Index LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1997 Owners Manual

3
Finding Information in This GuideAfter you have read this guide once, you will
probably return to it when you have a specific
question or need additional information. To help
you find specific information quickly, you can use
the Quick Index or the Index.
TheQuick Indexat the end of the book provides
a page number following each item which indicates
where detailed information can be found.
To use theIndex, turn to the back of the book
and search in the alphabetical listing for the word
that best describes the information you need. If the
word you chose is not listed, think of other related
words and look them up. We have designed the
Index so that you can find information under a
technical term.
Canadian Owners Ð French VersionFrench Owner Guides can be obtained from your
dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box
1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.The Lincoln CommitmentThe Lincoln Commitment is more than the prestige
of owning a superior luxury automobile, it is a
comprehensive owner benefits package that is
designed to provide you with services to support
your every driving need. Refer to the Lincoln
Commitment brochure for more information.Your Maintenance Schedule and
Record BookletTheMaintenance Schedulebooklet lists the services
that are most important for keeping your vehicle in
good condition. A record log is also provided to
help you keep track of all services performed.
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5
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive peace-of-mind
protection throughout the United States and
Canada, provided by a network of more than 5,100
participating Ford Motor Company dealers.
NOTE:Repairs performed outside the United States
and Canada are not eligible for ESP coverage.
This information is subject to change. Ask your
dealer for complete details about Ford ESP coverage.Breaking Your Vehicle InYour new vehicle goes through an adjustment or
break-in period during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in
period, you need to pay careful attention to how
you drive your vehicle.q
Avoid sudden stops.Because your vehicle has
new brake linings, you should take these steps:
Ð Watch traffic carefully so that you can
anticipate when to stop.Ð Begin braking well in advance.
Ð Apply the brakes gradually.
The break-in period for new brake linings
lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving
or 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway
driving.
q
Use only the type of engine oil that Ford
recommends.SeeEngine oil recommendations
in the Index. Do not use special ªbreak-inº oils.
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12Engine Oil Pressure Warning LightThis light indicates the engine's oil pressure, not the
oil level. However, if your engine's oil level is low,
it could affect the oil pressure. The light will come
on briefly when you turn your key to the START
and ON position. The light should stay off when
the engine is running with normal oil pressure. If
the light comes on while the engine is running, you
have lost oil pressure and continued operation will
cause severe engine damage.If you lose engine oil pressure:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
2. Shut off the engine immediately or severe
engine damage could result.
3. Check the engine's oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine oil,
seeEngine Oilin the Index. If you do not
follow these instructions, you or others could
be injured. To assure an accurate reading, your
car should be on level ground.
4. If the level is low, add only as much oil as
necessary before you start the engine again. Do
not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the
light is on, regardless of the oil level. Contact
your nearest dealer for further service actions.
For more information about adding oil, seeAdding
engine oilin theMaintenance and Carechapter.
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183. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE
COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE
ENGINE IS COOL.
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant to
your engine, seeEngine Coolantin 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 GaugeThe 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 (11 liters) for the fuel
gauge to indicate the new level. If the ignition is
left ON or less than 3 gallons (11 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.
The Electronic Message Center
(M/C)The Electronic Message Center only works when
the ignition is in the ON position.
Each time the M/C is powered the display goes
through a self test by displaying the PLEASE
FASTEN SEATBELT message. This self test is used
to stabilize the systems before reporting the status
to you.
The message center tells you about the condition of
your vehicle by two methods:q
operator selectable features
q
continuous warning reporting of monitored
systems
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127
To tell the difference between a PANIC alarm and
a triggered Anti-Theft alarm:q
only the Anti-Theft alarm will cause the alarm
indicator light (located in the center of the
instrument cluster) to flash on and off.
q
only the Anti-Theft alarm will prevent the
engine from starting.
For more information on the PANIC alarm, see
Remote Entry Systemin the Index.
Arming the SystemTo arm the system, do the following four steps in
sequence.
1. Remove the key from the ignition.
2. Open any door. The alarm indicator light will
start flashing to remind you to arm the system.3. Lock the doors by using the power door lock
switch, pressing the remote entry transmitter
LOCK control or pressing the last two buttons
(7/8, 9/0) of the keyless entry keypad.
The alarm indicator will now glow steadily.
4. Close all doors. The alarm indicator light will
then remain on steadily for approximately 30
more seconds and then go out. When the light
goes out the system is armed.
NOTE:Be sure to close all doors completely. If
not, the alarm indicator light will remain on.
Remember, your anti-theft system is armed only
after the alarm indicator light remains on steadily
for approximately 30 seconds after the last door is
closed, and then goes out.
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167
For a warm engine:
q
Do not hold the key in the START position for
more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If the
engine does not start within five (5) seconds on
the first try, turn the key to the OFF position.
Wait a few seconds after the starter stops, then
try again.
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the parking
brake. Slowly release the brake pedal and drive
away in the normal manner.
NOTE:Your vehicle has an interlock that
prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) unless
your foot is on the brake pedal.If the engine does not start after two attempts:
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
4. Release the ignition key when the engine starts.
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the engine
speeds up.
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
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286Getting Help Outside the U.S.
and CanadaBefore you export your vehicle to a foreign country,
contact the appropriate foreign embassy or consulate
to make sure local regulations do not prevent you
from registering your vehicle. Officials at the
embassy can also help you decide whether you
should import your vehicle to that country.
Officials at the embassy or consulate can tell you
where to get unleaded fuel. If you cannot get
unleaded fuel or can get only fuel with an
anti-knock index that is lower than your vehicle
needs, contact a district or owner relations office
before you leave the U.S. or Canada.Use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without a proper
conversion may damage the effectiveness of your
emissions control system and may cause engine
knocking or serious engine damage. Ford Motor
Company is not responsible for any damage that is
caused by use of improper fuel.
You may also have difficulty importing your vehicle
back into the U.S. if you use leaded fuel.
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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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