transmission LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1999 Owners Manual

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

Radio reception factors
Three factors can affect radio reception:
²Distance/strength.The further an FM signal travels, the weaker it is.
The listenable range of the average FM station is approximately 40 km
(24 miles). This range can be affected by ªsignal modulation.º Signal
modulation is a process radio stations use to increase their
strength/volume relative to other stations.
²Terrain.Hills, mountains and tall buildings between your vehicle's
antenna and the radio station signal can cause FM reception problems.
Static can be caused on AM stations by power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms. Moving away from an interfering
structure (out of its ªshadowº) returns your reception to normal.
²Station overload.Weak signals are sometimes captured by stronger
signals when you pass a broadcast tower. A stronger signal may
temporarily overtake a weaker signal and play while the weak station
frequency is displayed.
The audio system automatically switches to single channel reception if it
will improve the reception of a station normally received in stereo.
Audio system warranties and service
Refer to the ªWarranty Guideº for audio system warranty information.
If service is necessary, see your dealer or a qualified technician.
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.
3
1
2
5
4
Controls and features
47

Quick summary
²To utilize your vehicle's RESCU system, your cellular phone must be
activated and plugged into the vehicle interface.
²Information or emergency assistance can be requested whenever your
key is in the RUN/START position and for six minutes after the vehicle
is turned off.
²An assistance request is initiated by pressing either the Information or
Emergency control located in the overhead console.
²When a control is pressed, a warning lamp located in the overhead
console will begin to flash and status messages will display on the
vehicle's message center (messages can only be displayed when the
key is in the RUN/START position).
²The vehicle's cellular phone automatically places a call to a 24 hour
emergency response center.
²When contact is made, the vehicle sends an electronic data message
to the response center's computer. This data message includes latitude
and longitude coordinates obtained from the vehicle's positioning
system and customer identification information.
²Once the data transmission is complete, the call is forwarded to a
response center operator who confirms your location using a
computerized map.
²The vehicle's cellular handset is locked-out, the phone is automatically
placed in the ªhands-freeº mode and voice communication is
established with the operator through the ªhands-freeº microphone.
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.
Controls and features
56

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 near your current
location, route assistance and other
services as they become available.
An Emergency icon is provided for
emergency assistance.
When you select a control, the vehicle's cellular phone will automatically
place a 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)
²Customer Identification Number (CID)
²Latitude and longitude coordinates
²Last recorded speed and direction of the vehicle
²Time tag identifying when last position was taken
²Call-back phone number
After the transmission is complete, the call is forwarded to an operator
who will verify the details of the request and confirm the vehicle's
location using a computerized map.
INFO
i
S.O.S.
Controls and features
57

Message center interface
During an activation, Lincoln RESCU communicates with the vehicle's
message center. Status messages 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:
²INFO REQUEST or S.O.S REQUEST
²CALL IN PROGRESS
²RINGING RESPONSE CENTER
²SENDING LOCATION DATA
²DATA RECEIVED
²WAITING FOR OPERATOR
Once an assistance request is made, it will typically take less than one
minute until contact is made with an operator. During voice
communication the following messages will alternately toggle on the
display:
²CID XXXXXXXXXX
²LAT XXXXXXXXXX
²LON XXXXXXXXXX
²HDG XX
These messages respectively are the customer identification number,
vehicle latitude, vehicle longitude and heading. Under special conditions,
the operator may ask you to read the information being displayed on the
message center.
Automatic redial
As described previously, when an assistance request is made, the
vehicle's cellular phone automatically dials the Lincoln Security Response
Center's central computer and attempts to send an electronic data
message. On rare occasions, it can be difficult for the computer to
recognize the message if the cellular connection is weak or noisy. If the
transmission of the message is unsuccessful, the data call will be
terminated and the message ªREDIAL IN PROGRESSº will be displayed
on the message center. A second call will automatically be placed which
bypasses the response center's computer and is forwarded directly to an
operator.
Controls and features
60

