly installed. For example, when operated, such
systems may cause the engine to stumble or stall. In
addition, such systems may themselves be damaged or
their operation affected by operating your vehicle.
(Citizens band CB transceivers, garage door openers,
and other transmitters whose power output is 5 watts
or less will not ordinarily affect your vehicle's
operation.)
NOTE: Because we have no control over the
installation, design, or manufacture of such systems,
Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse
effects or damage that may result if you use this
equipment.
225

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

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.

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

/!\ WARNINGIf you do not use the proper fuel cap, thepressure in the fuel tank can damage the fuelsystem or cause it to work improperly in acollision.NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer warranty
may be void for any damage to the fuel tank and/or
fuel system.
Choosing the Right Fuel
Use only PREMIUM UNLEADED FUEL in your
vehicle. Using leaded fuel is prohibited by federal
law. Your warranty may not apply if your vehicle is
damaged because you used the wrong fuel.
Octane recommendations
The 4.6L engine is designed to operate on
premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or
higher. Regular fuel with an octane rating of 87
240may be used if necessary. For optimum
performance, premium fuel is recommended.Typical octane rating label
In some parts of the country, "premium" grade fuels
are sold with octane ratings of less than 91,
especially in high altitude areas. It is recommended
that you use only those "premium" fuels with an
octane rating of 91 or higher.
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or when you
accelerate. However, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician if persistent, heavy knocking
occurs because this can damage the engine.

If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems when the engine is cold, it may
be caused by fuel with low volatility. Try a different
brand of fuel. If the condition persists, see your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
Gasolines for clean air
Fuels in certain areas of the country are required to
contain oxygenates to improve air quality.
Common oxygenates are ethanol or grain alcohol
(blended at no more than 10%), methanol or wood
alcohol (blended at no more than 5% with
cosolvents and additives), and MTBE or methyl
tertiary butyl ether (blended at no more than 15%).
Generally, you should not experience difficulties
operating your vehicle on fuels containing
oxygenates. We encourage you to use these fuels.Safety Information Relating to Automotive
Fuels/!\ WARNINGAutomotive fuels can cause serious injury ordeath if misused or mishandled. Turn vehicle off when refueling. Do not smoke when refueling. Fuels are
extremely flammable. Do not siphon any fuel by mouth./!\ WARNINGGasoline or gasoline blended with methanolcan cause blindness and possible death whenswallowed. If any fuel is swallowed, callphysician or poison control centerimmediately.241

Avoid breathing vapors while refueling. If fuel is splashed on the skin, wash with soap
and water. If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact
lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes,
and seek medical attention.
Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small
amounts of carcinogens, such as benzene. Long-
term exposure to unleaded gasoline vapors has
caused cancer in laboratory animals.
if you are taking the medication "Antabuse" or
other forms of disulfiram for the treatment of
alcoholism, vapor or skin contact with a gasoline-
methanol blend, may cause the same kind of adverse
reaction as drinking an alcoholic beverage. In
sensitive individuals, serious personal injury or
sickness could result. Consult a physician promptly
if you experience an adverse reaction.
242Running Out of Fuel
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on modern
powertrain components.
You may need to crank the engine several times
before the fuel system starts to pump fuel from the
tank to the engine.
If the engine does not start, check the fuel pump
shut-off switch and reset as required. See Fuel pump
shut-off switch in the Index./!\ WARNINGNever pour fuel in the throttle body orattempt to start the engine with the aircleaner removed. Doing so could result infire and personal injury.