warning LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1998 User Guide

Rear courtesy/reading lamps
The courtesy lamp lights when:
²any door is opened.
²when the instrument panel
dimmer switch is turned to the
courtesy lamp position.
²if any of the keyless entry keypad
controls are pressed and the
ignition is OFF.
With the ignition key in the ACC or ON position, the reading lamp can be
turned on by pressing the rocker control.
LINCOLN RESCU SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Lincoln RESCU runs a self-test
when you start your vehicle. During
this test, the Lincoln RESCU
warning light (located in the
overhead console) will illuminate
briefly. If a problem is detected
during the self-check, the light will
remain lit and the message ªRESCU
FAILUREº will be displayed on the
vehicle's message center for several
seconds.
If the warning light fails to briefly
illuminate when you start your
vehicle, or if it remains lit, have
your Lincoln RESCU System
checked by an authorized dealer as
soon as possible. Your system may be inoperative.
It is important that you understand the limitations of your
Lincoln RESCU System prior to initiating an activation. See
Lincoln RESCU System Limitationslater in this chapter for details.
The RESCU system can be activated in three ways:
S.O.S.INFO
S.O.S.INFO
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S.O.S.
INFO
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1. By pressing the Information
control.
2. By pressing the Emergency
(S.O.S) control.
3. The system will automatically activate if the vehicle's air bags have
been deployed.
Quick summary
²To utilize your vehicle's RESCU system, your cellular phone must be
activated.
²Information or emergency assistance can be requested whenever your
key is in the RUN/START position and for six minutes after the vehicle
is turned off.
²An assistance request is initiated by pressing either the Information or
Emergency control located in the overhead console.
²When a control is pressed, a warning lamp located in the overhead
console will begin to flash and status messages are displayed on the
vehicle's message center (messages can only be displayed when the
key is in the RUN/START position).
²The vehicle's cellular phone automatically places a call to a 24 hour
emergency response center.
²When contact is made, the vehicle sends an electronic data message
to the response center's computer. This data message includes latitude
and longitude coordinates obtained from the vehicle's positioning
system.
²Once the data transmission is complete, the call is forwarded to a
response center operator who confirms your location using a
computerized map.
²The vehicle's cellular handset is locked-out, the phone is automatically
placed in the ªhands-freeº mode and voice communication is
established with the operator through the ªhands-freeº microphone.
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²Typically, voice communication with an operator is established within
one minute after an assistance control is pressed.
²The operator verbally obtains details of your situation and, if
necessary, ties your vehicle into a three-way phone call with the
United States Auto Club or local 911 or other emergency services to
dispatch the appropriate assistance to your location.
²Once the situation has been appropriately handled, the operator will
terminate the call, the system warning light will stop flashing and the
system will be reset. In most situations, only the response center can
terminate an assistance request.
General description
Lincoln's Remote Emergency Satellite Cellular Unit (RESCU) is designed
to expedite roadside, emergency or information assistance to distressed
motorists who are uncertain of their location and/or are uncertain of who
to contact for assistance.
The Lincoln RESCU system utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS)
technology and the nation's cellular phone network to track vehicle
location and, at the touch of a control, put you in voice contact with the
Lincoln Security Response Center.
Two controls in the overhead console will activate the system:
An Information icon is provided for
customer information, such as
points of interest in your current
location, route assistance and other
services as they become available.
An Emergency icon for is for
emergency assistance.
When you select a control, the vehicle's cellular phone will automatically
place a data call to the response center's central computer. Once contact
is made, an electronic data message will be transmitted. This data
message will include:
²Type of alarm (Information, emergency or air bag acitvation)
²Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
²Latitude and longitude coordinates
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Activation and deactivation
When either of the two Lincoln RESCU controls are pressed, or the air
bags are deployed (this will activate the system as an emergency
automatically), a warning light, located in the overhead console, will
begin to flash and status messages will be displayed on the vehicle's
message center, confirming an assistance request has been made. The
warning light will continue to flash throughout the activation.
The system can be activated whenever your ignition key is in the
RUN/START position and for six minutes after your vehicle is turned off.
Once a RESCU control has been pressed, do not attempt to cranks the
engine as this may cancel the activation. In most situations, the
assistance request can only be terminated and the system reset when a
special tone is sent to the vehicle by the Lincoln Security Response
Center. (SeeAutomatic rediallater in this chapter for exceptions.)
Operation will continue even if the vehicle is turned off during an
activation (although visual feedback via the message center will not be
available in this situation).
