maintenance LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 2018 User Guide

Windshield Wiper De-icer (If Equipped)
The windshield wiper de-icer turns on in lowtemperatures or when you manually switchthe heated rear window on.
CABIN AIR FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a cabin airfilter, which gives you and your passengersthe following benefits:
•It improves your driving comfort byreducing particle and odor concentration.
•It improves the interior compartmentcleanliness.
•It protects the climate controlcomponents from particle deposits.
You can locate the cabin air filter behind theglove box.
Note:Make sure you have a cabin air filterinstalled at all times. This prevents foreignobjects from entering the system. Runningthe system without a filter in place couldresult in degradation or damage to thesystem.
Replace the filter at regular intervals. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 523).
For additional cabin air filter information, orto replace the filter, see a qualifiedtechnician.
REMOTE START
The system adjusts the interior temperaturedepending on your chosen settings duringremote start.
You cannot adjust the climate control settingduring remote start operation. When youswitch the ignition on, the climate controlsystem returns to the previous settings. Youcan now make adjustments.
Some features may remain on if they turn onduring remote start:
•Driver heated seat.
•Driver ventilated seat.
•Heated steering wheel.
•Heated mirrors.
•Heated rear window.
•Windshield wiper de-icer.
Note:If the passenger heated or ventilatedseats are on when you switch the vehicleoff, they default to the driver setting whenyou switch the vehicle on.
You can adjust the default remote startsettings using the information displaycontrols. See Information Displays (page115).
Automatic Settings
In hot weather, the system sets to 72°F(22°C). The ventilated seats set to high (ifavailable, and if you select AUTO in theinformation display).
In moderate weather, the system heats orcools (based on pre-selected settings). Therear defroster, heated mirrors and heated orventilated seats do not turn on.
In cold weather, the system sets to 72°F(22°C). The heated seats and heated steeringwheel set to high (if available, and if youselect AUTO in the information display). Therear defroster and heated mirrors turn on.
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Climate Control

EMISSION LAW
WARNING: Do not remove or alter theoriginal equipment floor covering orinsulation between it and the metal floor ofthe vehicle. The floor covering and insulationprotect occupants of the vehicle from theengine and exhaust system heat and noise.On vehicles with no original equipment floorcovering insulation, do not carry passengersin a manner that permits prolonged skincontact with the metal floor. Failure to followthese instructions may result in fire orpersonal injury.
U.S. federal laws and certain state lawsprohibit removing or rendering inoperativeemission control system components. Similarfederal or provincial laws may apply inCanada. We do not approve of any vehiclemodification without first determiningapplicable laws.
Tampering with emissions controlsystems including related sensorsor the Diesel Exhaust Fluid systemcan result in reduced engine power and theillumination of the service engine soon light.
Tampering With a Noise ControlSystem
Federal laws prohibit the following acts:
•Removal or rendering inoperative by anyperson other than for purposes ofmaintenance.
•Repair or replacement of any device orelement of the design incorporated intoa new vehicle for the purpose of noisecontrol prior to its sale or delivery to theultimate purchaser or while it is in use.
•The use of the vehicle after any personremoves or renders inoperative anydevice or element of the design.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencymay presume to constitute tampering asfollows:
•Removal of hood blanket, fender apronabsorbers, fender apron barriers,underbody noise shields or acousticallyabsorptive material.
•Tampering or rendering inoperative theengine speed governor, to allow enginespeed to exceed manufacturerspecifications.
If the engine does not start, runs rough,experiences a decrease in engineperformance, experiences excess fuelconsumption or produces excessive exhaustsmoke, check for the following:
•A plugged or disconnected air inletsystem hose.
•A plugged engine air filter element.
•Water in the fuel filter and waterseparator.
•A clogged fuel filter.
•Contaminated fuel.
•Air in the fuel system, due to looseconnections.
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Engine Emission Control

•An open or pinched sensor hose.
•Incorrect engine oil level.
•Incorrect fuel for climatic conditions.
•Incorrect engine oil viscosity for climacticconditions.
Note:Some vehicles have a lifetime fuel filterthat is integrated with the fuel tank. Regularmaintenance or replacement is not needed.
Note:If these checks do not help you correctthe concern, have your vehicle checked assoon as possible.
Noise Emissions Warranty, ProhibitedTampering Acts and Maintenance
On January 1, 1978, Federal regulationbecame effective governing the noiseemission on trucks over 10,000 lb (4,536 kg)Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Thepreceding statements concerning prohibitedtampering acts and maintenance, and thenoise warranty found in the Warranty Guide,are applicable to complete chassis cabs over10,000 lb (4,536 kg) GVWR.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
WARNING: Do not park, idle or driveyour vehicle on dry grass or other dry groundcover. The emission system heats up theengine compartment and exhaust system,creating the risk of fire.
WARNING: The normal operatingtemperature of the exhaust system is veryhigh. Never work around or attempt to repairany part of the exhaust system until it hascooled. Use special care when workingaround the catalytic converter. The catalyticconverter heats up to a very hightemperature after only a short period ofengine operation and stays hot after theengine is switched off.
WARNING: Exhaust leaks may resultin entry of harmful and potentially lethalfumes into the passenger compartment. Ifyou smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle,have your vehicle inspected immediately. Donot drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle has various emission controlcomponents and a catalytic converter thatenables it to comply with applicable exhaustemission standards.
To make sure that the catalytic converter andother emission control components continueto work properly:
•Do not crank the engine for more than10 seconds at a time.
•Do not run the engine with a spark pluglead disconnected.
•Do not push-start or tow-start yourvehicle. Use booster cables. See JumpStarting the Vehicle (page 281).
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Do not switch the ignition off when yourvehicle is moving.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Have the items listed in scheduledmaintenance information performedaccording to the specified schedule.
Note:Resulting component damage maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
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Engine Emission Control

