check engine light LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 2002 Owners Manual

Air bag readiness
Illuminates to confirm that the air
bags (front or side) are operational.
If the light fails to illuminate,
continues to flash or remains on,
have the system serviced immediately.
Safety belt
Illuminates to remind you to fasten
your safety belts. For more
information, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Charging system
Illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly.
Engine oil pressure
Illuminates when the oil pressure
falls below the normal range. Check
the oil level and add oil if needed.
Refer toEngine oilin the
Maintenance and specifications
chapter.
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.
AIR
BAG
T/ C
OFF
Instrument Cluster
12

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
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 specificationschapter.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE (if equipped).Displayed when the tire
pressure is low. Check the tire pressure. Refer toChecking the tire
pressurein theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
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 specificationschapter.
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.
Driver Controls
81

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
138

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair
away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in the
Batterysection in this chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
191

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specification ESR-M17P5±A.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
194

²Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of Recycled Engine Coolantsection).
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the ªcold fullº level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant
degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow
system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
To avoid personal injury, make sure the engine is cool before
unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The cooling system is
under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the
cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the ªcold fill rangeº or the ªcold fullº level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration see
Checking Engine Coolant section). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to ±34É F/±36É C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
Maintenance and Specifications
202

If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
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.
Illumination of the ªService Engine Soonº light, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system
is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
Maintenance and Specifications
213

A
Accessory delay ..........................58
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................117, 122
and child safety seats ............119
description ......................117, 122
disposal ....................................125
driver air bag ..................120, 123
indicator light ...........12, 121, 124
operation .........................120, 123
passenger air bag ...........120, 123
side air bag ..............................122
Air cleaner filter .......................224
Air conditioning ..........................33
Air filter, cabin ............................39
Air suspension ...........................142
description ..............................142
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................199
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ..............................138±139
Anti-theft system ......................101
arming the system ..................101
disarming a triggered
system .....................................102
Automatic transaxle .................143
driving with .............................145
fluid, adding ............................216
fluid, checking ........................216
fluid, refill capacities ..............224
fluid, specification ..................227
Auxiliary power point ...........55±56
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........226B
Battery .......................................197
acid, treating emergencies .....197
charging system warning light 12
jumping a disabled battery ....167
maintenance-free ....................197
replacement, specifications ...224
servicing ..................................197
Belt minder ...............................112
Brakes ........................................138
anti-lock ...........................138±139
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................11, 139
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....215
fluid, refill capacities ..............224
fluid, specifications .........226±227
lubricant specifications ..226±227
shift interlock ..........................143
Break-in period .............................6
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....224
CD changer .................................28
Certification Label ....................229
Child safety restraints ..............125
child safety belts ....................125
Child safety seats ......................126
attaching with tether straps ..130
in front seat ............................128
in rear seat ..............................128
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............186
exterior ....................................189
instrument cluster lens ..........188
instrument panel ....................187
interior .....................................188
Index
234

plastic parts ....................186±187
safety belts ..............................189
washing ....................................184
waxing .....................................184
wheels ......................................185
windows ..................................189
wiper blades ............................187
Clock ............................................55
Compass, electronic ....................60
calibration .................................62
set zone adjustment .................61
Console ........................................56
Controls
power seat ...............................103
steering column ........................67
Coolant
checking and adding ..............199
refill capacities ................203, 224
specifications ..................226±227
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................63
Customer Assistance ................154
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................190
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................176
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................180
Getting roadside assistance ...154
Getting the service you
need .........................................174
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................181
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................177
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................180D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................40
Defrost
rear window ..............................39
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................216
engine oil .................................194
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........226
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................148
E
Electronic message center .........76
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................167
Emission control system ..........212
Engine ........................................227
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................186
coolant .....................................199
idle speed control ...................197
lubrication
specifications ..................226±227
refill capacities ........................224
service points ..........................193
starting after a collision .........155
Engine block heater .................136
Engine oil ..................................194
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................194
checking and adding ..............194
Index
235

Hood ..........................................192
I
Ignition ...............................133, 227
Infant seats (see Safety
seats) .........................................126
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................213
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................187
cluster ................................10, 188
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................41
J
Jack ............................................163
positioning ...............................163
storage .....................................163
Jump-starting your vehicle ......167
K
Keyless entry system .................94
autolock .....................................97
keypad .......................................94
programming entry code .........95
Keys .........................87, 97±98, 100
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition .........133
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................41
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................46
cargo lamps ...............................41
daytime running light ...............40headlamps .................................40
headlamps, flash to pass ..........41
instrument panel, dimming .....41
interior lamps .....................45, 47
replacing bulbs ....... 46±47, 49±52
Lane change indicator (see
Turn signal) .................................44
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....11, 139
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12
high beam .................................13
oil pressure ...............................12
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ..................10
traction control active ..............12
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................148
GAWR ......................................148
GVWR ......................................148
trailer towing ..........................148
Locks
autolock .....................................97
childproof ..................................87
doors ..........................................87
Lubricant specifications ...226±227
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................166
Lumbar support, seats .............105
M
Message center ...............76, 78, 84
air leveling disabled .................76
air ride switch off .....................76
check air ride system ...............76
check air suspension ................76
menu button .............................83
reset button ..............................84
Index
237