LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1997 Owners Manual

179
WARNING
DO NO TDRIV EYOU RVEHICLE
Onc eyo uplac ethe gearshif tsecurel yint oposition,

180Using a console-mounted gearshift
(If equipped)
The console-mounted gearshift
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181
The console-mounted gearshift thumb button and
brake pedal must be depressed to move the
gearshift lever out of P (Park). The thumb button
pops out automatically when the gearshift latches
into position. Once the gearshift is secure, gradually
release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as
necessary.Gear Selection (Column- and
Console-Mounted Control)R (Reverse)With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the
vehicle will move backward. You should always
come to a complete stop before shifting into or out
of R (Reverse).N (Neutral)With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position, the
vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the
brake pedal down while in this position.
DrivingWhen to usej(Overdrive)j(Overdrive) is the usual driving position for an
automatic overdrive transaxle. It works the same
way D (Drive) works, automatically upshifting or
downshifting as the vehicle speeds or slows.
However,j(Overdrive) also shifts into a fourth
gear Ð an overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at a consistent speed for any length of time.
This fourth gear will increase your fuel economy
when you travel at cruising speeds.
j(Overdrive) may not be appropriate for certain
terrain. If the transaxle shifts back and forth
between third and fourth gears while you are
driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle requires
additional power for climbing hills, shift to D
(Drive).
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182When to use D (Drive)D (Drive) eliminates the excessive shifting between
third and fourth gears that your vehicle sometimes
does when you are traveling through hilly terrain in
jOverdrive. It also gives more engine braking to
slow your vehicle on downgrades thanj
Overdrive.When to use 1 (First)Use 1 (First) when added engine braking is desired
when descending steep hills.
The automatic transaxle will shift to the proper gear
to ascend any grade without any need to shift to 1
(First).
P (Park)Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park). This locks the transaxle
and prevents the front wheels from rotating.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the
ignition whenever you leave your vehicle.
You can tell a column-mounted gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) if the lever is adjacent to the P
(Park) and you cannot move it without pulling it
toward you and rotating it downward.
You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) if the lever is adjacent to the P
(Park) and you cannot move it without pushing in
the thumb button.
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183
WARNING
Neverleav eyou rvehicl eunattended
WARNING
Do no texcee dtheGVW Ror the

184Limiting Your Vehicle's LoadThe load that you add to your vehicle must not
exceed the maximum load stated on the Safety
Compliance Certification Decal attached to the left
front door pillar.
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add the
weights of:q
the driver and passengers
q
luggage and any other items that you put in
your vehicle
q
the tongue load of the loaded trailer
q
the weight of any equipment that has been
added to your vehicle since it was delivered to
your dealerIf you do not know the actual weights of these
items, use the following procedure to figure the
weight of a load:
1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver,
passengers and luggage. You might take your
vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection
station for trucks.
2. Then weigh your vehicle with the driver,
passengers and luggage.
3. Subtract the first reading from the second to
figure the total weight of the load.
After determining this load, you must also make
sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus the
load it carries, is less than its GVWR. Also, make
sure that the weight your vehicle carries over each
axle is less than the GAWR for the respective axle.
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185
WARNING
Improperdistributio nof you rvehicle's

186
WARNING
Towingtrailer sbeyon dthemaximum
WARNING
Do no tto w atraile rwhe nusin ga
Yo ushoul dals olimi tyou rtrailer' sloa dwhe nyou

187
Preparing to TowFor 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 chainsAlways attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the hitch
breaks.
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and
attach them to your vehicle's frame or hook
retainers. Never attach the safety chains to your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed
to bear the weight of a trailer.
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in the
chains to allow you to turn corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives you.
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188
Connectingth e trailer' sbrakesWARNING
D o no tconnec ta trailer' shydraulic