1996 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL light

NOTE: Rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or if
the axle has been submerged in water. Otherwise,
the lube should not be checked or changed unless a
leak is suspected or repair required.
Vehicle Storage
Maintenance Tips
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended
period of time (60 days or more), refer to the
following maintenance recommendations to ensure
your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
General Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place. Protect from sunlight, if possible. If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
290Body Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease,
oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces, rear
wheel housing and underside of front fenders. Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations. Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust. Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent discoloration.
Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed. Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil. Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading. Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.

Battery Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean and covered with a light
coat of grease. If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, disconnect the
battery cables to ensure battery charge is
maintained for quick starting. NOTE: If battery
cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to
reset any memory features (eg. radio presets).
Brakes Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
292Tires Maintain recommended air pressures.
Miscellaneous Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with grease to
prevent rust. Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts and prevent
corrosion.

Engine compartment/ Servicing Windshield wipers Headlamp bulbs and Daytime Running Lights Hood latch Turn signal bulbs Parking lamp bulbs
Cornering lamp bulbs Moon roof Keyless entry Side view mirrors Tires299

Lights Traction control Tilt steering Driver-side air bag Lights Traction Cluster Electronic sound system Tilt steering Rear window/ side mirror
Driver-side defroster air bag Message center buttons Clock Climate control system Passenger-side air bag303

Brake warning indicator Engine oil pressure light Traction control active light Charging system warning light Fuel gauge ANTI
THEFT active light Service engine soon warning light Engine coolant temperature gauge Safety belt light Turn signal indicator lights High beam light
Air bag readiness light Speedometer Tachometer Anti-theft active light Anti-lock brake warning indicator Message center Odometer304

IndexA Air conditioning, electronic automatic
ABS warning light........................................temperature control system..................71
(see Anti-lock brake system)..................53Air suspension
Accessory position on the ignition............41air leveling disabled warning, message
Accident damage....................................232center................................................62
Additives, engine oil...............................245description.......................................186
Air bag supplemental restraint system...........Alarm, activating remote personal.........106
description...........................................17Alcohol, in fuel.....................................241
disposal...............................................25Antenna, radio
indicator light......................................59(see Electronic sound system)........165
operation.............................................20 Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)......247
proper seating......................................19Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................
tone generator.....................................24description.....................................187
wearing safety belts.............................18noise..............................................187
Air cleaner filter...........................................warning light...................................53
location.............................................237 Anti-theft lug nuts and key...................209
specifications.....................................288
307

Anti-theft system........................................ B..............................
arming the system............................109Backing up.............................................182
description.......................................108Basic vehicle warranty................................5
disarming an untriggered system......110Battery.........................................................
disarming a triggered system............111acid, treating emergencies..................200
triggering.........................................111battery saver......................................108
warning light......................................59charging system warning light..............55
Assistance (see Customer assistance)....213disconnecting.....................................253
Audio system.............................................how to service....................................252
(see Electronic sound system)............159jumping a disabled battery..................199
Automatic transaxle....................................maintenance-free................................252
fluid, adding.....................................262proper disposal, recycling...................253
fluid, checking.................................261replacement, specifications.................288
fluid, refill capacities........................287when storing your vehicle...................292
fluid, specification............................289Brake fluid
..............................................................brake warning light...............................52
..............................................................checking and adding...........................263
..............................................................description.........................................263
..............................................................specifications......................................289
..............................................................Brakes..........................................................
..............................................................adjustment..............................................187
..............................................................anti-lock.............................................187
308

applying the brakes.........................187
brake warning light...........................52
fluid, checking and adding..............263
fluid, refill capacities.......................287
fluid, specifications.........................289
new brake linings................................6
noise...............................................188
parking...........................................188
trailer.............................................197
when storing your vehicle...............292
Brake-shift interlock.............................180
Break-in period........................................6
Bulbs, replacing....................................277
headlamps........................................278
C
Canada, customer assistance.................219
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).......................................220
Capacities for refilling fluids.................287
Carbon monoxide in exhaust...................49
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats).........................27Catalytic converter284
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . 169
Chains, tires260
Changing a tire204
Charging system warning light 55
Childproof locks 99
Child safety restraints 25
child safety belts 38
child safety seats 27
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps 38
tether anchorage hardware 38
Chime
headlamps on 58
key in ignition 42
safety belt 52
Cleaning your vehicle
chrome and aluminum parts 8
exterior 7
exterior lamps 83
fabric118
headlamps 83
309