tire pressure LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1996 Customer Assistance Guide

Doors Closed Trunk Closed Trunk Closed Exterior Lamps Distance to Empty Fuel Level TractionControl (if equipped)
System Warnings
System warnings alert you to possible
problems or malfunctions in your vehicle's
operating systems. There are up to 18 warning
messages which can be displayed by the M/C
to show the status of the monitored systems.
The M/C will display the last selected feature if
there are no more warning messages. This
allows you to use the full functionality of the
M/C after you acknowledge the warning by
pressing the RESET button and clearing the
warning message.
62WARNINGACT10NDoor AjarDriver's Door AjarCheck Engine TempCheck Charging SystemLow Fuel LevelWarning returns after 10 minutesLow Engine CoolantLow Oil LevelLow Tire Pressure(if equipped)Headlamp OutBrake Lamp OutCheck Traction Control(if equipped)Check Ride ControlTrunk AjarWarning reappears after key is turnedCheck Steering Assistfrom OFF to ONLow Washer FluidAir Leveling DisabledTail lamp OutFront Turn Lamp Out

4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, see the Engine Coolant in
the Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the
coolant system serviced as soon as possible.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge displays approximately how
much fuel you have in the fuel tank. The
ignition switch must be in the OFF position
while filling the tank with at least three gallons
(I I liters) for the fuel gauge to indicate the
new level. If the ignition is left ON or less than
3 gallons (I 1 liters) of fuel are added the fuel
gauge will not immediately indicate the new
fuel level. The gauge will gradually correct
itself to indicate the true fuel level.Overhead Console Warnings
If your Continental is equipped with the Pressure
Alert System, a warning will appear in the overhead
console when the pressure in one of your vehicle's
tires drops below acceptable levels or if the system
has malfunctioned.LOW TIREPRESSURESee Securities in the Features chapter for more
information.
67

2.Insert an appropriate diameter rod (paper
clip) into the right switch access hole
underneath the compass module and gently
press the right button for 1-2 seconds until
"ZONE" and the current zone setting
appear in the display.
3.Release the right button.
4.Pressing the right button repeatedly will
cycle through all possible zone settings.
Stop cycling when the correct zone setting
for your location appears.
5.Releasing the button for 2 seconds will exit
the zone entry mode.
Securitire (If equipped)
Securitires are designed to allow you to
continue driving your Continental a limited
number of miles when one of your vehicle's tires
is at low or even zero air pressure.
141

At zero pressure, the Securitires will provide you
with a minimum driving capability of approximately
20 miles (30 kms). How you drive and the actual
amount of air pressure left in your tires will
determine exactly how many miles can be driven.
To extend the mileage and help prevent damage to
low or deflated tires, you should: not exceed 55 mph (90 km/h) and drive at a
reduced rate of speed, if possible avoid excessive hard steering and braking
maneuvers, if possible stop periodically to allow the tires to cool down/! WARNINGIf your vehicle is driven with a low tire, thetire itself may become very hot. Allow thetire and wheel to cool before attempting tochange it.142Pressure Alert System
Each of your Securitires is monitored by a low
tire pressure sensor. A warning will appear in
the overhead console when the pressure in one
of your tires drops below acceptable levels or if
the system has malfunctioned.
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Overhead
consoleLow Tire Pressure Warning in the overhead
console

THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH FCC RULES,
PART 15. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE
FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS
DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL
INTEREFERENCE AND (2) THIS DEVICE
MUST ACCEPT ANY INTEREFERENCE THAT
MAY BE RECEIVED, INCLUDING
INTEREFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE
UNDESIRABLE OPERATION.
Maintenance Warning
The "Low Tire Pressure" warning will illuminate
and stay on when one of your vehicle's tires drops
below 18 psi (124 kps). The warning light will also
come on and stay lit if the Pressure Alert System has
malfunctioned.
If this warning appears, check the pressure in your
tires at the earliest possible convenience and adjust
any tire that is low to the recommended air pressure
level. This information can be found on the Service
Station Information page at the back of this manual
or on the driver's door placard.If the warning remains on after you have
adjusted the tires to recommended air pressure
levels, take your vehicle to an authorized
Lincoln/Mercury dealer for service.
Flat Tire Warning
If the sensors detect a tire pressure lower than I
0 psi (68 kps), the "Low Tire Pressure" warning
will flash repeatedly in the overhead console and
the message "Warning Low Tire Pressure" will
be displayed in the Message Center, indicating
an impending flat tire. If this condition occurs,
your Securitire requires service as soon as
possible. Refer to Servicing Your Secutitires.
NOTE: The Pressure Alert System will
activate only when the vehicle is moving faster
than 10 mph (15 km/h).
143

