charging LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1997 Owners Manual

13
Traction ControlHActive Light
(If equipped)This light comes on when the Traction ControlH
system begins applying and releasing the brakes and
adjusting the engine characteristics to limit a
wheelspin condition.
It will be lit for a minimum of six seconds or for
the duration of the Traction ControlHevent.
Charging System LightThis light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
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241
The low-maintenance battery has removable vent
caps for checking the electrolyte level and adding
water. The electrolyte level should be checked at
least every 24 months or 24,000 miles
(40,000 km) in temperatures up to90ÊF(32ÊC)
and more often in temperatures above90ÊF(32ÊC).
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the
level indicator. Do not overfill.
If the level gets low, refill the battery with distilled
water. If necessary, you can add tap water to the
battery, provided the water is not hard or does not
have a high mineral or alkali content. If the battery
needs water quite often, have the charging system
checked for a possible malfunction.Help Us Protect Our EnvironmentFord Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.Battery recycling symbol
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control conditions
are maintained by power from the battery. If you
ever disconnect the battery or install a new battery,
you must allow the computer to ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly.
To let the engine do this, put the gearshift in P
(Park), turn off all the accessories, and start the
vehicle. Let the engine idle for at least one minute.
(Engine must be warm in order to ªlearn.º) Also,
allow approximately 10 miles (16 km) of stop and
go traffic for your vehicle's engine to completely
ªrelearnº its idle.
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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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307
Anti-theft system (continued)
disarming an untriggered system.... 128
disarming a triggered system...... 129
triggering...........126, 128
warning light............ 16
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 280
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 279
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............ 25
Autolamp system (see Headlamps).... 56
Automatic transaxle
driving with............. 177
fluid, adding..........238, 240
fluid, checking.........238, 239
fluid, refill capacities......... 272
fluid, specification.......... 273
B
Basic vehicle warranty........... 4
Battery................ 240
acid, treating emergencies....... 241
battery saver............. 126
charging system warning light..... 13
disconnecting............ 216
how to service............ 240
jumping a disabled battery....... 211
maintenance-free........... 240
proper disposal, recycling....... 241
replacement, specifications....... 271
servicing.............. 240
voltage gauge............ 13
when storing your vehicle....... 276
Brake fluid............... 229
brake warning light.......... 10
checking and adding......... 229
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308
description............. 229
specifications............ 273
Brakes................ 171
adjustment............. 171
anti-lock.............. 171
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light........... 11
applying the brakes.......... 171
brake warning light.......... 10
fluid, checking and adding....... 229
fluid, refill capacities......229, 272
fluid, specifications.......... 273
front disc.............. 171
if brakes do not grip well....... 171
master cylinder........... 229
new brake linings........... 5
noise.............171, 172
parking............... 172
power braking............ 171
servicing.............. 229
trailer............... 188
when storing your vehicle....... 276Break-in period.............. 5
Brights (high beams).......... 15
Bulbs, replacing............ 261
halogen............... 261
headlamps.............. 262
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 284
Canada, warranty information....... 4
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 285
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 272
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)........ 149
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound
system)............... 32
Catalytic converter........... 258
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . . 35
Chains, tires.............. 250
Changing a tire............. 205
Charging system warning light...... 13
Childproof locks............ 103
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315
J
Jack................. 206
operation...........207, 208
positioning..........207, 208
storage............... 206
Jump-starting your vehicle
attaching cables........... 214
disconnecting cables......... 216
K
Keyless entry system
locking and unlocking doors...... 119
programming entry code....... 121
Keys
key in ignition chime......... 63
positions of the ignition........ 62
removing from the ignition...... 63
stuck in lock position........62,63
L
Lamps
autolamp delay system........ 57
checking.............. 261daytime running light system..... 56
flashing the lamps.......... 65
hazard flashers............ 68
headlamps.............. 57
high beams............. 65
interior lamps............ 56
replacing bulbs............ 261
trailer............... 188
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal)......... 64,65
Lap belts............... 141
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag............... 15
anti-lock brakes (ABS)......... 11
anti-theft.............. 16
brake................ 10
charging system........... 13
engine oil pressure.......... 12
hazard warning light......... 68
high beam............. 15
lowoil............... 12
oil pressure............. 12
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