octane LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 2001 Owners Manual

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles
without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, theService
Engine Soonlight should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional
vehicle service is required.
If theService Engine Soonlight remains on, have your vehicle serviced
at the first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash
or remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
AIR
BAG
Instrumentation
9

The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline with
an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 91 or
higher for optimum performance.
The use of gasolines with lower
octane ratings may degrade performance. We do not recommend the use
of gasolines labeled as ªPremiumº in high altitude areas that are sold
with octane ratings of less than 91.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªPremiumº
91(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and care
179

unleaded gasoline. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto Makers' Choiceylogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²Your ªService Engine Soonº indicator may come on. For more
information on the ªService Engine Soonº indicator, refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Maintenance and care
180

Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill Capacities
section of theCapacities and specificationschapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
²Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
²Use the same filling rate setting (low Ð medium Ð high) each time
the tank is filled.
²Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
²Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
²Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
Maintenance and care
181

ENGINE DATA
Engine 4.6L DOHC V8 engine
Cubic inches 281
Recommended fuel 91 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.8:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions mm (in)
(1) Overall length 5 294.7 (208.4)
(2) Overall width 1 870.3 (73.6)
(3) Overall height 1 421.9 (55.9)
(4) Wheelbase 2 769.8 (109.0)
(5) Track - Front 1 600.2 (63.0)
(5) Track - Rear 1 562.1 (61.5)
1
4
Capacities and specifications
202

Engine oil ..................................153
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................153
checking and adding ..............153
dipstick ....................................153
filter, specifications ........155, 200
recommendations ...................155
refill capacities ........................200
specifications ..................201±202
Exhaust fumes ..........................115
F
Floor mats ...................................69
Fluid capacities .........................200
Fuel ............................................176
calculating
fuel economy ....................23, 181
cap ...........................................178
capacity ...................................200
choosing the right fuel ...........179
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................184
detergent in fuel .....................180
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................176, 178, 181
filter, specifications ........180, 200
fuel filler door override ............68
fuel filler door release ..............68
fuel pump shut-off switch .....133
gauge .........................................12
improving fuel economy ........181
octane rating ...................179, 202
quality ......................................179
running out of fuel .................180
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................176
Fuses ..................................134±135G
Garage door opener ....................57
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............178
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................181
Gauges .........................................12
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................13
fuel gauge ..................................12
odometer ...................................13
speedometer .............................13
tachometer ................................13
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....126
definition .................................126
driving with a heavy load ......126
location ....................................126
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............126
calculating ...............................126
definition .................................126
driving with a heavy load ......126
location ....................................126
H
Hazard flashers .........................133
Head restraints ...........................84
Headlamps ...................................25
aiming ..............................192±194
autolamp system .......................26
bulb specifications ..................191
daytime running lights .............25
flash to pass ..............................26
high beam ...........................10, 26
replacing bulbs .......................186
turning on and off ..............10, 25
warning chime ..........................12
Index
220

M
Message center ...............14, 16, 22
air leveling disabled .................14
air ride switch off .....................14
check air ride system ...............14
check air suspension ................14
menu button .............................21
reset button ..............................22
system check button ................16
warning messages .....................17
Mirrors .........................................57
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................63
cleaning ...................................196
heated ........................................67
programmable memory ............75
side view mirrors (power) .......66
Moon roof ....................................57
Motorcraft parts ................180, 200
O
Octane rating ............................179
Odometer .....................................13
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................153
Overdrive ...................................122
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................73
Parking brake ............................117
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....200
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................139
Power door locks ........................64Power steering ..................119±120
fluid, checking and adding ....162
fluid, refill capacity ................200
fluid, specifications .........201±202
R
Radio ............................................34
Relays ................................134, 140
Remote entry system ...........71±73
illuminated entry ......................75
locking/unlocking doors ...........72
opening the trunk .....................73
panic alarm ...............................73
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................74
replacing the batteries .............73
S
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ............12, 87±91
Safety defects, reporting ..........217
Safety restraints ....................87±91
belt minder ...............................93
cleaning the safety belts ..96, 199
extension assembly ..................92
for adults .............................88±90
for children .............................104
lap belt ......................................91
warning light
and chime ..................9, 11, 92±93
Safety seats for children ..........105
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............87
Seats ............................................84
child safety seats ....................105
cleaning ...................................199
easy access/easyout feature ....87
Index
222

Item Information
Required fuel Unleaded fuel only - 91 octane
Fuel tank capacity 75.7L (20.0 gallons)
Engine oil capacity (includes filter
change)5.7L (6.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft
SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor
Oil, Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-H.
Automatic transaxle fluid capacity
113.0L (13.7 quarts). Use
Motorcraft MercontV ATF.
Tire size and pressure Refer to the Certification Label
inside of driver's door.
Hood release Pull handle under the left side of
the instrument panel.
Coolant capacity
215.0L (15.8 quarts)
Power steering fluid capacity Fill to line on reservoir. Use
Motorcraft MERCONtAT F.
Windshield washer fluid 3.4L (3.6 quarts). Use Ultra-Clear
Windshield Washer Concentrate.
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
2Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
Filling station information
224