warning light LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1998 Owners Manual

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Service engine soon
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine's
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System
(OBD II). This OBD II system
protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to
meet government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
TheService Engine Soonindicator light illuminates when the ignition is
first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourService Engine Soonlight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
80
MPH km/h
ABS
P!BRAKE
+ –
RPMx1000NORM
T/C
OFF
CHEF
FILL ON RIGHT
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON AIR
BAG TURN ON
HEAD
LAMPS0 123456
7
0 2060
80
100
120
0 204060100
120
140
160
180
200
40
000000.0
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
6

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening
the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other
temporary malfunctions present, theService Engine Soonlight should
turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by
mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theService Engine Soonlight remains on, have your vehicle serviced
at the first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash
or remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the position ON
and the engine is off. Also
illuminates when the parking brake
is engaged. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level.
AIR
BAG
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
7

Engine oil pressure
Illuminates when the oil pressure
falls below the normal range. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level and
add oil if needed. Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance and Care
chapter.
This lamp also illuminates when the ignition is turned to ON and the
engine is off.
Traction ControlYoff light
Illuminates when the Traction
Controlysystem has been disabled
(by the driver or as a result of a
system failure). For more
information, refer to theDriving
chapter.
Safety belt warning chime
Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime
For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to theSeating and
safety restraintschapter.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position and either front door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off
(and the key is not in the ignition) and either front door is opened.
Turn signal chime
Sounds when the turn signal lever has been activated to signal a turn.
T/ C
OFF
Instrumentation
9

POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER CONTROLS
Rotate the windshield wiper control
to the desired interval, low or high
speed position.
The bars of varying length are for
intermittent wipers. When in this
position rotate the control upward
for fast intervals and downward for
slow intervals.
Push the control on the end of the
stalk to activate washer. Push and
hold for a longer wash cycle.
Windshield wiper/washer features
The exterior lamps will illuminate when the ignition is ON and the
windshield wiper control is in the interval, LO or HI position.
The instrument panel lighting will dim noticeably approximately
15 seconds after the wipers are turned on. The lights will remain in this
state until 30 seconds after the wipers are turned off.
3
1
2
5
4
OFFHI
LO
OFFHI
LO
Controls and features
34

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
i
i
S.O.S.
INFO
i
Controls and features
41

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
INFO
i
S.O.S.
Controls and features
43

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:
Controls and features
45

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.
Seating and safety restraints
78

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.
Seating and safety restraints
79

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
Seating and safety restraints
82