service LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1998 Owner's Guide

your SecuriTire requires service as soon as possible. Refer toServicing
your SecuriTires.
The Pressure Alert System will activate only when the vehicle is moving
faster than 15 km/h (10 mph).
Servicing your SecuriTires
If you cannot service your SecuriTire immediately, replace it with your
temporary spare as soon as safely possible.
Your temporary spare tire can be used until your SecuriTire has been
repaired.
It is recommended that you always have your SecuriTires serviced by an
authorized Michelin tire dealer.Each SecuriTire is equipped with a
pressure sensor around the wheel rim. This sensor could be
damaged when removing and installing the tire.Servicing a
SecuriTire at locations other than your Michelin tire dealer may
adversely affect your warranty.
If you have questions concerning your SecuriTires or servicing, pleas call
the Michelin Tire Information Line at 1-800-847-3435 or contact your
local Michelin tire dealer.
INFORMATION ABOUT TIRE QUALITY GRADES
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have their Tire Quality Grade
(described below) molded into the
tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards
that the United States Department
of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic tires for use on
passenger cars. They do not apply
to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Maintenance and care
142

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire grade 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
grade 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are A, B, and C, and they
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking
(straight ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) traction.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Maintenance and care
143

SERVICING YOUR TIRES
Checking the tire pressure
²Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
²Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been
parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km
(3 miles).
²Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label located on the right rear door
jamb.
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Tire rotation
Because your vehicle's tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the ªService Guide.º If you notice that the tires
wear unevenly, have them checked.
²Four tire rotation
Maintenance and care
144

²Be particularly careful if you are taking ªAntabuseº or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. Consult a physician
immediately.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Vehicles certified to California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control Information label) are designed to
operate on California reformulated gasolines. If California reformulated
gasoline is not available when you refuel, your vehicle can be operated
on non-California fuels. However, even though your engine will perform
adequately on other gasolines, the performance of the emission control
devices and systems may be adversely affected.
Repair of damage caused by using a fuel that your vehicle was not
designed for may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªPremiumº gasoline for optimum
performance with an (R+M)/2
octane rating of 91 or higher.
Gasolines with lower octane ratings
can be used, but performance may decrease. We do not recommend
gasolines labeled as ªPremiumº in high altitude areas that are sold with
octane ratings less than 91.
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly. However,
if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on fuel with the
recommended octane, see your dealer or a qualified service technician to
prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of gasoline. If the
problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified service technician.
91(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and care
147

The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) issued a
gasoline specification to provide information on high quality fuels that
optimize the performance of your vehicle. We recommend the use of
gasolines that meet the AAMA specification if they are available.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air quality, including
reformulated gasolines that contain oxygenates up to 10% ethanol or
15% MTBE.
Do not use gasolines containing methanol, which can damage critical fuel
system components. Damage resulting from the use of methanol may not
be covered by your warranty.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out fuel because this situation may have an adverse affect
on modern powertrain components.
You may need to crank the engine several times before the system starts
to pump fuel from the tank to the engine. If you run out of fuel, your
Service Engine Soon light may come on. For more information on the
Service Engine Soon light, refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Calculating fuel economy
To accurately calculate your vehicle's fuel economy:
1. Fill the tank completely and record the initial odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added
(in liters or gallons).
3. After at least three to five fuel tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and
record the current mileage reading.
4. Use one of the following equations to calculate fuel economy.
Liters used x 1004Total kilometers traveled
Total miles traveled4Total gallons used
Keep a record for at least one month. This will provide an accurate
estimate of the vehicle's fuel economy.
Maintenance and care
148

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

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 4.6L DOHC V8 engine
Air filter FA-1615
Cabin air filter FP-5
Fuel filter FG-800A
Battery BXT-65-750
Oil filter FL-820-S
Spark plugs* AWSF-32EE**
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for
spark plug gap information.
**If a spark plug needs to be replaced, use only spark plugs with the
same service part number suffix letter ªEEº as shown on the engine
decal.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)Motorcraft
5W30 Super
Premium
Motor OilAll 5.7L (6.0 quarts)
Engine coolant Ford Premium
Cooling System
FluidAll 13.5L
(14.25 quarts)
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line in
reservoir
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONt
AT FAll Fill to line in
reservoir
Capacities and specifications
160

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