check oil LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 2001 Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock
Interior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel cap
Introduction
5

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.
Belt minder chime
Sounds intermittently to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
For information on the safety belt minder chime, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
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:
²Using 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
ON
MEMORY1 RECALL
OFF
SYSTEM
Instrumentation
16

²exterior lamps (front turn, brake and tail)
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.
Warning messages that have been reset are divided into two categories:
²They will reappear on the display ten minutes from the reset.
²They will not reappear until an ignition OFF-ON cycle has been
completed. This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still
exist within the vehicle.
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

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).
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.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
153

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 normal range, 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 engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard until it is latched.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Maintenance and care
154

²freeze protection down to -36É C (-34É F).
²boiling protection up to 129É C (265É F).
²protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
²enables calibrated gages to function properly.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
²The engine coolant should be at the ªcold fill levelº as listed on the
engine coolant reservoir.
²If the engine coolant reservoir becomes empty, the LOW ENGINE
COOLANT warning will illuminate in the message center.
²Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for service interval
schedules.
²Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If this occurs,
the LOW ENGINE COOLANT warning will illuminate and you will need
to add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding engine coolant
in this chapter.
COLD FILL
LEVEL
Maintenance and care
158

²Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
²Slow down gradually.
²Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
²Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
²Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
²You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
²Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
Maintenance and care
183

Inside windows
Use Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA) for the inside
windows if they become fogged.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, tears or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Cleaning leather seats (if equipped)
To clean, simply use a soft cloth dampened with water and a mild soap.
Wipe the leather again with a damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry
with a soft cloth. For tougher soiling concerns, Ford recommends using
the Deluxe Leather Care Kit F8AZ-19G253±AA, which is available from
your Ford Dealer. This mild cleaner and special pad, cleans the leather
and maintains its natural beauty. Follow the instructions on the cleaner
label. Regular cleaning of your leather upholstery helps maintain its
resiliency and color.
Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions,
solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl or plastics.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Do not use household or glass cleaners.
These agents can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap and
water solution if necessary.
Maintenance and care
199

instrument panel ....................198
interior .....................................199
mirrors .....................................196
plastic parts ............................196
safety belts ..............................199
washing ....................................195
waxing .....................................195
wheels ......................................196
windows ..................................199
wiper blades ............................197
woodtone trim ........................198
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............27
Clock ............................................33
Compass, electronic ....................61
calibration .................................62
set zone adjustment .................61
Console ..................................68±69
Controls
power seat .................................84
steering column ........................51
Coolant
checking and adding ..............157
refill capacities ................161, 200
specifications ..................201±202
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................51
Customer Assistance ................132
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................212
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................205
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............211
Getting roadside assistance ...132
Getting the
service you need ....................205
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................215The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................208
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............211
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................25
Defrost
rear window ..............................33
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................163
engine oil .................................153
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........201
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................126
E
Electronic message center .........14
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................144
Emission control system ..........184
Engine ........................................202
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........8
cleaning ...................................197
coolant .....................................157
idle speed control ...................165
lubrication
specifications ..................201±202
refill capacities ........................200
service points ..........................152
starting after a collision .........133
Engine block heater .................114
Index
219