wiper fluid LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1996 Customer Assistance Guide

Variable Interval Wipers
In addition to two speed wipers, your vehicle has
wipers that you can set to operate at varying
intervals. For example, you can set the interval
so they wipe less often when it drizzles or more
often in heavier rain.The windshield wiper on the turn signal leverTo set the interval wipers, turn the -knob at the
end of the turn signal lever between "S" (slow) and
"F" (fast) until the desired interval between wipes
is achieved.
Windshield Washer
To clean the windshield, push in the end of the
wiper knob. For a constant spray, keep the knob
pushed in. After you release the knob, the wipers
operate for two to three cycles before turning off
(if the wipers were OFF) or returning to HI, LO,
or the interval setting selected.
If the washer does not work, check the washer
fluid level and fill it if it is low. See the Servicing
Your Continental chapter. If there is enough fluid,
consult your nearest Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer.
91

Do not try to clean the windshield when the
washer fluid container is empty or activate the
washers at any time for more than 15 seconds
continuously. This could damage the washer
pump system./! WARNINGIn freezing weather, the washer solutionmay freeze on the windshield and obscureyour vision. Always warm up thewindshield with the defroster before youuse the washer fluid. If you cannot seethrough the windshield clearly, it canincrease the risk of being involved in acollision.For information about refilling the washer fluid or
replacing your windshield wiper blades, see
Windshield washer fluid and Wipers in the Index.
92Hazard Flasher
The hazard flasher serves as a warning to other
drivers to be careful when approaching or passing
your vehicle.
The flashers work whether your vehicle is running
or not. The flashers work for up to two hours
when the battery is fully charged and in good
condition without draining the battery excessively.
If the flashers run for longer than two hours or if
the battery is not fully charged, the battery can be
drained.

If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected
until the idle is relearned. Your vehicle will
eventually relearn its idle while you drive it, but it
takes much longer than if you use the previous
procedure.
Windshield Washer Fluid and
Wipers
Washer Fluid
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every
time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for washer
fluid is located on the passenger's side of the engine
compartment. Visual inspection can determine if
the washer fluid is adequate. Do not operate the
washer when the reservoir is empty.
254Washer reservoirThe reservoir for the windshield washer fluid/!\WARNINGDo not put windshield washer fluid in thecontainer for the engine coolant.Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid
rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather

(temperatures below 32°F [0°C]). State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOC's) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing non-
methanol antifreeze agents should be used only if
they provide cold weather protection without
damaging the vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades,
and windshield washer system.
Wiper Blades
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a
year. Also check them whenever they seem less
effective than usual. Substances such as tree sap
and some hot wax treatments used by commercial
car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the
windshield and the wiper blades. Use undiluted
windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not use fuel,
kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean
your wiper blades. These will damage your blades.To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply turn
the ignition to the ACC position and turn your
wipers on. Wait for them to reach a vertical position
and turn the ignition to the OFF position. Do not
move the wipers manually. Manually moving the
wipers across the windshield may damage them.
Wiper blade replacement
If the wiper blades still do not work properly after
you clean them, you may need to replace the wiper
blade assembly or the blade element. When replacing
the wiper blade assembly, blade refill, or wiper arm
always use a Motorcraft part or equivalent. To
replace the blades, follow the instructions that come
with them.
Tires
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank.
If one tire looks lower than the others, check the
pressure in all of them. Always follow these
precautions:
255

Tune-up specifications (VECI).............285W.......................................
Turn signal.................................................Warm engine, starting...............................45
indicator lights...................................56Warning chimes............................................
lever..................................................89headlamps on.......................................58
.............................................................key in ignition......................................42
u................................safety belt............................................52
Used engine oil, disposal.........232,250,262Warranties, radio....................................178
Universal transmitter....130Warranty Information Booklet....................5
....................................Washer fluid
....................................Vreservoir............................................254
Variable interval wipers91windshield254
VECI (Vehicle Emission Control.................Weight limits (GAWR, GVVVR).........192
Information) decal................................286Wheels
Vehicle loading............................................anti-theft lugnuts.............................209
automatic transaxles...........................193cleaning...........................................260
calculating the load.............................193inspection and maintenance..............255
Vehicle storage.......................................290Windows..............................................111
Ventilating your vehicle...............................power windows, operating...............111
(see Climate control)..............................77
Viscosity (see Engine oil)........................245
Visor (see Sun visor)...............................128
320

Windshield washer fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid.....................254
checking and replacing wiperblades . . 255
operation...............................................90
reservoir..............................................254
321