Similarly, if the cellular call is disconnected by the network prior to
receipt of the termination tone, another call to the response center will
also automatically be dialed. The message ªREDIAL IN PROGRESSº will
be displayed on the message center and voice communication with an
operator will be restored.
During redial calls, full control of the cellular phone is returned to you.
Pressing either PWR or END on the cellular handset will terminate the
assistance request and reset the system.
Location data retransmit capability
During an activation, the Lincoln Security Response Center operator has
the capability to initiate a retransmission of the electronic data message.
This may be necessary to ensure a more precise determination of vehicle
location or to track a vehicle that is moving. To accomplish the
retransmit, a special tone is sent to the vehicle by the response center.
In this situation you will temporarily lose voice contact with the operator
and the messages ªSENDING LOCATION DATAº and ªDATA RECEIVEDº
will be respectively displayed on the message center. After the data
retransmission is complete, voice communication will be restored and the
CID, LAT, LON and HDG message will again alternately toggle on the
message center display.
Global positioning system
Vehicle location is continuously updated via Global Positioning System
(GPS) technology. GPS was developed by the U.S. Department of
Defense for worldwide navigational and positioning purposes. It utilizes a
constellation of 24 orbiting satellites located more than 20 000 km
(12 428 miles) above the earth. At any given time, several of the 24
satellites should be visible to the vehicle's GPS receiver. Based on the
time for signals emitted by these satellites to reach the receiver, an
on-board computer will determine the vehicle's location, typically within
30 meters (100 feet). In addition to latitude and longitude, the system
also determines heading and speed.
Vehicle positioning information is relayed to the Lincoln Security
Response Center only during roadside or emergency requests. The
response center will not be able to track your location while in an
inactive state.
Controls and features
61

Easy access/easy out feature
This feature automatically moves the driver's seat backward when:
²the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
²the key is removed from the ignition cylinder
The seat will move 5cm (2 inches) forward (to the original position)
when:
²the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
²the key is placed in the ignition cylinder
SAFETY RESTRAINTS
Safety restraints precautions
Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap
belt snug and low across the hips.
To prevent the risk of injury, make sure children sit where they
can be properly restrained.
Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the
vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from
injury in a collision.
All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always
properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag SRS is
provided.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or
outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to
ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and
safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a
safety belt properly.
Seating and safety restraints
95

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

²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Carrying capacity for each
axle system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum combined
weight of towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the
trailer. The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight that the
vehicle is designed to tow.
²Maximum Trailer Weight Rating: Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
²Maximum Trailer Weight: maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
²Trailer Weight Range: Specified weight range that the trailer must
fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
The Certification Label, found on the inside pillar of the driver's door,
lists several important vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding
any additional equipment, refer to these limitations. If you are adding
weight to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added
to the cab), the weight added should not exceed the Front Axle Reserve
Capacity (FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front
axle reserve capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e.
restrict the number of passengers or amount of cargo carried).
Driving
131

You may add equipment throughout your vehicle if the total weight
added is equal to or less than the Total Axle Reserve Capacity (TARC)
weight. You should NEVER exceed the Total Axle Reserve Capacity.
Always ensure that the weight of passengers, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
your vehicle including both Gross Vehicle Weight and Front and Rear
Gross Axle Weight Rating limits. Under no circumstance should these
limitations be exceeded. Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation
could result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing vehicle. Refer to the
following chart for towing limits:
Towing classLight duty
Maximum gross trailer weight454 kg (1 000 lbs.)*
Maximum tongue load45/68 kg (100/150 lbs.)
Engine4.6L
Hitch designLoad carrying type
Trailer-tow package optionNot required
* Vehicle speed should not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) when towing on
grades. Limit maximum gross trailer weight to 454 kg (1 000 lbs.) and
maximum tongue load to 45/68 kg (100/150 lbs.): (1) when you are
towing a trailer on steep hills or on moderate hills for distances longer
than 8 km (5 miles) or more and; (2) on very hot days (when the
temperature is above 38ÉC [100ÉF])
Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to tow.
However, you can contact your local Lincoln dealer to get the proper
towing equipment. Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 3 200 km (2 000 miles).
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.
Do not tow a trailer when using a temporary spare tire.
Driving
132