check engine light LINCOLN MARK VIII 1998 Owners Manual

Engine oil pressure
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 Care
chapter.
This lamp also illuminates when the ignition is turned to ON and the
engine is off.
Charging system
Momentarily 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.
Traction ControlYactive
This light momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to ON. It
also illuminates when the Traction
Controlysystem begins applying
and releasing the brakes and
adjusting the engine characteristics
to limit a wheelspin condition. It will
be lit for a maximum of four
seconds or for the duration of the Traction Controlyevent.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Instrumentation
7

Message center warning lights
The following warning lights are displayed directly above the message
center controls.
Safety belt
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned on to remind you to fasten
your safety belts. For more
information, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Check engine
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitor's the engine's
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System (OBD
II). This OBD II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your
vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
Thecheck engineindicator light illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
VEHICLE
SETTINGDRIVER
SETTINGTRIP
ODO RANGE
RESET
N
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FUELECONOMY
DATE
TIMESYSTEM
CHECK
CHECK
ENGINEO/D
OFFANTI
THEFTT/C
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CHECK
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Instrumentation
9

engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the check engine light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction. Have
your vehicle serviced at your first opportunity.
Temporary malfunctions may also cause yourcheck enginelight to
illuminate. Examples follow:
²The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
²Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
²The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the gas cap. After three
drive cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present,
thecheck enginelight should turn off.Novehicle service is required.
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.
Air bag readiness
Briefly illuminates when the ignition
is turned on. If the light fails to
illuminate, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
Instrumentation
10

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 safely possible.
CHECK BRAKE LAMPS. 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 HEADLAMPS. Displayed when the headlamps are activated
and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as safely
possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. Refer toReplacing
headlamp bulbsin theMaintenance and carechapter. The high beam
lamps are not monitored.
CHECK TAIL LAMPS. Displayed when the tail 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.
CHECK FRT TURN LAMPS. Displayed when the turn signals are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
LOW WASHER FLUID. Indicates there is less than one quarter of
washer fluid left in the reservoir. Check the washer fluid level. Refer to
Windshield washer fluidin theMaintenance and carechapter.
TRUNK AJAR. Displayed when the trunk is not completely closed and
the ignition switch is in ON or ACC.
CHECK TRACTION CONTROL. Displayed when the Traction
Controlysystem is not operating properly. If this message is displayed
on the message centerandthe green T/C OFF light 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.
AIR RIDE SWITCH OFF. Displayed when the air suspension switch is
in the OFF position.
Instrumentation
29

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to
illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the light (
) will not illuminate.
P
5
0 123
4
6
7
RPMx1000
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100
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FILL DOOR
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ABSCRUISE
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RECOMMENDED
VEHICLE
SETTINGDRIVER
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ODO RANGE
RESET
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FUELECONOMY
DATE
TIMESYSTEM
CHECK
CHECK
ENGINEO/D
OFFANTI
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Starting
90

HAZARD LIGHTS CONTROL
Use only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehicle breakdown,
approaching danger, etc. The hazard flashers can be operated when the
ignition is off.
²The hazard lights control is
located on top of the steering
column.
²Depress hazard lights control to
activate all hazard flashers
simultaneously.
²Depress control again to turn the
flashers off.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
If the engine cranks but does not start after a collision, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated. The shut-off switch is a device
intended to stop the electric fuel pump when your vehicle has been
involved in a substantial jolt.
1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the fuel pump shut-off switch by
pushing in the button on the switch.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Pause for a few seconds and
return the key to the OFF position.
5. Make a further check for leaks in the fuel system.
Roadside emergencies
107

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a ªService Guideº which makes tracking routine service
easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to 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, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught up in 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 inBattery
in this chapter.
Maintenance and care
123

Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is on
the right side of the engine
compartment and 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.
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield
washer fluid.
Maintenance and care
129

States) because it may cause these problems to become more
pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) issued a
gasoline specification to provide information on high quality fuels that
optimize the performance of your vehicle. We recommend the use of
gasolines that meet the AAMA specification if they are available.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air quality, including
reformulated gasolines that contain oxygenates up to 10% ethanol or
15% MTBE.
Do not use gasolines containing methanol, which can damage critical fuel
system components. Damage resulting from the use of methanol may not
be covered by your warranty.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out fuel because this situation may have an adverse affect
on modern powertrain components.
You may need to crank the engine several times before the system starts
to pump fuel from the tank to the engine. If you run out of fuel, your
Check Engine light may come on. For more information on the Check
Engine light, refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Calculating fuel economy
To accurately calculate your vehicle's fuel economy:
1. Fill the tank completely and record the initial odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five fuel tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and
record the current mileage reading.
4. Use one of the following equations to calculate fuel economy.
Liters used x 1004Total kilometers traveled
Total miles traveled4Total gallons used
Maintenance and care
143

Keep a record for at least one month. This will provide an accurate
estimate of the vehicle's fuel economy.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the services listed in your ªService Guideº performed according
to the specified schedule.
The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in the ªService Guideº are
required because they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
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.
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure, the
charging system warning light, the ªCheck Engineº light or the
temperature warning light. These events could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
If you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have
the dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive
if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill
you.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
Maintenance and care
144