charging LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1998 Owners Manual

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. If the light
remains on, continues to flash or
fails to illuminate, have the system
serviced immediately.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or both of the
indicators stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
turn signal bulb. Refer toExterior bulbsin theMaintenance and care
chapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Turn on headlamps
Illuminates to remind the driver to
turn the headlamps on when:
²the daytime running lamps are on
²the autolamps are off
²the autolamp sensor determines it
is nighttime
Charging system
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
ABS
TURN ON
HEAD
LAMPS
Instrumentation
8

Door Ajar Cannot be reset
Driver's Door Ajar
Check Engine Temp Warning returns after 10 minutes
Transmission Overheat
Check Transmission
Low Oil Level
Check Charging System
Low Fuel Level
Low Engine Coolant
Low Tire Pressure (if equipped)
Gear Display Data ERR Warning reappears after key is
turned from OFF to ON
Brake Lamp Out
Check Traction Control
Check Ride Control
Trunk Ajar
Check Steering Assist
Low Washer Fluid
Air Leveling Disabled
Tail Lamp Out
Check FRT Turn Lamps
Turn on Headlamps
Warning messages that have been reset are divided into two categories:
²They will reappear on the display ten minutes from the reset.
²They will not reappear until an ignition OFF-ON cycle has been
completed. This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still
exist within the vehicle.
TRIP
Press this control to display the first
of two trip odometers. Press it again
to display the second trip odometer.
To reset the displayed trip
odometer, press the RESET control.
TRIP
RESET
Instrumentation
14

8. If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
If the fluid level is above the crosshatch (hot operating range) area after
driving the vehicle for approximately 30 km (20 miles), excess
transmission fluid should be removed by a qualified technician.
BATTERY
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
Superstart maintenance-free battery.
If the original equipment battery
needs replacing, it may be replaced
with a low-maintenance battery. The
low-maintenance battery normally
does not require additional water
during its life of service. However,
for severe usage or in high
temperature climates, check your
battery electrolyte level, at least
every 24 months or 40,000 km
(24,000 miles). Keep the electrolyte
in each cell up to the ªlevelº
indicator. Do not overfill the battery
cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery cells with
distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the charging
system checked.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminal(s) and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when
you are done cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the
top of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
Maintenance and care
136

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

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