wheel LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1997 Owner's Manual

206q
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.
q
drive through an automatic car wash with this
tire. Because the temporary spare tire is smaller
than a conventional tire, it reduces the ground
clearance. Your vehicle may get caught in the
rails and it could be damaged.
Spare Tire LocationThe spare tire is stored under the carpet on the
floor of the trunk.
You will find additional instructions for the spare
tire on the warning label located on the wheel and
the jacking instructions located on the spare tire
cover.
The spare tire location
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209
The notches for the jack
2. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the wheel
clears the ground. Remove the wheel lug nuts.
3. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making
sure that the air valve stem is facing outward.
4. Reinstall the lug nuts, tightening until the
wheel is snug against the hub. The beveled
edges on the lug nuts face inward. Do not fully
tighten the lug nuts until you lower the
vehicle. If you do, you could force the vehicle
off the jack.
5. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise.
6. Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug nuts
in the order shown in the following illustration.
As soon as possible, have your dealer or a
qualified service technician check the lug nuts
for proper torque specifications.
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210The lug nuts on the wheel7. Place any ornaments in the trunk.
8. Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. Make sure
the jack is securely fastened so it does not
rattle when you drive.
9. Unblock the wheels.
10. Turn on the air suspension switch.After replacing a flat tire with the temporary spare
tire, the flat tire can be secured in the trunk tub by
placing the ªJº hook through a lug nut hole in the
wheel with the tire and wheel lying at an angle.
Anti-Theft Wheel Lug Nuts
(If equipped)If your vehicle has this option, one of the lug nuts
on each wheel locks and must be unlocked with a
special key. The key and registration card are
attached to the lug wrench and stored with the
spare tire. If you lose the key, send the registration
card to the manufacturer (not the dealer) to get a
replacement key.
NOTE:If entire lug wrench/lug nut key assembly
is lost, see your nearest Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer who has access to a master set of keys.
NOTE:DO NOT USE A POWER IMPACT
WRENCH ON THE LUG NUT KEY.
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217
Towing Your VehicleIf you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a
professional towing service or, if you are a member,
your roadside assistance center. Typical towing
options include wheel lift towing or flat bed towing.
Front towing
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237
Power Steering FluidCheck the level of the power steering fluid at least
twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid1. Start the engine and let it run until the power
steering fluid reaches normal operating
temperature. The power steering fluid will be at
the right temperature when the engine coolant
temperature gauge in the instrument cluster is
near the center of the NORMAL operating
temperature range.2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel
back and forth several times. Make sure that
the cap assembly is installed at this time.
3. Turn the engine off and check the level on the
power steering reservoir.
4. The fluid level is viewed through the sight
window on the power steering reservoir. If the
power steering fluid is below the middle line,
add fluid in small amounts, continuously
checking the level. Do not overfill.
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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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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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306Index
A
ABS warning light (see Anti-lock
brake system)............ 11
Accessory position on the ignition.... 62
Accident damage............ 220
Air bag supplemental restraint system . . . 143
and child safety seats......... 149
description..........143, 145
driver air bag.........143, 145
indicator light............ 15
operation.............. 145
passenger air bag........... 145
service and information labels..... 145
tone generator............ 147
Air cleaner filter
location............... 224
specifications............ 271
Air conditioning, electronic automatic
temperature control system...... 45Air suspension
air leveling disabled warning,
message center........... 20
description............. 175
Alarm, activating remote personal..... 124
Aluminum wheels........... 250
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system).......... 25,31
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 231
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description............. 171
noise................ 171
see also Brake............ 171
warning light............ 11
Anti-theft lug nuts and key........ 210
Anti-theft system
arming the system.......... 127
description..........126, 127
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Child safety restraints.......... 148
child safety belts........... 162
child safety seats........... 149
Child safety seats............ 149
and air bags............. 149
attaching with tether straps...... 160
automatic locking mode
(retractor)..........140, 149
in front seat............. 149
in rear outboard seat......... 149
in rear seat............. 149
tether anchorage hardware...... 161
Chime
headlamps on............ 15
key in ignition............ 63
safety belt.............. 10
Circuit breakers, see also fuses...... 192
Cleaning your vehicle.......... 268
chrome and aluminum parts...... 268
exterior............... 269
exterior lamps............ 269
fabric................ 270headlamps.............. 269
instrument panel......... 7,269
interior............... 269
interior lamps............ 269
mirrors............. 93,111
plastic parts............. 269
polishing.............. 268
rustproofing............. 268
safety belts............. 269
tail lamps.............. 269
upholstery and interior trim...... 269
washing............... 268
waxing............... 268
wheels............... 270
Climate control system
air conditioning........... 45
electronic automatic temperature
control.............. 45
heating............... 45
Clock................. 60
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320Steering wheel
horn................ 69
locking............... 62
tilting............... 70
Storage compartments, center console . . . 113
Storing your vehicle........... 274
Sunroof (moon roof).......... 91
Sun visor............... 94
Sunvisor................ 94
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 15
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) . . . 143
T
Tachometer.............. 17
mechanical cluster.......... 17
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 261
cleaning.............. 269
Temperature control (see Climate control) . 45
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints)......... 160
Tilt steering wheel........... 70Tires................. 246
changing.............. 205
checking the pressure......... 246
cleaning............... 270
inspection and maintenance...... 246
replacing.............. 248
rotating............... 247
snow tires and chains......... 250
spare tire.............. 206
storing your vehicle......... 276
tire grades............. 248
treadwear.............. 248
wear bands............. 248
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 185
Towing your vehicle.......... 217
using wheel dollies.......... 217
with a tow truck........... 217
Trailer towing............. 185
calculating maximum trailer weight . . . 185
safety chains............. 187
tips................ 189
trailer brakes............ 188
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