service LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 2018 Owner's Guide

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

USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) uses all four wheelsto power the vehicle. This increases traction,enabling you to drive over terrain and roadconditions that a conventional two-wheeldrive vehicle cannot. The AWD system isactive all the time and requires no input fromthe operator.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped withDynamic Torque Vectoring. This feature usesall four wheels to power the vehicle andindependently controls the torque to eachrear wheel. In addition, the system has theability to over speed the outside rear wheelin a turn. This increases traction andhandling performance, allowing the vehicleto travel through road conditions and havepath following capability superior toconventional two-wheel drive and AWDvehicles. The Dynamic Torque Vectoringsystem is active all the time and requires noinput from the operator.
Note:Your AWD vehicle is not intended foroff-road use. The AWD feature gives yourvehicle some limited off-road capabilities inwhich driving surfaces are relatively level,obstruction-free and otherwise similar tonormal on-road driving conditions. Operatingyour vehicle under other than thoseconditions could subject the vehicle toexcessive stress which might result indamage which is not covered under yourwarranty.
Note:When an AWD system fault is present,the warning AWD Malfunction ServiceRequired displays in the information display.The AWD system is not functioning correctlyand defaulted to front-wheel drive. Whenthis warning displays, have your vehicleserviced at an authorized dealer.
Note: The AWD OFF message may alsoappear in the information display if the AWDsystem overheats and defaults to front-wheeldrive. This may occur if the vehicle isoperated in extreme conditions withexcessive wheel slip, such as deep sand. To resume normal AWD function as soon aspossible, stop the vehicle in a safe locationand stop the engine for at least 10 minutes. After the engine has been restarted and theAWD system has adequately cooled, theAWD OFF message will turn off and normalAWD function returns. If the engine is notstopped, the AWD OFF message turns offwhen the system cools and normal AWDfunction returns.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

All-Wheel Drive Messages
Action / DescriptionAWD Messages
Displays when the system automatically disables to protect itself. Thismay be caused by operating the vehicle with the compact tire installed,if the system is overheating or if there is an issue with another vehiclesystem preventing AWD operation. The system resumes normaloperation and clears this message after cycling the ignition on andoff and driving a short distance with the road tire re-installed, afterthe system is allowed to cool or after the other vehicle system issuesare resolved.
AWD OFF
Displays in conjunction with the powertrain malfunction or reducedpower light when the system is not operating properly. If the messagestays on or continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer assoon as possible.
AWD Malfunction Service Required
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by moving your vehicle slowlywhile applying light pressure on the brakepedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even AWD vehicles can lose tractionin slick mud. As when you are driving oversand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoidspinning your wheels. If the vehicle doesslide, steer in the direction of the slide untilyou regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excessmud stuck on tires and rotating driveshaftscauses an imbalance that could damagedrive components.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water,have the power transfer unit (PTU) or rearaxle serviced by an authorized dealer.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning onsteep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losingtraction, slipping sideways and possiblyrolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,determine beforehand the route you will use.Do not drive over the crest of a hill withoutseeing what conditions are on the other side.Do not drive in reverse over a hill withoutthe aid of an observer.
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or down ahill or steep incline, you should always try todrive straight up or straight down.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start ina lower gear rather than downshifting to alower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaroundbecause you might roll over. It is better toback down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will cause thetires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting inloss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating. Donot descend in neutral; instead, disengageoverdrive or manually shift to a lower gear.When descending a steep hill, avoid suddenhard braking as you could lose control. Thefront wheels have to be turning in order tosteer the vehicle.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drivewheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheels and,when needed, reduces engine power at thesame time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: The stability and tractioncontrol light illuminates steadily if the systemdetects a failure. Make sure you did notmanually disable the traction control systemusing the information display controls or theswitch. If the stability control and traction
control light is still illuminating steadily, havethe system serviced by an authorized dealerimmediately. Operating your vehicle with thetraction control disabled could lead to anincreased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:When you switch traction control off,stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, amessage appears in the information displayshowing system status.
You can switch the system off by either usingthe information display controls or the switch.
Using the Information Display Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in theinformation display. See General Information(page 115).
Using a Switch (If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on theinstrument panel to switch the system off oron.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
The stability and traction controllight:
•Temporarily illuminates on enginestart-up.
•Flashes when a driving conditionactivates either of the systems.
•Illuminates if a problem occurs in eitherof the systems.
The stability and traction controloff light temporarily illuminates onengine start-up and stays on whenyou switch the traction control system off.
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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

