oil change LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1996 Customer Assistance Guide

The API Certification Mark
Never use:"Non-Detergent" oilsOils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or
SGAdditional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatmentsEngine oils with an SAE 5W-30 viscosity are
PREFERRED for your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and engine
protection for all climates down to -15°F (-25°C).
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of
the preferred viscosity may be used in your engine.
The engine oil and oil filter must still be changed
according to the maintenance schedule.
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important
for safe engine operation, check the oil using the
dipstick each time you put fuel in your vehicle.
Remember the engine must be off, the oil must be
warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
Checking the engine oil level:
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and
allow a few minutes for the engine oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
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2.Set the parking brake, making sure the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park).
3.Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
4.Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the engine.
5.Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.Engine oil dipstick
2466.Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the "ADD 1 QT" line, add engine
oil as necessary. If the oil level is beyond the
letter "F" in Full, engine damage or high oil
consumption may occur and some oil must be
removed from the engine.
7.Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully
seated.
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED engine
oil of the preferred viscosity. Your vehicle's
warranty coverage may not apply if engine damage is
caused by the use of improper engine oil.
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted
in yellow. To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a
funnel to pour oil into the opening. Be careful not to
overfill the engine. Recheck the oil level after you
finish adding oil.

Brake Fluid
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should
not use up brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the
level of the brake fluid to slowly fall as you put
more mileage on your vehicle and the brake lining
wears.
You should check the brake fluid at every scheduled
engine oil change, but be sure to check it at least
once a year. You can do this by looking at the fluid
level in the plastic reservoir on the master cylinder.
(See The Engine Type in this chapter to locate the
master cylinder.) The fluid level should be at or near
the MAX mark./!\ WARNINGBrake fluid is toxic.If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running
water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention ifirritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and
induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately.
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove the cap
from the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the MAX
line with Ford High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid
C6AZ-19542-AA, C6AZ-19542-BA, or equivalent
DOT 3 fluid meeting Ford specification ESA-
M6C25-A./!\ WARNINGIf you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, youwill cause permanent damage to your brakes.Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
below the seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic
reservoir - have the brake system inspected.
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Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford
replacement parts. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for the service of components
affecting emission control, such non-Ford parts
should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It is
the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
warranty booklet for complete warranty
information./!\ WARNINGDo not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in drygrass or other dry ground cover. Theemission system heats up the enginecompartment and exhaust system, which canstart a fire.Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the checkengine light, or the temperature warning light. These
sometimes indicate that the emission system is not
working properly.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more unburned
fuel to reach the exhaust system can increase the
temperature of the engine or exhaust system.
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of
vehicles is not permitted to intentionally remove an
emission control device or prevent it from working.
In some of the United States and in Canada, vehicle
owners may be liable if their emission control device
is removed or is prevented from working.
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on for
more than five seconds after you shut it off or if it
misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
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3.Drive to accumulate at least four (4) minutes
in the range of 30-45 mph (50-70 km/h). If
stop and go conditions occur, the
accumulative time must be within the 30-45
mph (50-70 km/h) range. No wide open
throttle conditions should be encountered.
4.Cruise and maintain a select speed in the range
of 30-40 mph (48-64 km/h) on a level road
with throttle held very steady for at least one
(1) minute.
5.Decelerate and idle for at least 80 seconds.
6.Accelerate to 55 mph (90 km/h) at ½ throttle.
7.Decelerate at closed throttle for I 0 seconds.
8. Cruise and maintain a select speed in the range
of 40-65 mph (64-105 km/h) on a level road
with throttle held very steady for at least 80
seconds.9. Complete 10 minutes of city driving 25-40 mph
(40-64 kin/h) with at least six (6) stops.
10. OBD II drive cycle has been completed.
Vehicle can be turned off when convenient.
Refill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts,
and Lubricant Specifications
Refill Capacities
ComponentU.S.MetricCooling system
(including heater)14.25 qts.13.5 litersEngine oil
(with filter change)6.0 qts.5.7 litersTransaxle
Auto. overdrive13.7 qts.13.0 litersPower steering2.5 pints1.2 litersFuel tank17.8 gallons67.4 litersPressure cap16 psiI 10 kPa287

NOTE: Rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or if
the axle has been submerged in water. Otherwise,
the lube should not be checked or changed unless a
leak is suspected or repair required.
Vehicle Storage
Maintenance Tips
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended
period of time (60 days or more), refer to the
following maintenance recommendations to ensure
your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
General Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place. Protect from sunlight, if possible. If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
290Body Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease,
oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces, rear
wheel housing and underside of front fenders. Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations. Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust. Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent discoloration.
Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed. Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil. Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading. Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.

Keys.............................................................charging system...............................55
key in ignition chime............................42engine oil pressure...........................54
positions of the ignition........................41high beam........................................58
removing from the ignition...................42oil pressure......................................54
stuck in lock position...........................42safety belt........................................52
L.................................service engine soon..........................56
Lamps..........................................................turn signal indicator.........................56
autolamp delay system.........................83Load limits
checking............................................277GAWR............................................192
................................................................GVVVR..........................................192
daytime running light system................81trailer towing...................................194
flashing the lamps................................90Lubricant specifications........................289
hazard flashers.....................................92Luggage compartment..........................135
headlamps............................................82Lug nuts, anti-theft...............................209
high beams...........................................90
replacing bulbs...................................277..........................M
trailer.................................................197Maintenance (see Servicing).................231
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal)....89Map pockets.........................................134
Lights, warning and indicator.......................Methanol in fuel...................................241
air bag.................................................59Mileage, calculating fuel economy........243
anti-theft..............................................59Mirrors
brake...................................................52automatic dimming rearview mirror..125
315