check engine LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1999 User Guide

Trailer lamps
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system directly to your vehicle's
lighting system. To get the proper equipment for hooking up your
trailer's lamps, see your Lincoln dealer. Be sure to follow their
instructions carefully.
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you may cause damage to the
vehicle's lighting system or other vehicle systems.
Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Shift out of D (Overdrive) and into 3 (Third) or a lower gear when
towing up or down steep hills. This will eliminate excessive
downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel economy and transaxle
cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your maintenance guide and or
service guide for more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on
a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
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HAZARD FLASHER
Use only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehicle breakdown,
approaching danger, etc. The hazard flashers can be operated when the
ignition is off.
²The hazard lights control is
located on top of the steering
column.
²Depress hazard lights control to
activate all hazard flashers
simultaneously.
²Depress control again to turn the
flashers off.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated. The shut-off switch is a device
intended to stop the electric fuel pump when your vehicle has been
involved in a substantial jolt.
1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the fuel pump shut-off switch by
pushing in the reset button.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Pause for a few seconds and
return the key to the OFF position.
5. Make a further check for leaks in the fuel system.
The fuel pump shut-off switch is
located behind an access door to the
left of the driver's seat on the
B-pillar.
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JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Do not push start your vehicle. You could damage the catalytic
converter.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes, and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability.
Preparing your vehicle
1.Use only a 12±volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle's electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
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146

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair
away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in
theBatterysection in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake, and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
park.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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1. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Battery
4. Air filter assembly
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Engine oil filler cap
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Cabin air filter
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
MAX MIN
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154

6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
²Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the MIN and MAX ranges, add only
certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil
filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the dipstick.
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155

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield
washer fluid.
ENGINE COOLANT
Check the level of the engine
coolant in the reservoir. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
service interval schedules. Be sure
to read and understandPrecautions
when servicing your vehiclein
this chapter.
COLD FILL
LEVEL
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158

If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become empty. If this occurs, a LOW
ENGINE COOLANT warning will illuminate in the message center and
you will need to add engine coolant to the coolant reservoir. For more
information on engine coolant maintenance, refer toAdding engine
coolantin this chapter.
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine coolant,
antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and
vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield
washer fluid.
Do not mix conventional green coolant, orange coolant or
recycled coolants together in your vehicle. Use only the type of
coolant that your vehicle was originally equipped with. If you are
unsure which type of coolant your vehicle requires, contact your
local dealer.
If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could make it difficult to see
through the windshield.
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
water to the engine coolant reservoir-DO NOT ADD DIRECTLY TO THE
RADIATOR. Add straight water only in an emergency, but you should
replace it with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water as soon as
possible.
Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the next few times you
drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough of a 50/50 mixture of coolant
and water to bring the liquid level to the fill line on the reservoir.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
If you must remove the coolant reservoir cap, follow these steps to avoid
personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
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159

3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
Change your engine coolant according to the appropriate schedule listed
in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Before adding engine coolant, check the color of the coolant in your
vehicle.
For vehicles with green coolant,use Ford Premium Cooling System
Fluid E2FZ-19549±AA (in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8±B) or an equivalent
premium engine coolant that meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A.
Do not add orange coolant or recycled coolant to your vehicle
originally equipped with conventional green coolant.
For vehicles with orange coolant,use Ford Extended Life Engine
Coolant F6AZ-19544±AA or a DEX-COOLtequivalent that meets Ford
specification WSS-M97B44±D.
Do not add conventional green coolant or recycled coolant to
your vehicle originally equipped with orange coolant.
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine coolants mixed
with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. Do not use supplemental coolant
additives in your vehicle. These additives may harm your engine cooling
system. The use of an improper coolant may void your warranty of your
vehicle's engine cooling system.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and Lincoln-Mercury
dealers use recycled engine coolant produced by Ford-approved
processes.
For vehicles with green coolant,not all coolant recycling processes
produce coolant which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A, and use
of such coolant may harm engine and cooling system components.
For vehicles with orange coolant,no recycling process has been
approved at this time and use of such coolant may harm engine and
cooling system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
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160

Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have
to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36ÉC [±34ÉF]), it may
be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the coolant concentration in
your vehicle is such that the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months. Never increase the engine
coolant concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme climates.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
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161