1996 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL oil

Engine coolant reservoir Power steering fluid reservoir Windshield washer fluid reservoir Engine oil filler cap Hood safety release High current fuse box Engine oil
dipstick Air filterEngine compartment service points
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Using speed control in hilly terrain Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window
defroster and other accessories Underinflated tires Heavy loads Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage
racks, bug deflectors, etc.
Self-Service Pointers
If you choose to do your own fueling, you should
also perform a few simple maintenance routines.
This extra effort will save you additional money and
contribute to the driving efficiency of your vehicle.
The following procedures require only a tire gauge,
a rag, an oil can spout and windshield washer fluid.Check the engine oil at every refueling stopClean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
244 Check windshield washer fluid Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges Check the tire pressure at least monthly
Engine Oil Recommendations
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent
oil meeting Ford Specification ESE-M2C153-E and
displaying the American Petroleum Institute
CERTIFICATION MARK on the front of the
container.

The API Certification Mark
Never use:"Non-Detergent" oilsOils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or
SGAdditional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatmentsEngine oils with an SAE 5W-30 viscosity are
PREFERRED for your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and engine
protection for all climates down to -15°F (-25°C).
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of
the preferred viscosity may be used in your engine.
The engine oil and oil filter must still be changed
according to the maintenance schedule.
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important
for safe engine operation, check the oil using the
dipstick each time you put fuel in your vehicle.
Remember the engine must be off, the oil must be
warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
Checking the engine oil level:
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and
allow a few minutes for the engine oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
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2.Set the parking brake, making sure the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park).
3.Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
4.Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the engine.
5.Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.Engine oil dipstick
2466.Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the "ADD 1 QT" line, add engine
oil as necessary. If the oil level is beyond the
letter "F" in Full, engine damage or high oil
consumption may occur and some oil must be
removed from the engine.
7.Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully
seated.
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED engine
oil of the preferred viscosity. Your vehicle's
warranty coverage may not apply if engine damage is
caused by the use of improper engine oil.
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted
in yellow. To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a
funnel to pour oil into the opening. Be careful not to
overfill the engine. Recheck the oil level after you
finish adding oil.

Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil
Filter
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for recommended intervals./!\ WARNINGContinuous contact with USED motor oilhas caused cancer in laboratory mice.Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
Engine Coolant
Checking the Engine Coolant
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions Men Servicing Your Vehicle at the
beginning of this chapter./!\ WARNINGThe cooling fan is automatic and may comeon at any time. Always disconnect thenegative terminal of the battery beforeworking near the fan.Cold fill levelThe engine coolant reservoir
247

loading, either separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Snow tires
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you may
need to use snow tires.
Use of tire chains is not recommended. The use of
tire chains could result in damage to your vehicle./!\ WARNINGSnow tires must be the same size and gradeas the tires you Currently have on yourvehicle.Cleaning the Wheels
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use
to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based
wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives, fuel, or strong
260detergents. These substances will damage protective
coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to remove
grease and tar.
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the
brushes are abrasive.
If you have whitewall tires that are difficult to clean
with regular detergent, use whitewall tire cleaner.
Follow the directions on the container and rinse the
tires with plenty of clean water.
Securitires (If equipped)
Securitires are designed to allow you to continue
driving your Continental a limited number of miles
when one of your vehicle's tires is at low or even
zero air pressure./!\ WARNINGDo not use aerosol tire inflator/sealer withSecuritires. Doing so may damage the tire'spressure sensor.

Brake Fluid
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should
not use up brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the
level of the brake fluid to slowly fall as you put
more mileage on your vehicle and the brake lining
wears.
You should check the brake fluid at every scheduled
engine oil change, but be sure to check it at least
once a year. You can do this by looking at the fluid
level in the plastic reservoir on the master cylinder.
(See The Engine Type in this chapter to locate the
master cylinder.) The fluid level should be at or near
the MAX mark./!\ WARNINGBrake fluid is toxic.If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running
water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention ifirritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and
induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately.
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove the cap
from the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the MAX
line with Ford High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid
C6AZ-19542-AA, C6AZ-19542-BA, or equivalent
DOT 3 fluid meeting Ford specification ESA-
M6C25-A./!\ WARNINGIf you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, youwill cause permanent damage to your brakes.Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
below the seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic
reservoir - have the brake system inspected.
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Fuse
Location Fuse Amp
RatingDescription910A
· Blower motor relay coil
· EATC control
· Airbag diagnostic1030A
· Windshield wiper motor
· Windshield wiper control
module (washer pump motor)1110A
· PCM power relay coil
· Ignition coil125A
· SCP network1315A
· Stand alone clock
illumination
· Right and left rear side
marker lamps
· License lamps
· Right and left tail lamps
(on decklid)
· Left rear stop/turn lamps
· Left turn indicator
· Left front turn lamp1415A
· Front cigar lighter270Fuse
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription1510A
· Navigation display
· Navigation module
· Heated seat control switches1630A
· power moonroof switch
· Moonroof motor17(Not used)185A
· SCP network1910A
· LH low beam2010A
· Multi-function switch (Flash
to pass and hazard signal to
LCM)
· LH & RH cornering lamps2110
· ABS control module22(Not used)23(Not used)245A
· SCP network25
· RH low beam2610A
· Instrument cluster power
· EATC power27(Not used)