The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance information areessential to the life and performance of yourvehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use anything other than Ford,Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts formaintenance replacements or for service ofcomponents affecting emission control, suchnon-Ford parts should be equivalent togenuine Ford Motor Company parts inperformance and durability.
Illumination of the service engine soonindicator, charging system warning light orthe temperature warning light, fluid leaks,strange odors, smoke or loss of enginepower could indicate that the emissioncontrol system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaustsystem may allow exhaust to enter thevehicle. Have a damaged or improperlyoperating exhaust system inspected andrepaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes toyour vehicle or engine. By law, vehicleowners and anyone who manufactures,repairs, services, sells, leases, tradesvehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles arenot permitted to intentionally remove anemission control device or prevent it fromworking. Information about your vehicle’semission system is on the Vehicle EmissionControl Information Decal located on or nearthe engine. This decal also lists enginedisplacement.
Please consult your warranty information forcomplete details.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle has a computer known as theon-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) thatmonitors the engine’s emission controlsystem. The system protects the environmentby making sure that your vehicle continuesto meet government emission standards. TheOBD-II system also assists a servicetechnician in properly servicing your vehicle.
When the service engine soonindicator illuminates, the OBD-IIsystem has detected a malfunction.Temporary malfunctions may cause theservice engine soon indicator to illuminate.Examples are:
1. Your vehicle has run out of fuel—theengine may misfire or run poorly.
2.Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—theengine may misfire or run poorly.
3. The fuel fill inlet may not have closedproperly. See Refueling (page 186).
4. Driving through deep water—theelectrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporarymalfunctions by filling the fuel tank with goodquality fuel, properly closing the fuel fill inletor letting the electrical system dry out. Afterthree driving cycles without these or anyother temporary malfunctions present, theservice engine soon indicator should stay offthe next time you start the engine. A drivingcycle consists of a cold engine startupfollowed by mixed city and highway driving.No additional vehicle service is required.
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Engine Emission Control

If the service engine soon indicator remainson, have your vehicle serviced at the firstavailable opportunity. Although somemalfunctions detected by the OBD-II may nothave symptoms that are apparent, continueddriving with the service engine soon indicatoron can result in increased emissions, lowerfuel economy, reduced engine andtransmission smoothness and lead to morecostly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection andMaintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and localgovernments may haveInspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs toinspect the emission control equipment onyour vehicle. Failure to pass this inspectioncould prevent you from getting a vehicleregistration.
If the service engine soon indicatoris on or the bulb does not work,your vehicle may need service.See On-Board Diagnostics.
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if theservice engine soon indicator is on or notworking properly (bulb is burned out), or ifthe OBD-II system has determined that someof the emission control systems have notbeen properly checked. In this case, thevehicle is not ready for I/M testing.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission hasjust been serviced, or the battery hasrecently run down or been replaced, theOBD-II system may indicate that the vehicleis not ready for I/M testing. To determine ifthe vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn theignition key to the on position for 15 secondswithout cranking the engine. If the serviceengine soon indicator blinks eight times, itmeans that the vehicle is not ready for I/Mtesting; if the service engine soon indicatorstays on solid, it means that your vehicle isready for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system checks the emissioncontrol system during normal driving. Acomplete check may take several days.
If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, youcan perform the following driving cycleconsisting of mixed city and highway driving:
1. 15 minutes of steady driving on anexpressway or highway followed by 20minutes of stop-and-go driving with atleast four 30-second idle periods.
2.Allow your vehicle to sit for at least eighthours with the ignition off. Then, start thevehicle and complete the above drivingcycle. The vehicle must warm up to itsnormal operating temperature. Oncestarted, do not turn off the vehicle untilthe above driving cycle is complete.
If the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing,you need to repeat the above driving cycle.
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Engine Emission Control

