warning light LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1998 User Guide

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
Seating and safety restraints
83

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
Driving
96

Fuse/Relay Location Fuse Amp Rating Description
13 15A Lighting Control
Module (LCM): RF
Turn Lamp, Right
Turn Indicator (VIC),
RR Side Marker
Lamps, Tail Lamps,
License Lamps, LR
Stop/Turn Lamps,
Clock Illumination
14 20A Cigar Lighter
15 10A ABS Evac and Fill
Connector
16 30A Moonroof Switch
17 - NOT USED
18 10A Lighting Control
Module
19 10A Lighting Control
Module (LCM): Left
Headlamp, DRL
20 15A Multi-Function Switch:
Flash to Pass, and
Hazard Warning Input
to LCM
21 - NOT USED
22 - NOT USED
23 10A Digital Transmission
Range Sensor
24 10A Virtual Image
Cluster-LF Turn
Indicator, LF Turn
Signal
25 10A Lighting Control
Module (LCM): Right
Headlamp
Roadside emergencies
114

²do not exceed 90 km/h (55 mph). Drive at a reduced rate of speed, if
possible.
²avoid excessive hard steering and braking maneuvers, if possible.
²stop periodically to allow the tires to cool down.
Pressure alert system (if equipped)
Each of your SecuriTires is
monitored by a low tire pressure
sensor. A warning will appear in the
overhead console when the pressure
in one of your tires drops below
acceptable levels or if the system
has malfunctioned.
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC rules and with RS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2)
This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Maintenance warning
The LOW TIRE PRESSURE warning will illuminate and stay on when one
of your vehicle's tires drops below 124 kPa (18 psi). The warning light
will also come on and stay lit if the Pressure Alert System has
malfunctioned.
If this warning appears, check the pressure in your tires as soon as
possible and adjust any tire that is low to the recommended air pressure
level.
If the warning remains on after you have adjusted the tires to the
recommended air pressure levels, take your vehicle to an authorized
Lincoln/Mercury dealer for service.
Flat tire warning
If the sensors detect a tire pressure lower than 68 kPa (10 psi), the LOW
TIRE PRESSURE warning will appear in the overhead console and the
message WARNING LOW TIRE PRESSURE will be displayed in the
message center, indicating an impending flat tire. If this condition occurs,
ROOF
LOW TIRE
PRESSURE
OPEN
Maintenance and care
141

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the services listed in your ªService Guideº performed according
to the specified schedule.
The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in the ªService Guideº are
required because they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure, the
charging system warning light, the ªService Engine Soonº light or the
temperature warning light. These events could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
If you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have
the dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive
if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill
you.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
Maintenance and care
149

the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) system. If your ªcheck engine/service
engine soonº light is on, reference the applicable light description in the
Warning Lights and Chimessection of your owners guide. Your vehicle
may not pass the I/M test with the ªcheck engine/service engine soonº
light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the OBD-II system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº condition. To
ready the OBD-II system for I/M testing, a minimum of 30 minutes of city
and highway driving is necessary as described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop and go, city type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
EXTERIOR BULBS
Replacing headlamp bulbs
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of
children's reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the headlamps are operated.
To remove the headlamp bulb:
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in OFF position.
2. Lift the hood and remove the plastic sight shield covering the back of
the headlamps by lifting up on the rear corners to release the velcro
attachments. Lift the shield and pull towards the windshield.
Maintenance and care
150

Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................80
and child safety seats ..............81
description ................................80
disposal ......................................83
indicator light ...........................82
passenger air bag .....................81
Air suspension
description ................................98
Anti-lock brake system
(ABS)#$description
Anti-theft system ........................63
Battery .......................................136
Brakes ..........................................95
anti-lock .....................................95
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................95
fluid, checking and adding ....130
traction control .........................97
Brake-shift interlock ...................99
Break-in period .............................2
Bulbs, replacing ........................150
headlamps ...............................150
specifications ..........................154
Changing a tire .........................119
Child safety seats ........................84
Childproof locks ..........................61
Chime
headlamps on ..............................9
Cleaning your vehicle ...............155
engine compartment ..............156
instrument panel ....................157
plastic parts ............................157
safety belts ..............................157
tail lamps .................................157
washing ....................................155
waxing .....................................155
wheels ......................................156
windows ..................................159
woodtone trim ........................158Climate control system
automatic temperature
control ..............27,28,29,30,31,32
Clock ............................................33
Compass, electronic ....................55
calibration .................................57
set zone adjustment .................56
Controls .......................................62
Electronic sound system ............62
Emission control system ..........149
Engine ........................................162
service points ..........................127
Engine block heater ...................93
Engine coolant
checking and adding .......131,132
disposal ....................................133
refill capacities ........................133
Engine oil ...........................128,129
changing oil and oil filter .......130
checking and adding .......128,129
Exhaust fumes ............................93
Floor mats ...................................63
Fuel
calculating fuel economy .......148
improving fuel economy ........108
octane rating ...........................147
quality ......................................147
running out of fuel .................148
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................146
Fuel gauge ...................................10
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......109
Fuse panels
instrument panel ....................110
power distribution box ...........117
Fuses ...................................109,110
Gauges, Mechanical ....................10
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................11
Headlamps
autolamp system .......................27
flashing ......................................26
Index
167

high beam .................................26
Heating ........................................27
High beams
indicator light .............................8
Hood
release lever ............................127
Ignition
positions of the ignition ...........34
Jump-starting your vehicle .....122,
123
attaching cables ......................123
disconnecting cables ..............124
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................70
keypad .......................................68
programming entry code ........68,
69,70
Keys
key in ignition chime .................9
Lamps
interior lamps ....................40,154
map lamps .................................40
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................7
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............8
brake ............................................7
charging system ..........................8
oil pressure .................................9
safety belt ...................................7
service engine soon ....................6
turn signal indicator ...................8
Lubricant specifications ...........161
Message center ...........................12
date/economy button ...............15
menu button ..............16,17,18,19
reset button ..............................16
system check button ................13
warning messages .....................13
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................57
cleaning ...................................159heated ........................................61
side view mirrors (power) .......60
Moon roof ....................................52
Odometer .....................................10
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................66
Parking brake ..............................96
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....160
Power door locks ........................58
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....134
Refill capacities for fluids ........160
Relays ........................................109
Remote entry system .................65
illuminated entry ......................67
locking/unlocking doors ...........65
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................67
replacing the batteries .............66
Reporting safety defects ..........166
Safety restraints
automatic locking mode
(retractor) ............................75,76
extension assembly ..................78
for children ...............................83
lap and shoulder belts ........74,75
maintenance ..............................79
proper use .................................73
warning light and chime ..9,78,79
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ....88
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................85
in rear seat ................................88
tether anchorage hardware .....88
Seats ............................................71
adjusting the seat, power ........71
head restraints ..........................71
heated seats ..............................73
lumbar support .........................73
Servicing your vehicle ..............126
precautions when servicing ...126
Index
168

Speed control ..............................36
canceling a set speed ...............39
resuming a set speed ...............39
tap up/tap down .......................38
turning off .................................37
Speedometer ...............................10
Starting your vehicle .............90,92
Sunvisor .......................................52
Tachometer
mechanical cluster ...................11
Tilt steering wheel ......................40
Tires ....................................142,144
changing ..................................119
checking the pressure ............144
replacing ..................................145
rotating ....................................144
snow tires and chains ............145
treadwear ................................143
Traction control
off light ........................................9
Trailer towing ............................105
tips ...........................................107
Transaxle .....................................99
automatic operation .......100,101,
102,103
Transmission .............................134
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................134
Trunk
using the remote entry
system to open .........................66
Turn signal
lever ...........................................35
Universal transmitter ..................52
erasing channels .......................55
operating ...................................54
programming .............................53
Vehicle dimensions ...................163
Vehicle headlamp aiming
device (VHAD) .........................152
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................165Vehicle loading ..........................104
Ventilating your vehicle .............94
Warning chimes .............................6
Wheels
anti-theft lug nuts ..................121
Windows
accessory delay .........................60
power windows, operating .......59
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....131
checking and replacing wiper
blades ......................................139
operation ...................................34
Wrecker towing .........................124
Index
169