weight LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1997 Owners Manual

184Limiting Your Vehicle's LoadThe load that you add to your vehicle must not
exceed the maximum load stated on the Safety
Compliance Certification Decal attached to the left
front door pillar.
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add the
weights of:q
the driver and passengers
q
luggage and any other items that you put in
your vehicle
q
the tongue load of the loaded trailer
q
the weight of any equipment that has been
added to your vehicle since it was delivered to
your dealerIf you do not know the actual weights of these
items, use the following procedure to figure the
weight of a load:
1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver,
passengers and luggage. You might take your
vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection
station for trucks.
2. Then weigh your vehicle with the driver,
passengers and luggage.
3. Subtract the first reading from the second to
figure the total weight of the load.
After determining this load, you must also make
sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus the
load it carries, is less than its GVWR. Also, make
sure that the weight your vehicle carries over each
axle is less than the GAWR for the respective axle.
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187
Preparing to TowFor your safety and for the good of your vehicle,
use the right equipment for the type of trailer you
tow. Also, make sure that all towing equipment is
properly attached to your vehicle. If you are not
certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle's
bumper. The bumper is not designed to bear the
load.
Always check the pressure in all your vehicle's tires
when preparing to tow (see inflation
recommendation on the tire label).
Connecting the safety chainsAlways attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the hitch
breaks.
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and
attach them to your vehicle's frame or hook
retainers. Never attach the safety chains to your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed
to bear the weight of a trailer.
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in the
chains to allow you to turn corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives you.
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290
NOTE:When adding accessories, equipment,
passengers, and luggage to your vehicle, do not
exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label). Consult
your dealer for specific weight information.
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313
Fuel cap (continued)
replacing.............. 251
Fuel filler door............. 251
remote release............ 251
Fuel filter, specifications......... 271
Fuel gauge............... 18
Fuel pump shut-off switch
engine does not start......... 191
starting after a collision........ 191
Fuse panels.............. 192
engine compartment......... 198
instrument panel........... 203
Fuses
charts............192, 203
checking and replacing........ 203
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap)......... 251
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy) . . 253, 254
Gasoline (see Fuel)........... 251
Gauges, Electronic
engine coolant temperature gauge . . . 17fuel gauge.............. 18
odometer.............. 17
speedometer............. 17
Gauges, Mechanical
engine coolant temperature gauge . . . 17
fuel gauge.............. 18
odometer.............. 17
speedometer............. 17
tachometer............. 17
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating.............. 184
definition.............. 183
driving with a heavy load....... 183
location............... 183
Gearshift
automatic operation.......177, 178
column-mounted........178, 179
locking the gearshift......... 62
positions.............. 178
shifting the gears........... 178
Gearshift:shifting the gears........ 178
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) . . . 183
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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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322
W
Warm engine, starting.......... 166
Warning chimes
headlamps on............ 15
key in ignition............ 63
safety belt.............. 10
Warning lights (see Lights)......... 7
Warranties................ 4
basic................. 4
Canada................ 4
radio................ 44
Warranty Information Booklet....... 4
Washer fluid.............. 66
rear window reservoir........ 230
reservoir.............. 230
windshield............. 230
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR)...... 183Wheel bearings, lubricant specifications . . 273
Wheel dollies (see Towing)....... 217
Wheels
anti-theft lugnuts........... 210
cleaning............... 270
covers............207, 208
inspection and maintenance...... 246
lug nuts............... 207
Windows, power windows, operating . . . 105
Windshield, washing.......... 66
Windshield washer fluid and wipers.... 66
checking and adding fluid....... 230
checking and replacing wiper blades . . 242
liftgate reservoir........... 230
operation.............. 66
reservoir.............. 230
specifications............ 273
variable interval wipers........ 66
Windshield wipers and washer...... 66
Wrecker towing............ 217
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