steering wheel adjustment LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 2001 Owners Manual

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.
Driving
119

²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
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.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²uneven vehicle loading
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn suspension components
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
SeeElectronic Message Centerin theInstrumentationchapter for
personalized adjustment.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked by your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The air suspension system is designed to improve ride, handling and
general vehicle performance during:
²certain road conditions
²steering maneuvers
²braking
²accelerations
This system keeps the rear of your vehicle at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the springs.
If you exceed the load limit, the rear air suspension may not operate and
the system warning CHECK RIDE CONTROL may appear on the message
center.
Driving
120

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