Servicing Your Securitires/!\ WARNINGDo not use aerosol tire inflator/sealer withSecuritires. Doing so may damage the tire'spressure sensor.If you cannot service your Securitire immediately,
replace it with your mini-spare as soon as it is safe
to do so.
Your mini-spare tire can be used until your
Securitire has been repaired. See Tires in the
Servicing chapter of this guide for more information
on using the spare.
It is recommended that you always have your
Securitires serviced by an authorized Michelin tire
dealer. Each Securitire is equipped with a
pressure sensor around the wheel rim. This
sensor could be damaged when removing and
installing the tire. Servicing a Securitire at
144locations other than your Michelin tire dealer
lmay adversely affect your warranty.
If you have questions concerning your
Securitires or servicing, please call the Michelin
Tire Information Line at 1-800-847-3435 or
contact your local Michelin tire dealer.
Lincoln RESCU System
(If equipped) /!\ WARNINGIt is important that you understand thelimitations of your Lincoln RESCUSystem prior to initiating an activation.See Lincoln RESCU System Limitationslater in this chapter for details.

Towing ClassLight-dutyMaximum gross trailer
weight1,000/2,000 lbs. (454/907
kg)*Maximum tongue load100/200 lbs. (45/91 kg)Engine4.OLHitch designLoad carrying typeTraffer-tow package
optionNot requiredVehicle speed should not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when
towing on grades. Limit maximum gross trailer weight to
1,000 lbs. (454 kg) and maximum tongue load to 100 lbs. (45
kg): (1) when you are towing a trailer on steep hills or on
moderate hills for a long distance (five miles (8 kms) or more)
(2) on very hot days (when the temperature is 1OO°F (38°C)
or more).
You should also limit your trailer's load when you
tow in high altitudes.
196Preparing to Tow
For 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 chains
Always attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the
hitch breaks.

Changing a Tire
if you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not
apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease
the speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly and
slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set the
parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
The Temporary Spare Tire
You may have a high pressure temporary spare tire.
This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire and is
designed for emergency use only. Use it only when
you get a flat tire and replace it as soon as you can.
This spare tire is marked with the words
"TEMPORARY USE ONLY" so that you can easily
identify it.
204/! WARNINGIf you use the temporary spare tirecontinuously or do not follow theseprecautions, the tire could fail, causing you tolose control of the vehicle, possibly injuringyourself or others.When you drive with the temporary spare tire,
DO NOT: exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any
circumstances. load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the
maximum vehicle load rating listed on the tire
decal. tow a trailer. try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it
from its wheel. use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.

Using speed control in hilly terrain Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window
defroster and other accessories Underinflated tires Heavy loads Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage
racks, bug deflectors, etc.
Self-Service Pointers
If you choose to do your own fueling, you should
also perform a few simple maintenance routines.
This extra effort will save you additional money and
contribute to the driving efficiency of your vehicle.
The following procedures require only a tire gauge,
a rag, an oil can spout and windshield washer fluid.Check the engine oil at every refueling stopClean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
244 Check windshield washer fluid Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges Check the tire pressure at least monthly
Engine Oil Recommendations
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent
oil meeting Ford Specification ESE-M2C153-E and
displaying the American Petroleum Institute
CERTIFICATION MARK on the front of the
container.

Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in the
winter. Check the level of the coolant at least once
a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine under Engine Type, in this chapter.
Check the engine coolant level in the engine coolant
reservoir at least once a month using the following
guidelines.
When your vehicle's engine is cool, the coolant level
in the engine coolant reservoir should be at the top
of the clear portion of the reservoir. If the level is
below the cold fill level, coolant may need to be
added.
The coolant additives also protect the entire cooling
system from internal passageway corrosion and
these additives lubricate the water pump. The
coolant should be serviced as noted in the
Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet.
248Adding engine coolant/!\ WARNINGDo not put engine coolant in the containerfor the windshield washer fluid.If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through the
windshield./!\ WARNINGNever remove the pressure cap while theengine is running or hot. Follow these stepsto avoid personal injury that can be causedby escaping steam or engine coolant.1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off
and let it cool. Even when the engine is cool, be
careful when you remove the pressure cap.