charging LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1999 Owners Manual

Charging system
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.
Engine oil pressure
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. 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 toEngine oilin theMaintenance
and Carechapter.
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 theDriving
chapter.
Safety belt warning chime
Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime
For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to theSeating and
safety restraintschapter.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position and the driver's door is opened.
T/ C
OFF
Instrumentation
9

²distance to empty
²traction control
²ride 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.
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
RESET
Instrumentation
14

An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Maintenance and care
164

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the charging system warning light, ªService Engine Soonº
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Maintenance and care
182

Fuses ...................................136,137
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ..............178,179,180,181
Gauges .........................................10
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................11
Hazard flashers .........................135
Head restraints ...........................92
Headlamps
aiming ...............................188,189
bulb specifications ..................187
high beam ..............................8,24
turning on and off ......................8
warning chime ..........................10
Heating ........................................26
Hood ..........................................153
Ignition .......................................197
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................183
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................193
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................88
keypad .......................................85
programming entry code ...86,87,
88
Keys
key in ignition chime .................9
positions of the ignition ...........47
Lamps
autolamp system .......................25
daytime running light ...............24
headlamps .................................24
headlamps, flash to pass ..........25
instrument panel, dimming .....25
interior lamps ....................54,187
replacing bulbs ..183,184,186,187
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................48
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................7
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............8brake ............................................7
charging system ..........................9
oil pressure .................................9
safety belt ...................................7
service engine soon ....................6
traction control off .....................9
turn signal indicator ...................8
Locks
childproof ..................................77
Lumbar support, seats ...............94
Message center
date/economy button ..........15,16
menu button .............................17
reset button ..............................16
system check button ................13
warning messages .....................14
Mirrors .........................................67
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................73
cleaning ...................................194
heated ........................................76
programmable memory ............84
side view mirrors (power) .......76
Moon roof ....................................66
Motorcraft parts ........................178
Octane rating ............................177
Odometer .....................................11
Overdrive ...................................126
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................82
Parking brake ............................121
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................140
Power door locks ........................74
Power steering ...................123,124
fluid, checking and adding ....161
Radio .............32,33,34,35,36,37,38,
39,40,41,42,43
Relays .................................136,142
Remote entry system .......81,88,90
illuminated entry ......................84
locking/unlocking doors ...........81
Index
203