Cellular phone interface
The cellular phone must be connected to the vehicle and activated for
the system to work. During an activation, Lincoln RESCU takes control
of the vehicle's cellular phone. If the phone is in use, the call will be
terminated and the Lincoln Security Response Center will automatically
be dialed. The cellular handset becomes inoperative and all voice
communication with the operator is accomplished via the cellular phone's
ªhands-freeº microphone.
When an activation is terminated, your phone is left unlocked, in the ON
state and may not return to its previous call restriction or system
selection setting. It can be reprogrammed to your previous setting as
desired.
Refer to your cellular phone user's manual for further information.
Message center interface
During an activation, Lincoln RESCU communication with the vehicle's
message center. Status message describing the sequence of the steps
being executed are displayed, allowing you to visually follow the
activation process. The following messages are typical of those displayed
during an assistance request. They are as shown in the order in which
they would appear:
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Insert the tongue into the correct
buckle. To lengthen the belt, turn
the tongue at a right angle to the
belt and pull across your lap until it
reaches the buckle. To tighten the
belt, pull the loose end of the belt
through the tongue until it fits
snugly across the hips.
Shorten and fasten the belt when
not in use.
Safety belt extension assembly
If the safety belt assembly is too short, even when fully extended, 20 cm
(8 inches) can be added to the safety belt assembly by adding a safety
belt extension assembly (part number 611C22). Safety belt extension
assemblies can be obtained from your dealer at no cost.
Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety
belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on
the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too
short for you when fully extended. Do not use extensions to change the
fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime
The seat belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a
chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.
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Conditions of operation
If... Then...
The driver's safety belt is not
buckled before the ignition
switch is turned to the ON
position...The safety belt warning light
illuminates for one to two minutes and
the warning chime sounds for four to
eight seconds.
The driver's safety belt is
buckled while the indicator
light is illuminated and the
warning chime is sounding...The safety belt warning light and
warning chime turn off.
The driver's safety belt is
buckled before the ignition
switch is turned to the ON
position...The safety belt warning light and
indicator chime remain off.
Safety belt maintenance
Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work
properly and are not damaged. Check the safety belts to make sure there
are no nicks, wears or cuts. All safety belt assemblies, including
retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle assemblies (slide bar)
(if equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), child safety
seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching hardware,
should be inspected after a collision. Ford recommends that all safety
belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced.
However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that
the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do
not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a
collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or
improper operation is noted.
Failure to replace the safety belt assembly under the above
conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of
a collision.
Refer toCleaning and maintaining the safety beltsin the
Maintenance and caresection.
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The air bags inflate and deflate
rapidly upon activation.
After air bag deployment, it is
normal to notice a smoke-like,
powdery residue or smell the burnt
propellant. This may consist of
cornstarch, talcum powder
(to lubricate the bag) or sodium
compounds (e.g., baking soda) that
result from the combustion process
that inflates the air bag. Small
amounts of sodium hydroxide may
be present which may irritate the
skin and eyes, but none of the
residue is toxic.
Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not
touch them after inflation.
If the air bag is inflated,the air bag will not function again
and must be replaced immediately. If the air bag is not
replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
The SRS consists of:
²driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and
air bags),
²one or more impact and safing sensors,
²a readiness light and tone
²and the electrical wiring which connects the components.
The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the
supplemental air bag electrical system warning (including the impact
sensors), the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air
bag back up power and the air bag ignitors.
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer to theAir bag readiness
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section in theInstrumentationchapter. Routine maintenance of the air
bag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
²The readiness light will either
flash or stay lit.
²The readiness light will not
illuminate immediately after
ignition is turned on.
²A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat
periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.
Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local
dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by
qualified personnel.
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN
Important child restraint precautions
You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S.
and Canada. If small children ride in your vehicle (generally children who
are four years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less), you
must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Check your
local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the
safety of children in your vehicle.
Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the
vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from
injury in a collision.
Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or
child restraint you might use.
When possible, place children in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident
statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating position.
AIR
BAG
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BRAKES
Your brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the ªService Guideº for scheduled
maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
while braking, felt mainly in the steering wheel, the vehicle most likely
needs service.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lock up during brake
applications and compensating for
this tendency. The front wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during
hard braking.
ABS warning lamp
The
ABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates for about
five seconds when starting the vehicle. If an ABS fault is detected, the
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light will remain on and your vehicle should be serviced as soon as
possible.
Normal braking is still effective
unless the BRAKE warning lamp is
also illuminated.
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous full force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Parking brake with auto-release
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked.
To set the parking brake:
1. Move the gearshifter to P (Park).
2. Push pedal downward.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the parking brake is fully released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle. However, if
the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your
vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear
brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
P!
BRAKE
BRAKE RELEASEHOOD
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