brake fluid LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1999 Owners Manual

Also illuminates when the parking brake is engaged. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately.
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. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system
is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning
light also remains illuminated with parking brake released.
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 (if equipped)
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
ABS
TURN ON
HEAD
LAMPS
Instrumentation
8

If you have a vehicle with the Driver
Select System, you have a DRIVER
ID control in place of the E/M
control.
²Refer toDRIVER ID
(if equipped)for DRIVER ID
control information.
²Refer toE/M (if equipped)for
E/M control information.
Operator selectable features
These features are controlled by the message center controls located to
the right of the instrument cluster.
System check
Pressing this control causes the
message center to cycle through a
status of each of the systems being
monitored. For each of the monitored systems, the message center will
indicate either an OK message or a warning message for three seconds.
The sequence of the system check report is as follows:
²voltage level
²engine temperature
²oil level
²engine coolant level
²washer fluid level
²doors closed (driver and passenger side). This message can only be
reset by closing the door(s). If the RESET control is pressed, PLEASE
CLOSE DOOR will be displayed.
²trunk closed
²exterior lamps (front turn, brake and tail)
²fuel level
SYSTEM
DRIVER ID
MENU
TRIP
RESETSELECT
DISPLAY
DTE ECON VEHICLE HANDLING
SYSTEM
Instrumentation
13

²distance to empty
²traction control
²ride control
System warnings
System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your
vehicle's operating systems.
The message center will display the
last selected feature if there are no
more warning messages. This allows
you to use the full functionality of
the message center after you acknowledge the warning by pressing the
RESET control and clearing the warning message.
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
RESET
Instrumentation
14

Wheel-speed sensors allow excess front wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the front
brakes in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque
reduction is realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection
systems. This process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast
acting. The front wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a
second and adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads.
During Traction Controlyoperation, TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE is
displayed on the message center. You may hear an electric motor type of
sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior.
If you should become stuck in snow or on a very slippery road surface,
try switching the Traction Controlysystem off. This may allow excess
wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out or enable a successful ªrockingº
maneuver. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrumentationchapter.
If the Traction Controlysystem is cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to prevent the front brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Controlyfunction using only engine
torque reduction will still control wheels from over-spinning. When the
front brakes have cooled down, the system will again function normally.
Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will function
normally during the cool down period.
If a system fault is detected, CHECK TRACTION CONTROL is displayed
on the message center and your vehicle should be serviced.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.
Driving
123

When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs.
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission is submerged
may allow water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum total weight of
the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The
GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
Driving
130

Always replace the cover to the Power Distribution Box before
reconnecting the battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
The high-current fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
Ð 175 Generator/Voltage Regulator
1 30A** Driver's Seat Module
2 30A** Passenger's Seat Module
3 40A** Ignition Switch
4 40A** Ignition Switch
5 40A** Driver Window
6 30A** Low Speed Cooling Fan
7 30A** Powertrain Control Module
8 40A** Rear Window Defrost Control
9 60A** I/P Fuse Panel
10 60A** Lighting Control Module
11 60A** Compressor Relay
12 60A** Anti-Lock Brake Control Module
13 40A** Blower Motor
14 60A** High Speed Cooling Fan
MEGA
175A
PCM
PWR
RELAY
12 3 4
8
7
6 5
12
4 3
5
7
9
1110
12
14 136
8NOT USED
7BLOWER
MOTOR
RELAY6A/C
CLUTCH
RELAY4NOT
USED2
HORN
RELAY3HIGH
BEAM1STARTER
SOL
RELAY5
12
Roadside emergencies
141

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.
Maintenance and care
152

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
Maintenance and care
154

BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules:
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only brake fluids certified to
meet Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
DOT 3 fluid is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4
fluid can be used.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use DOT 5 or any other brake fluid that is not DOT 3 or
DOT 4, you will cause permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry, this may
cause the brakes to fail.
MAX
Maintenance and care
157

4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
Maintenance and care
162