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicleconcern, Lincoln Motor Company offers acomplimentary roadside assistance program. This program is separate from the NewVehicle Limited Warranty.
The service is available:
•Throughout the life of the vehicle fororiginal owners.
•For six years or 70,000 mi (110,000 km)(whichever comes first) for subsequentowners.
Roadside Assistance covers:
•A flat tire change with a good spare(except vehicles supplied with a tireinflation kit).
•Battery jump start.
•Lock-out assistance (key replacementcost is the client's responsibility).
•Fuel delivery — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law shall deliver up to2 gal (8 L) of gasoline or 5 gal (20 L) ofdiesel fuel to a disabled vehicle.Roadside Assistance limits fuel deliveryservice to two no-charge occurrenceswithin a 12-month period.
•Winch out — available within 100 ft (30 m)of a paved or county maintained road,no recoveries.
•Towing — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law shall tow Lincolneligible vehicles to the client's selling orpreferred dealer within 100 mi (160 km)of the disablement location or to thenearest Lincoln dealer. If a client requestsa tow to a selling or preferred dealer thatis more than 100 mi (160 km) from thedisablement location, the client isresponsible for any mileage costs inexcess of 100 mi (160 km).
•Roadside Assistance includes up to $200for a towed trailer if the disabled eligiblevehicle requires service at the nearestauthorized dealer. If the towing vehicleis operational but the trailer is not, thenthe trailer does not qualify for anyroadside services.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Using Roadside Assistance
United States clients who require roadsideassistance, call 1-800-521-4140.
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Roadside Emergencies

If you need to arrange roadside assistancefor yourself, Lincoln Motor Companyreimburses a reasonable amount for towingto the nearest Lincoln dealership within100 mi (160 km). To obtain reimbursementinformation, United States clients, call1-800-521-4140. Clients need to submit theiroriginal receipts.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: GettingRoadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicleconcern, Lincoln Motor Company offers acomplimentary roadside assistance program. This program is eligible within Canada or thecontinental United States.
This program is separate from the NewVehicle Limited Warranty, beginning fromthe original warranty start date and lasts thelife of the vehicle for the original owner.Subsequent owners receive coverage thatis concurrent with the 6 years or 70,000 mi(110,000 km) (whichever occurs first)powertrain warranty coverage period.
If you purchased your vehicle in Canada andrequire roadside assistance, please call1-800-387-9333.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: UsingRoadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in your walletfor quick reference.
In Canada, this card is found in the WarrantyGuide in the glove compartment of yourvehicle.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: RoadsideAssistance Program Coverage
The service is available 24 hours a day,seven days a week.
Canadian roadside coverage and benefitsmay differ from the U.S. coverage.
For complete program coverage detailsreview your warranty guide, contact yourdealer, call us in Canada at 1-800-387-9333,or visit our website atwww.lincolncanada.com.
HAZARD FLASHERS
Note:The hazard flashers operate when theignition is in any position, or if the key is notin the ignition. If used when the vehicle is notrunning, the battery loses charge. As a result,there may be insufficient power to restartyour vehicle.
The flasher control is on theinstrument panel. Use your hazardflashers when your vehicle iscreating a safety hazard for other motorists.
•Press the flasher control and all front andrear direction indicators flash.
•Press the button again to switch them off.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING: If your vehicle has beeninvolved in a crash, have the fuel systemchecked. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in fire, personal injury or death.
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Roadside Emergencies

TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLEIf you need to tow your vehicle, contact aprofessional towing service or, if you are amember of a roadside assistance program,your roadside assistance service provider.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift anddollies or flatbed equipment to tow yourvehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. LincolnMotor Company does not approve a slingbelttowing procedure. If you tow your vehicleincorrectly, or by any other means, vehicledamage may occur.
Lincoln Motor Company produces a towingmanual for all authorized tow truck operators.Have your tow truck operator refer to thismanual for proper hook-up and towingprocedures for your vehicle.
It is acceptable to have your front-wheeldrive vehicle towed from the front if usingproper wheel lift equipment to raise the frontwheels off the ground. When towing in thismanner, the rear wheels can remain on theground.
Front-wheel drive vehicles must have thefront wheels placed on a tow dolly whentowing your vehicle from the rear usingwheel lift equipment. This prevents damageto the transmission.
Towing an all-wheel drive vehicle requiresthat all wheels be off the ground, such asusing a wheel lift and dollies or flatbedequipment. This prevents damage to thetransmission, all-wheel drive system andvehicle.
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