LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1997 Owners Manual

270Cleaning the SeatsLeatherFor routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft,
damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, wipe the
surface with a leather and vinyl cleaner or a mild
soap.
Wipe the surface with a damp, soft cloth, then dry
and buff with a dry, soft cloth.FabricRemove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or
a vacuum cleaner. Remove fresh spots immediately.
Follow the directions that come with the cleaner.
NOTE:Before using any cleaner, test it on a small,
hidden area of fabric. If the fabric's color or texture
is adversely affected by a particular cleaner, do not
use it.
Cleaning the WheelsWash the wheels with the same detergent you use
to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based
wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives, fuel, or strong
detergents. These substances will damage protective
coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to remove
grease and tar.
NOTE:Before going to a car wash, find out if the
brushes are abrasive.
If you have whitewall tires that are difficult to clean
with regular detergent, use whitewall tire cleaner.
Follow the directions on the container and rinse the
tires with plenty of clean water.
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271
Capacities and SpecificationsRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts,
and Lubricant SpecificationsMotorcraft Parts
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272Fluid Specifications and Capacities
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273
Lubricant Specifications
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274NOTE: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 StorageMaintenance TipsIf 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.Generalq
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust and
damage.
Bodyq
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease,
oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces, rear
wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
q
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.
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
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275
Engineq
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
Fuel systemq
Fill fuel tank with high-quality, premium
unleaded fuel until the first automatic shutoff of
the fuel pump nozzle.
NOTE:During extended periods of vehicle storage
(60 days or more), fuel may deteriorate due to
oxidation. This can damage rubber and other
polymers in the fuel system and may also clog small
orifices.Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60 days.
Follow the instructions on the label. The vehicle
should then be operated at idle speed to circulate
the additive throughout the fuel system.
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel
system will protect the fuel system's inner surfaces
from corrosion. Follow the instructions packaged
with the product.
Cooling systemq
Protect against freezing temperatures.
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276Batteryq
Check and recharge as necessary.
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, disconnect the
battery cables to ensure battery charge is
maintained for quick starting. NOTE: If battery
cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to
reset any memory features (eg. radio presets).
Brakesq
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
Tiresq
Maintain recommended air pressures.
Miscellaneousq
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and clevis
pins under vehicle are covered with grease to
prevent rust.
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts and prevent
corrosion.
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279
Customer AssistanceIf You Have a Service ProblemFord Motor Company has authorized Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealerships that can service your
vehicle for you. This chapter tells you how to get
service or maintenance for your vehicle.Service/Maintenance Concerns
(U.S. or Canada)Ford recommends taking your vehicle to your
selling dealer who wants to ensure your continued
satisfaction. You may, however, take your vehicle to
any authorized Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In
most cases, your dealer will be able to resolve your
concern.If you are not satisfied with the service you
received from your dealership's service department,
talk to the service manager at the dealership, or if
you still are not satisfied, talk to the owner or
general manager of the dealership. In most cases,
you will have your concern resolved at this level.
If you are away from home when your vehicle
needs to be serviced, or if you need more help than
the dealer gave you, contact the Ford Customer
Assistance Center to find an authorized dealership
that may be able to help you.
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280If you have any questions or concerns that the
dealership cannot answer, contact the Customer
Assistance Center.
If you still have a complaint involving a warranty
dispute, you may wish to contact the Dispute
Settlement Board (U.S. only) or the Canadian Motor
Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) in Canada.
A warranty dispute must be submitted to the
Dispute Settlement Board before taking action under
the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, or to the extent
allowed by state law, before pursuing replacement
or repurchase remedies provided by certain statelaws. This dispute handling procedure is not
required prior to enforcing state created rights or
other rights which are independent of the
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act or state replacement
or repurchase laws.
The Dispute Settlement Board
(U.S. Only)The Dispute Settlement Board is:q
an independent, third-party arbitration program
for warranty disputes
q
available free to owners and lessees of qualifying
Ford Motor Company vehicles
The Dispute Settlement Board may not be available
in all states. Ford Motor Company reserves the right
to change eligibility limitations, modify procedures
and/or to discontinue this service without notice
and without incurring obligations.
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281
What Kind of Cases Does the Board
Review?The Board reviews all warranty performance
complaints on Ford, Mercury and Lincoln cars and
Ford and Mercury light trucks under the new
vehicle limited warranty that have not been
resolved by either a dealer or Ford Motor Company,
except those involving:q
a non-Ford product
q
a non-Ford dealership
q
a vehicle sales transaction
q
request for reimbursement of consequential
expenses. Expenses incidental to the warranty
complaint being reviewed are eligible for
consideration.
q
items not covered by the new vehicle limited
warranty
q
items covered by a service contract
q
alleged liability claims
q
property damage where the damage is
significant when compared to the economic loss
alleged under the warranty dispute
q
cases currently in litigation
q
vehicles not used primarily for family, personal,
or household purposes (except in states where
the Dispute Settlement Board is required to
review commercial vehicles)
Complaints involving vehicles in which applicable
new vehicle limited warranties have expired at
receipt of your application are not eligible. Eligibility
may differ according to state law. For example, see
the unique brochures for California and Wisconsin
purchasers/lessees.
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