traction control LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 2001 Owners Manual

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner's Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Tether
Anchorage
Brake SystemAnti-Lock Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedTraction Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
Power Windows
Front/RearPower Window Lockout
Introduction
4

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

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

Gear Display Data ERR Warning reappears after key is
turned from OFF to ON
Check/Tighten fuel cap
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
DOOR AJAR.Displayed when a side or back door is not completely
closed.
DRIVER'S DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver's door is not
completely closed.
CHECK ENGINE TEMP.Displayed when the engine coolant is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the
engine and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. Refer to
Engine coolantin theMaintenance and carechapter. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on, contact your dealer as soon as
possible.
TRANSMISSION OVERHEAT.Indicates the transmission is
overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads or when
driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended period of time.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it
cool. Check the transmission fluid and level. Refer toTransmission
fluidin theMaintenance and carechapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your dealer for transmission service as
soon as possible.
CHECK TRANSMISSION.Indicates the transmission is not operating
properly. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as
possible.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM.Displayed when the electrical system is
not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical accessories
when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of the
Instrumentation
18

electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes on
when the engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible.
LOW FUEL LEVEL.Displayed when you have approximately 80 km (50
miles) to empty.
LOW ENGINE COOLANT.Displayed when the engine coolant level is
low. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and
let it cool. Check the coolant and level. Refer toEngine coolantin the
Maintenance and carechapter.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE (if equipped).Displayed when the tire
pressure is low. Check the tire pressure. Refer toChecking the tire
pressurein theMaintenance and carechapter.
GEAR DISPLAY DATA ERR.Displayed when the data used to provide
the redundant gear selection display on the instrument cluster is missing
or invalid. In this case, the instrument cluster redundant gear selection
display is turned off. The driver should use the mechanical position
indication on the center console gear selector as temporary indication. If
this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as safely possible.
CHECK/TIGHTEN FUEL CAP.Displayed when the fuel filler cap is
not properly installed. Proper fuel filler cap installation is checked
automatically as the vehicle is driven but not until after some fuel is used
(fuel gauge drops below full). Once the fuel filler cap is properly
secured, the ªCHECK/TIGHTEN FUEL CAPº message will turn off after a
short period of driving. Refer toFuel Filler Capin theMaintenance
and carechapter.
BRAKE LAMP OUT.Displayed when the brake lamps are activated and
at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as safely possible
and have the burned out lamp replaced. The center high-mount
brakelamp is not monitored.
CHECK TRACTION CONTROL.Displayed when the Traction
Controlysystem is not operating properly. If this message is displayed
on the message centerandthe amber T/C OFF light in the Traction
Controlyon/off switch isnotilluminated, the Traction Controlysystem
will be partially operable. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer for
service as soon as possible. For further information, refer toTraction
controlyin theDrivingchapter.
CHECK RIDE CONTROL.Displayed when the air suspension system is
not operating properly. If this message is displayed while driving, pull off
the road as soon as safely possible. The message may also be displayed if
Instrumentation
19

DRIVER ID (if equipped)
Press this control and use SELECT
to choose DRIVER 1 or DRIVER 2
when choosing operator selectable
features. Seat and mirror positions
and nine operator selectable features, found under the MENU and
VEHICLE HANDLING controls, will be saved to DRIVER 1 or DRIVER 2.
These will be automatically recalled when the drivers identify themselves
to the system with the remote entry transmitter (refer toBasic
Operation of Memory Profile Systemin this section) or selecting
DRIVER 1 or DRIVER 2 in the message center. When a vehicle setting is
changed, the message center will display ªSAVED TO DRIVER 1 or
DRIVER 2º for 5 seconds to confirm the change has been made. Press
the SELECT to choose ªOFFº for temporary position/setting changes
which will not be stored.
MENU
Press this control to change various
convenience settings throughout the
vehicle. Each press of the MENU
control will display the following:
²Traction control (returns to ªONº everytime vehicle is started).
²Express window (completely goes down with one touch on the power
switch).
²Auto lock (locks the doors when the vehicle reaches 5 km/h [3 mph]).
²Horn chirp (sounds horn one time whenever the doors are locked
using the remote transmitter).
²Seat access (moves seat back to aid entry/exit from the vehicle).
²Reverse mirrors (tilts the exterior mirrors downward to assist parking
using reverse).
²English/metric (changes the odometer and display readouts)
Press the SELECT control to change the settings to ON or OFF.
These settings will be saved to the vehicle not individualized settings.
Vehicles equipped with the DRIVER ID control, the settings will be saved
to DRIVER 1 or DRIVER 2.
DRIVER ID
MENU
Instrumentation
21

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is fully released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Your vehicle has an automatic parking brake release. To release the
parking brake:
1. Turn the ignition to the ON position.
2. Press the brake pedal.
3. Move the gearshift from the P (Park) position to one of the forward
gears (the parking brake will not release automatically when you shift
into reverse). The brake pedal must remain pressed while the gearshift is
moved.
If the parking brake fails to release
after completing this procedure, use
the manual parking brake release
lever.
Pull the lever to manually release
the parking brake.
TRACTION CONTROLY
Traction Controlyhelps maintain the stability and steerability of your
vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces. The
system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system
borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements already present
in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
P!
BRAKE
BRAKE RELEASEHOOD
Driving
118

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

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Maintenance and care
173

Heating ........................................27
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage door
opener) ..................................57±60
Hood ..........................................151
I
Ignition .................................49, 202
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................105
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................185
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................198
cluster ..................................8, 198
lighting up panel and interior .26
location of components ..............8
J
Jack ............................................140
positioning ...............................140
storage .....................................140
Jump-starting your vehicle ......144
K
Keyless entry system .................76
autolock .....................................78
keypad .......................................76
programming entry code .........77
Keys .................................49, 79±81
key in ignition chime ...............12
positions of the ignition ...........49L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................26
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................191
cargo lamps ...............................26
daytime running light ...............25
headlamps .................................25
headlamps, flash to pass ..........26
instrument panel, dimming .....26
interior lamps ...................56, 191
replacing bulbs .......186, 188±191
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................49
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ..........................................9
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 117
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
high beam .................................10
oil pressure ...............................11
safety belt ...................................9
service engine soon ....................8
traction control active ..............11
turn signal indicator .................10
Load limits .................................126
GAWR ......................................126
GVWR ......................................126
trailer towing ..........................126
Locks
autolock .....................................78
childproof ..................................67
doors ..........................................64
Lubricant specifications ...201±202
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................143
Lumbar support, seats ...............86
Index
221