Octane LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 2002 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 fuel cap. After three driving cycles
without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the light
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 the light 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.
Brake system warning
Illuminates if the parking brake is
engaged. Also momentarily
illuminates at start up to ensure the
circuit is functional. If the brake
warning lamp does not illuminate at
these times, or illuminates after releasing the parking brake, seek service
immediately. Refer toBrakesin theDrivingchapter for more
information.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates at start up
to ensure the circuit is functional. If
the light does not illuminate,
remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced (refer to
Brakesin theDrivingchapter for more information). With the ABS light
on, the ABS is disabled and normal braking is still functional.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
Instrument Cluster
11

If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
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.
91(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and Specifications
207

Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªPremiumº
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.
²The
indicator may come on. For more information on the
ªService Engine Soonº indicator, refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
208

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.
²Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
²Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total kilometers
traveled.
Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style Ð good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
²Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
²Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
Maintenance and Specifications
210

ItemFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. DOT 3 fluid
is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be
used.
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)
Maintenance and Specifications
227

dipstick ....................................194
filter, specifications ........196, 224
recommendations ...................196
refill capacities ........................224
specifications ..................226±227
Exhaust fumes ..........................137
F
Floor mats ...................................57
Fluid capacities .........................224
Fuel ............................................204
calculating fuel economy .85, 209
cap ...........................................206
capacity ...................................224
choosing the right fuel ...........207
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................212
detergent in fuel .....................208
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................204, 206, 209
filter, specifications ........209, 224
fuel filler door override ............89
fuel filler door release ..............89
fuel pump shut-off switch .....155
gauge .........................................15
improving fuel economy ........209
octane rating ...................207, 227
quality ......................................208
running out of fuel .................208
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................204
Fuses ..................................156±157
G
Garage door opener ....................68
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............206Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................209
Gauges .........................................14
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................14
fuel gauge ..................................15
odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................15
tachometer ................................15
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................148
definition .................................148
driving with a heavy load ......148
location ....................................148
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................148
calculating ...............................148
definition .................................148
driving with a heavy load ......148
location ....................................148
H
Hazard flashers .........................155
Head restraints .........................103
Headlamps ...................................40
aiming ..................................42±43
autolamp system .......................41
bulb specifications ....................46
daytime running lights .............40
flash to pass ..............................41
high beam ...........................13, 40
replacing bulbs .........................47
turning on and off ..............13, 40
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................33
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage door
opener) ............................68, 70±71
Index
236

system check button ................78
warning messages .....................79
Mirrors .........................................55
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................59
heated ........................................59
programmable memory ............93
side view mirrors (power) .......58
Moon roof ....................................68
Motorcraft parts ................209, 224
O
Octane rating ............................207
Odometer .....................................15
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................194
Overdrive ...................................144
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................91
Parking brake ............................139
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....224
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................162
Power door locks ........................87
Power steering ..........................141
fluid, checking and adding ....214
fluid, refill capacity ................224
fluid, specifications .........226±227
R
Rear window defroster ...............39
Relays ................................156, 163
Remote entry system ...........90±91illuminated entry ......................93
locking/unlocking doors .....90±91
opening the trunk .....................91
panic alarm ...............................91
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................93
replacing the batteries .............92
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................13, 106±110
Safety defects, reporting ..........183
Safety restraints ................106±110
belt minder .............................112
cleaning the safety
belts .................................116, 189
extension assembly ................111
for adults .........................107±109
for children .............................125
lap belt ....................................110
warning light and
chime ................... 12±13, 111±112
Safety seats for children ..........126
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................................106
Seats ..........................................103
child safety seats ....................126
cleaning ...................................188
easy access/easyout feature ..106
heated ......................................105
memory seat .............................93
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ............................97±98, 100
Servicing your vehicle ..............191
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................224, 227
Index
238