transmission LINCOLN MARK VIII 1998 Owners Manual

O/D off
This light momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to ON. It
also illuminates when the
transmission control switch been
pushed. When the light is on, the
transmission does not shift into
overdrive. If the light does not come
on when the transmission control switch is depressed or if the light
flashes when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced.
Anti-theft system
This light indicates the anti-theft
alarm system is armed. Refer to the
Controls and featureschapter.
Traction ControlYoff light
This light tells you that the Traction
Controlysystem has been turned
off using the Vehicle Settings menu
in the Message Center. The Traction
Controlysystem defaults to ªONº
(light is not illuminated) whenever
the vehicle is shut off and restarted.
This light will also illuminate if there is a total Traction Controlysystem
shut down.
If this lamp continuously stays on, contact your dealer for service as
soon as safely possible.
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off
(and the key is not in the ignition) and either front door is opened.
Safety belt warning chime
Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
O/ D
OFF
ANTI
THEFT
T/ C
OFF
Instrumentation
11

Driver's door ajar Warning cannot be reset
Right door ajar
Check engine temp Warning returns after 10 minutes
Low oil level
Check charging system
Low fuel level
Low engine coolant
Engine temp data err
Check transmission
Transmission overheat
Check brake lamps Warning returns after the ignition
key is turned from OFF to ON or
system check sequence is
completed Check headlamps
Check taillamps
Check front turn lamps
Low washer fluid
Trunk ajar
Check traction control
Air ride switch off
Check air ride system
Oil change required
Change oil soon
Gear display data err
DRIVER'S DOOR AJAR. Displayed when the driver's door is not
completely closed and the ignition switch is either ON or in ACC mode.
RIGHT DOOR AJAR. Displayed when the passenger side door is not
completely closed and the ignition switch either ON or in ACC mode.
CHECK ENGINE TEMP. Displayed when the engine coolant is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the
engine and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. Refer to
Engine coolantin theMaintenance and carechapter. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on, contact your dealer as soon as safely
possible.
Instrumentation
27

LOW OIL LEVEL. Displayed when the engine oil level is low. If this
warning message is displayed, check the level of the engine oil.
If you are parked on a steep incline, the LOW OIL LEVEL message may
come on when you start your vehicle, even though the oil is at the
correct level. The oil level is monitored while the engine is off so that the
oil can drain into the oil pan to be measured. Some aftermarket devices
such as remote starters, if improperly installed, can cause the engine to
start without alerting the oil monitoring system. This may also cause the
warning to appear when the vehicle is started, even though the oil level
is correct. Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance and carechapter for
information about adding engine oil.
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 safely possible.
LOW FUEL LEVEL. Displayed when you have approximately 80 km (50
miles) or less left before you run out of fuel.
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 carechapter.
ENGINE TEMP DATA ERR. Displayed when the engine coolant
temperature information is missing or invalid. Check the instrument
cluster temperature gauge. If the gauge indicates overheating, 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 carechapter. Contact your dealer for service as soon
as safely possible to correct the engine temperature data error.
CHECK TRANSMISSION. Indicates the transmission is not operating
properly. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as safely
possible.
Instrumentation
28

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

Emergency seatback release lever
Lift the lever to release the
seatback.
It is not necessary to use the release lever for rear seat entry or exit.
The seatback remains unlocked with normal usage and locks only during
emergency stopping, upon impact, or on steep downhill grades.
Easy access/easy out feature (driver's side only)
This feature automatically moves the driver's seat backward when:
²the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
²the driver's safety belt is buckled
²the ignition switch is turned to OFF.
The seat will move two inches forward (to the original position when:
²the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
²the driver's safety belt is buckled
²the ignition switch is turned to ON.
Auto-Glide seats
This feature automatically moves the seat forward or rearward when the
seatback is tilted forward or rearward to allow ease of entry into the rear
seat.
Seating and safety restraints
69

With the ignition OFF:
²the driver seat Auto-Glide will function when the gearshift is in N
(Neutral) or P (Park) and at least one of the vehicle doors is opened.
²the passenger seat Auto-Glide will only function when at least one of
the vehicle doors is opened.
If the ignition is ON:
²the driver seat Auto-Glide will function with the gearshift in N
(Neutral) or P (Park).
²the passenger seat Auto-Glide will function with the gearshift in N
Neutral) or P (Park).
Shifting the transmission:
²from N (Neutral) or P (Park) while the driver's seat is moving will
stop the seat where it is.
²back to N (Neutral) or P (Park) will continue seat movement.
The power seat controls must be used to move the seat if the gearshift is
not in N (Neutral) or P (Park).
Rear seat entry
To enter the rear seat:
1. Rotate the safety belt boot
rearward.
2. Enter the rear seat in front of the
safety belt.
3. Rotate the safety belt boot
forward to allow use by the front
seat passengers.
Seating and safety restraints
70

AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The air suspension system is designed to improve ride, handling and
general vehicle performance during:
²certain road conditions
²steering maneuvers
²braking
²accelerations
This system maintains the vehicle height at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the air springs to offset
changes in vehicle loads.
The air suspension shut-off switch is
located in the trunk. If this switch is
in the OFF position, the automatic
leveling system will not operate.
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation does not
require any action by the driver.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is
pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park) with the brake pedal
depressed:
OFF
Driving
97

1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and the vehicle's brake lamps may not be
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears in a steady pattern. Press lightly
on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The
transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine can
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
Driving with a 4±speed automatic transmission
Understanding gearshift positions
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from position to position. If you do not hold the brake pedal
down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
Driving
98

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift in N (Neutral),
the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal
down while in this gear.
D (Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
P R N D 2 1
P R N D 2 1
Driving
100

D (Overdrive) can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever. The Message Center O/D OFF
indicator will illuminate.
D (Drive)± Activate by pressing the transmission control switch on the
side of the gearshift lever. The transmission operates in gears one
through three. D (Drive) provides more engine braking than
(Overdrive) and is useful whenever driving conditions (i.e., city
traffic, hilly terrain, etc.) cause the transmission to excessively shift
between
(Overdrive) and D (Drive). Also deactivate(Overdrive)
when:
²driving with a heavy load
²towing a trailer up or down steep hills
²additional engine braking is desired.
To return to
(Overdrive) mode, press the transmission control switch.
The Message Center O/D OFF indicator will no longer be illuminated.
Every time the vehicle is shut off and restarted, you must press the
transmission control switch to cancel overdrive operation if driving in
overdrive is not desired.
O/ D
OFF
Driving
101