check engine LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 2000 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). The 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
8

Turn on headlamps (if equipped)
Illuminates to remind the driver to
turn the headlamps on when:
²the daytime running lamps are on
(if equipped)
²the autolamps are off
²the autolamp sensor determines it is night time
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 theDrivingchapter.
Safety belt warning chime
Sounds to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
TURN ON
HEAD
LAMPS
T/ C
OFF
Instrumentation
11

If Memory position 1 or Memory
position 2 wishes to make
temporary changes to their seat or
outside mirror positions without
affecting their preferred positions
they may do so by:
²
Using the switch on the back of
the remote transmitter to turn the
Memory Profile System OFF prior
to pressing the unlock control on
the remote transmitter or
unlocking the vehicle with the key.
²Entering the vehicle without
identifying themselves using the two methods listed above.
²Turning the DRIVER ID (if equipped in the message center) OFF to
allow for temporary setting changes.
This option may be useful to temporarily reposition the driver's seat and
mirrors during an extended drive.
Operator selectable features
System check
Pressing this control causes the
message center to cycle through the
status of each of the systems being
monitored. For each of these 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:
²voltage level
²engine temp
²oil level
²coolant level
²washer fluid
²doors (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)
ON
MEMORY1 RECALL
OFF
SYSTEM
Instrumentation
16

²fuel level
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)
RESET
Instrumentation
17

The DTE function will flash for 5 seconds and sound a tone for 1 second
when you have approximately:
²40 km (25 miles)
²16 km (10 miles)
DTE is calculated using a running average fuel economy initialized by the
factory. This value is not the same as the average fuel economy display.
The running average fuel economy is based on more than 800 kilometers
(500 miles) of driving history, and is reinitialized if the battery is
disconnected.
If the FUEL LEVEL ERROR message is displayed, there is a problem
with the fuel indication system and you should contact your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Checking your highway fuel economy using the electronic
message center display
The following procedure will allow you to accurately monitor your actual
highway fuel economy. Since this procedure requires the vehicle speed
control system to be set to highway speeds, it must be run only on
suitable roadways where long distance speed control can be safely
maintained.
You may notice gradual improvement in fuel economy over the course of
your vehicle's break-in period (approximately 1 600 kilometers [1 000
miles]).
1. Set the speed control. Refer toSpeed controlin theControls and
featureschapter.
2. Press the Distance to Empty
(DTE) Economy (ECON) control
until ªAverage Miles per Gallonº is
displayed.
3. Press the RESET control to clear
the DTE/ECON system memory.
²Actual highway fuel economy is
now displayed.This current average measure will change as the
speed control system changes the engine speed to maintain a constant
vehicle speed. This is most noticeable in hilly environments.
It is important to press the RESET control after setting the speed
control to get accurate highway fuel economy readings.
DTE ECON
RESET
Instrumentation
21

PATS ignition key may cause vehicle starting concern and record DTC's
under certain conditions. If present, you need to keep these objects from
touching the PATS ignition key while starting the engine. These objects
and devices cannot damage the PATS ignition key, but can cause a
momentary concern if they are too close to the key during engine start.
If a problem occurs, turn ignition OFF and restart the engine with all
other objects on the key ring held away from the ignition key. Check to
make sure the encoded ignition key is an approved Ford encoded
ignition key.
Spare coded keys can be purchased from your dealership and
programmed to your anti-theft system. Refer toProgramming spare
SecuriLockykeysfor more information.
If one or both of your coded keys are lost or stolen and you want to
ensure the lost or stolen key will not operate your vehicle, bring your
vehicle and all available coded keys to your dealership for reinitialization.
Theft indicator
The theft indicator on top of the dash will operate as follows:
²When the ignition is OFF, the theft indicator will flash briefly every
two seconds to indicate the SecuriLockysystem is protecting your
vehicle.
²When the ignition is turned to RUN or START, the theft indicator will
light for three seconds and then go out. If the theft indicator stays on
for an extended period of time or flashes rapidly, have the system
serviced by your dealership or a qualified technician.
Programming spare SecuriLockYkeys
Spare SecuriLockykeys can be purchased from your dealership and
programmed to your SecuriLockypassive anti-theft system (up to a
total of eight keys). Your dealership can program your new SecuriLocky
key(s) to your vehicle or you can do it yourself using the following
simple procedure. To program a new SecuriLockykey yourself, you will
need two previously programmed SecuriLockykeys (keys that already
operate your vehicle's engine). If two previously programmed
SecuriLockykeys are not available (one or both of your original keys
were lost or stolen), you must bring your vehicle to your dealership to
have the spare SecuriLockykey(s) programmed.
Controls and features
89

PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine's idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have
the vehicle checked. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than 10
minutes at the higher engine RPM.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraintschapter.
Starting
120

recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23ÉC
(-10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do
not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and
could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
²the vehicle is raised for service.
²the sound of the exhaust system changes.
²the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
Starting
123

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Driving
125

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.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
Driving
128