Direction of travel.A
Steering wheel rotation.B
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow and ice.Apply the accelerator slowly and steadilywhen starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although anAWD vehicle may accelerate better than atwo-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, itwon’t stop any faster, because as in othervehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.Do not become overconfident as to roadconditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles for stopping.Drive slower than usual and consider usingone of the lower gears. In emergencystopping situations, apply the brake steadily.Since your vehicle is equipped with a fourwheel (ABS), do not “pump” the brakes. SeeHints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes(page 210).
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle have been designed and testedto provide predictable performance whetherloaded or empty and durable load carryingcapability. For this reason, Ford MotorCompany strongly recommends that you donot make modifications such as adding orremoving parts (such as lowering kits orstabilizer bars) or by using replacement partsnot equivalent to the original factoryequipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise thecenter of gravity can make it more likely thevehicle will rollover as a result of a loss ofcontrol. Ford Motor Company recommendsthat caution be used with any vehicleequipped with a high load or device (suchas ladder or luggage racks).
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E223901
A
B

Note:The system turns on each time youswitch the ignition on and you shift intoreverse (R). If you temporarily switch thesystem off, it turns on the next time youswitch the ignition on.
Note:The system may not correctly operatewhen towing a trailer. For vehicles with atrailer tow module and tow bar approved byus, the system turns off when you attach atrailer. For vehicles with an aftermarkettrailer tow module or tow bar, werecommend that you switch the system offwhen you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,contact an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: If the system detects anerror, you may not feel a difference in thesteering, however a serious condition mayexist. Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible, failure to do so may result in lossof steering control.
WARNING: The electric power steeringsystem has diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system. If a fault isdetected, a message displays in theinformation display. Stop your vehicle assoon as it is safe to do so. Switch the ignitionoff. After at least 10 seconds, switch theignition on and watch the information displayfor a steering system warning message. If asteering system warning message returns,have the system checked as soon aspossible.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem. There is no fluid reservoir. Nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle. This increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage to thesteering system. You do not lose the abilityto steer your vehicle manually. Typicalsteering and driving maneuvers allow thesystem to cool and return to normaloperation.
Steering Tips
Steering wander or pull could be caused byany of the following:
•Incorrect tire pressures.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Crowned road surface.
•High crosswind.
If the problem persists, have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
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Driving Aids

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws fortowing a trailer.
•See the instructions included with towingaccessories for the proper installationand adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency gives you.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle's loadin the Load Carrying chapter. See Load Limit(page 266).
Remember to account for the trailer tongueweight as part of your vehicle load whencalculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the hookretainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross themunder the trailer tongue and allow enoughslack for turning tight corners. Do not allowthe chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect a trailer'shydraulic brake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may nothave enough braking power and yourchances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if you installthem properly and adjust them to themanufacturer's specifications. The trailerbrakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems arerequired for safe control of towed vehiclesand trailers weighing more than 1500 lb(680 kg) when load.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect any trailerlamp wiring to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring;this may damage the electrical systemresulting in fire. Contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistance inproper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
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Towing

Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime yousubmerge the rear axle in water. Water maycontaminate the rear axle lubricant, which isnot a normal maintenance inspection itemunless there is a possibility of a leak or otheraxle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure the ignitionis in the accessory or on position when beingtowed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (withoutaccess to wheel dollies, car-hauling trailer,or flatbed transport vehicle), it can beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground,regardless of the powertrain andtransmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward for towingin a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in position N. Ifyou cannot move the transmission intoN, you must override it and enable stayin neutral mode. Failing to do so mayresult in damage to the transmission. SeeTransmission (page 194).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 146).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An example ofrecreational towing would be towing yourvehicle behind a motorhome. We designedthese guidelines to prevent damage to yourtransmission.
Front-wheel Drive Vehicles
Front-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.It is recommended to tow your vehicle withthe front wheels off the ground by using atow dolly. If you are using a tow dolly, followthe instructions specified by the equipmentprovider.
All-wheel Drive Vehicles
All-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.It is recommended to tow your vehicle withall four (4) wheels off the ground such aswhen using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise,you cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
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Towing

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). During thistime, your vehicle may exhibit some unusualdriving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km). Vary your speed frequently andchange up through the gears early. Do notlabor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several thingssuch as how you drive, the conditions youdrive under and how you maintain yourvehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind thatmay improve your fuel economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving (When runningerrands, go to the furthest destinationfirst and then work your way back home).
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds.
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
There are also some things you may want toavoid doing because they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
•Avoid revving the engine before turningoff the car.
•Avoid long idle periods.
•Do not warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Reduce the use of air conditioning andheat.
•Avoid using speed control in hilly terrain.
•Do not rest your foot on the brake pedalwhile driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
•Avoid adding particular accessories toyour vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,rollbars/light bars, running boards, skiracks).
•Avoid driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING: Do not drive throughflowing or deep water as you may losecontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
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Driving Hints