fuel LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1997 User Guide

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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191
Roadside EmergenciesHazard FlashersThe 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 the Engine Cranks but Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a CollisionFuel Pump Shut-off SwitchIf the engine cranks but does not start even after a
small collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may
have been actuated. The shut-off switch is a deviceintended to stop the fuel pump when your vehicle
has been involved in a substantial jolt.
Once the shut-off switch is actuated, you must reset
the switch by hand before you can start your
vehicle. The switch is on the left side of the trunk.
The left side of the trunk
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192
WARNING
If yo useeor smel lfuel ,do no treset

220Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and
service parts conforming to Ford specifications.
Motorcraft parts are designed and built to provide
the best performance in your vehicle. Using these
parts for replacement is your assurance that
Ford-built quality stays in your vehicle.
NOTE:Always dispose of used automotive fluids in
a responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about
recycling automotive fluids.%Accident DamageShould your vehicle suffer accident damage
requiring new sheet metal or plastic replacement
parts, be sure your repair shop uses only genuine
Ford replacement parts.
While imitation body parts may appear similar to
genuine Ford parts on the surface, differences in
quality become obvious when both are subjected to
standard Ford quality tests.Ford tests indicate that you should be concerned
with the quality of the fit and finish, corrosion
resistance and structural integrity of these imitation
replacement parts, and how their use will affect
your warranty.
How Can You Protect Yourself?Beforeany repair work begins, tell your adjuster
that you want your vehicle repaired usingonly
genuine Ford body parts. If the adjuster refuses,
contact your insurance agent for help. If your agent
and your insurance company refuse to repair your
vehicle with original factory parts, you should
contact your state insurance commissioner, the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or a
local consumer protection agency.
In Canada, contact provincial insurance
commissioners, Transport Canada or local consumer
protection groups.
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226Engine Oil RecommendationsWe recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
The API Certification Mark
Neveruse:q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or
engine treatments
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and engine
protection for all climates down to-15ÊF (-25ÊC).
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.
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227
Checking and Adding Engine OilSince 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.
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
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº 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.
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242If 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.Passenger Compartment Air FilterUsing a screwdriver,
1. Remove the two screws retaining the passenger
side half of the cowl vent screen.
2. From inside the vehicle, pull the hood release.
3. Open the hood, then pull the hood pad away
from the cowl vent screen.
4. Remove the cowl vent screen, then the filter.
Reverse procedure to install. The filter must be
properly positioned in the housing for proper
installation.
Wiper BladesCheck 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.
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252
Fueldoo rreleas eÐ manua loverride
1. Afte ropenin gthe fue lfille rdoor ,remov ethe
WARNING
Th efue lsyste mma ybe unde rpressure.

254Typical octane rating labelDo not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily under
most driving conditions on the recommended
octane fuel, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician to prevent any engine damage.Fuel qualityIf you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems try a different brand of fuel. If
the condition persists, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline specification
to provide information on high quality fuels that
optimize the performance of your vehicle. We
recommend the use of gasolines that meet the
AAMA specification if they are available.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket
products to your fuel tank if you continue to use a
high-quality fuel.
Cleaner airFord approves the use of gasolines to improve air
quality, including reformulated gasolines that contain
oxygenates such as a maximum of 10% ethanol or
15% MTBE. There should be no more than 5%
methanol with cosolvents and additives to protect
the fuel system.
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255
WARNING
Automotivefuel sca n caus eserious
WARNING
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