traction control LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1999 Owners Manual

Charging system
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.
Engine oil pressure
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. 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 Carechapter.
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 the driver's door is opened.
T/ C
OFF
Instrumentation
9

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

Press the SELECT control to change
these settings while in VEHICLE
HANDLING mode. The combination
of firm ride control (if equipped)
and low steering effort is undesirable and cannot be selected.
MENU
Press this control to change various
convenience settings throughout the
vehicle. Each press of the MENU
control will display a different
convenience setting.
Save to driver (if equipped)
Display appears if the driver is unidentified.
This allows you to select driver setting one, two or off.
Traction control
²Settings: ON or OFF.
²Original setting: ON.
²Setting adjustment is made using the message center MENU/SELECT
controls. (Defults to ON at each start-up.)
Refer toTraction Controlyfor more information.
MEMORY PROFILE
The Memory Profile allows for two primary drivers to save their
individual seat and outside rearview mirror position preferences. The
feature will then be set to the remote entry transmitter, that will
automatically recall the saved individualized preferences when that
individual identifies themselves to the system before entering the vehicle.
The Message Center info allows the driver to program the vehicle
features (listed inMemory profile system)according to their driving
preferences. These feature preferences will be saved as the vehicle
settings. To change a feature setting seeMemory profile featuresin this
section.
Memory Profile System with Driver Select System (if equipped)
Memory Profile System with Driver Select System allows the two primary
drivers to select and save individualized settings for the features listed
SELECT
MENU
Instrumentation
17

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Your vehicle has an automatic parking brake release. To release the
parking brake:
1. Turn the ignition to the RUN position.
2. Press the brake pedal.
3. Move the gearshift from the P (Park) position to one of the forward
gears (the parking brake will not release automatically when you shift
into reverse). The brake pedal must remain pressed while the gearshift is
moved.
If the parking brake fails to release
after completing this procedure, use
the manual parking brake release
lever.
Pull the lever to manually release
the parking brake.
TRACTION CONTROLY
Traction Controlyhelps maintain the stability and steerability of your
vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces. The
system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system
borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements already present
in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
BRAKE RELEASEHOOD
Driving
122

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

9. Remove the jack and fully tighten
the lug nuts in the order shown.
10. Put flat tire, jack and lug wrench
away.
11. If using a mini-spare tire, turn
off the traction control switch.
12. Turn on the air suspension
switch.
Anti-theft lug nuts (if equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with this
feature, one of the lug nuts on each
wheel must be removed and
replaced with a special key. The key
and registration card are attached to
the lug wrench and stored with the spare tire. If you lose the key, send
the registration card to the manufacturer (not the dealer) to get a
replacement key. If the lug wrench/lug nut key assembly is lost, see your
nearest Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer who has access to the master set
of keys.Do not use an impact wrench with the anti-theft key.
Removing the anti-theft lug nut
1. Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Make sure you hold the key
square to the lug nut. If you hold the key at an angle, you could damage
the key and the lug nut.
2. Place the lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and apply pressure on
the key with the wrench.
3. Turn the wrench in a counterclockwise direction to remove the lug
nut.
Reinstalling the anti-theft lug nut
1. Insert the key over the locking lug nut.
2. Place the lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and apply pressure on
the key with the wrench.
3. Install the lug nut.
1
4 3
52
Roadside emergencies
145

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.
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 graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 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 AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government 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
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Maintenance and care
171

SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods
of time may result in damage to vehicle components.
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
Do not use any type of tire chains on this vehicle. This includes both
conventional and cable-type chains.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide traction in
rain or snow. However, during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the fuel
tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is venting
vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before
completely removing the cap.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Maintenance and care
174

Fuses ...................................136,137
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ..............178,179,180,181
Gauges .........................................10
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................11
Hazard flashers .........................135
Head restraints ...........................92
Headlamps
aiming ...............................188,189
bulb specifications ..................187
high beam ..............................8,24
turning on and off ......................8
warning chime ..........................10
Heating ........................................26
Hood ..........................................153
Ignition .......................................197
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................183
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................193
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................88
keypad .......................................85
programming entry code ...86,87,
88
Keys
key in ignition chime .................9
positions of the ignition ...........47
Lamps
autolamp system .......................25
daytime running light ...............24
headlamps .................................24
headlamps, flash to pass ..........25
instrument panel, dimming .....25
interior lamps ....................54,187
replacing bulbs ..183,184,186,187
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................48
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................7
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............8brake ............................................7
charging system ..........................9
oil pressure .................................9
safety belt ...................................7
service engine soon ....................6
traction control off .....................9
turn signal indicator ...................8
Locks
childproof ..................................77
Lumbar support, seats ...............94
Message center
date/economy button ..........15,16
menu button .............................17
reset button ..............................16
system check button ................13
warning messages .....................14
Mirrors .........................................67
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................73
cleaning ...................................194
heated ........................................76
programmable memory ............84
side view mirrors (power) .......76
Moon roof ....................................66
Motorcraft parts ........................178
Octane rating ............................177
Odometer .....................................11
Overdrive ...................................126
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................82
Parking brake ............................121
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................140
Power door locks ........................74
Power steering ...................123,124
fluid, checking and adding ....161
Radio .............32,33,34,35,36,37,38,
39,40,41,42,43
Relays .................................136,142
Remote entry system .......81,88,90
illuminated entry ......................84
locking/unlocking doors ...........81
Index
203