1996 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL parking brake

In general, this system improves your vehicle's
stability and acceleration performance when road
conditions warrant. Traction ControlÔ is fully
effective at all vehicle speeds.
If the Traction ControlÔ system is cycled
excessively, the brake portion of the system will shut
down to prevent the front brakes from overheating.
A limited Traction ControlÔ function using engine
torque will still control wheels from spinning. A
cooling down period is required to prevent damage
to the brakes. This time period varies and depends
on brake usage during the cooling down period.
Anti-Lock braking is not affected and will function
normally during the cool down period.
After the cool down period, the full Traction
ControlÔ' function is restored.Steering Your Vehicle
Your vehicle comes with power steering.
Power steering uses energy from the engine to
help steer your vehicle.
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes, check your steering effort
selection in the Message Center. If this is not
the problem, have the power steering system
checked. If the power steering system breaks
down (or if the engine is turned off), you can
steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
The steering system in your vehicle is speed
sensitive. This means that the steering effort is
light for parking and heavier for highway
driving. However, if you have to swerve
around an object or another vehicle, your
steering will have full power assist.
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NOTE: If you are driving down a long or steep hill,
shift to a lower gear and do not apply your brakes
continuously. If you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less effective.
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake system
and is normal. However, if the squeal becomes
louder or more frequent, have your brakes inspected
by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Ford Motor Company has not found any detrimental
effects of popular mobile radio transmitting
equipment installed on vehicles with the anti-lock
brake system, if the equipment is installed according
to the manufacturer's instructions. However, if
mobile radio transmitting
188equipment is installed in your vehicle and, if
either the anti-lock brake system cycles or the
ANTI-LOCK light comes on at any time other
than right after you turn the key to the ON
position or during a sudden stop, have your
mobile radio dealer inspect the installation.
Parking Brake
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
The parking brake is suspended just below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel.
To set the parking brake while parking your
vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right
foot and hold it while you push the parking
brake down firmly and fully with your left foot.

The Parking brake/!\ WARNINGAlways set the Parking brake fully andmake sure that the gearshift is securelylatched in P (Park)./!\ WARNINGIf the parking brake is fully released, butthe Brake System light-remains on, havethe brakes checked immediately. Theymay not be working properly./!\ WARNINGTo prevent personal injury, do not releasethe parking brake while outside thevehicle.189

You have an automatic release for the parking brake.
The parking brake should automatically unlock when
you move the gearshift to any forward gear while the
engine is running. However, the automatic release
does not work when the gearshift is in reverse,
neutral or park.
To manually release the parking brake, pull the
BRAKE RELEASE handle located on the lower left
comer of the instrument panel. The Brake Warning
Light will illuminate if the parking brake is not fully
released when the engine is running.
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving
vehicle, but you can use the parking brake to stop
your vehicle in an emergency if the normal brakes
fail. However, since the parking brake applies only
the rear brakes, the stopping distance will increase
greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be
adversely affected.
190Always check the Brake Warning light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
Driving Under Special Conditions
Tips for Safe Driving
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.

/! WARNINGBatteries contain sulfuric acid which bumsskin, eyes, and clothing.If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15
minutes. If someone swallows the acid, have him or
her drink lots of milk or water first, then Milk of
Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable oil. Call a
doctor immediately.
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery, and
to avoid injury to yourself, follow these directions
for preparing your vehicle to jump-start and
connecting the jumper cables in the order they are
given. If in doubt, call for road service.
200Preparing Your Vehicle
1 .Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system. You
will damage your starting motor, ignition system,
and other electrical parts if you connect them to a
24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt
batteries in series,or a 24-volt generator set).
2.Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
3.Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the
disabled vehicle. Make sure the vehicles do not
touch each other. Set the parking brake on both
vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan
and other moving parts.
4.Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the jumper
cables.

Changing a Tire
if you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not
apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease
the speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly and
slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set the
parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
The Temporary Spare Tire
You may have a high pressure temporary spare tire.
This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire and is
designed for emergency use only. Use it only when
you get a flat tire and replace it as soon as you can.
This spare tire is marked with the words
"TEMPORARY USE ONLY" so that you can easily
identify it.
204/! WARNINGIf you use the temporary spare tirecontinuously or do not follow theseprecautions, the tire could fail, causing you tolose control of the vehicle, possibly injuringyourself or others.When you drive with the temporary spare tire,
DO NOT: exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any
circumstances. load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the
maximum vehicle load rating listed on the tire
decal. tow a trailer. try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it
from its wheel. use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.

To remove the spare tire:
1.Remove the spare tire cover.
2.Unscrew the wing-nut holding down the spare
tire.
3. Lift out the spare tire and jack kit.
Preparing to Change the Tire
1.Make sure that your vehicle will not move or
roll. Put the gearshift in P (Park). Set the
parking brake and block the wheel that is
diagonally opposite the tire that you are
changing./! WARNINGIf the vehicle slips off the jack, you orsomeone else could be seriously injured.Turn off the air suspension switch prior to jacking.
206/! WARNINGOn vehicles equipped with Air Suspension,turn OFF the Air Suspension switch prior tojacking, hoisting or towing your vehicle.Air suspension switchThe air suspension switch - located in the trunk

Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing
your vehicle. Here are some general precautions
for your safety: Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly. Always
turn the engine off and let it cool./!\ WARNINGThe cooling fan is automatic and may comeon at any time. Always disconnect thenegative terminal of the battery beforeworking near the fan. If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair. Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space
with the engine running, unless you are sure you
have enough ventilation. Never get under a vehicle while it is supported by a
jack only. If you must work under a vehicle, use
safety stands. Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials
away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
“relearn" its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly. To find out how the engine does this,
see Battery in this chapter.
Working with the engine off.
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
2.Remove the key from the ignition after you turn
the engine off.
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