1996 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL warning lights

condition occurring. A warm up cycle consists
of engine start from a cold condition (engine at
ambient temperature) and running until the
engine reaches normal operating temperature.
On the fourth engine start up, the Service
Engine Soon light will turn off as soon as the
engine begins to crank. It is not necessary to
have the engine serviced.
Under certain conditions, the Service Engine
Soon Light may come on if the fuel cap is not
properly installed. If the Service Engine Soon
Light comes on and you suspect that the fuel
cap is not properly installed, pull off the road as
soon as it is safely possible and turn off the
engine. Remove and replace the cap, making
sure it is properly seated.
After completing the three consecutive warm
up cycles and on the fourth engine start up, the
Service Engine Soon Warning Light should
turn off. If the light does not go off after the
fourth engine re-start, have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer or a qualified
technician.
58High Beam LightThis light comes on when the headlamps are turned
to high beam or when you flash the lights.
Chime for Headlamps On
This chime sounds if the driver or any passenger
door is open when the parking lamps or headlamps
are on. The chime sounds until you close the door,
turn off the lamps or turn the ignition to the ON
position.

The Instrument Cluster
In addition to warning lights, the instrument
cluster has a message center/odometer, a
speedometer, tachometer, fuel and coolant
temperature gauges.
The Electronic Message Center (M/C)
The Electronic Message Center only works
when the ignition is in the ON position.
Each time the WC is powered the display goes
through a self test by displaying the PLEASE
FASTEN SEATBELT message. This self test
is used to stabilize the systems before reporting
the status to you.
60The message center tells you about the
condition of your vehicle by two methods: operator selectable features continuous warning reporting of
monitored systems
You can select different features for the M/C to
display by using the message center control
buttons located to the right of the instrument
cluster. You will hear a tone when you press one
of these buttons. However, if the M/C detects a
warning from any of the monitored systems, then
the M/C will display the appropriate warning
message.

The high beam indicator light on the instrument
cluster will not be on.
NOTE:If you have a vehicle with an
automatic lighting system, the DRL system is
active until the automatic system turns on the
headlamps.
NOTE:You may notice that the lights
flicker when the vehicle is turned on or off. This
is a normal condition./!\WARNINGThe Daytime Running Light (DRL)system will not illuminate the taillamps and parking lamps. Turn onyour headlamps at dusk. Failure to doso may result in a collision.Turning On the Exterior Lights
To turn on the headlamps, parking lamps, side
markers, and tail lamps, use the rotary switch
that is to the left of the steering wheel.
82The knob for the exterior lights
To turn on the parking lamps, tail lamps,
and license plate lamps, turn the knob
clockwise to the first position.
For more information about how the high
beams work, refer to the Steering Column
Controls chapter.

If the turn signal stays on after you turn, move
the lever back to the center (off) position. A
warning chime will sound after approximately
one-half mile (one kilometer) of driving if you do
not return the lever to off.
For lane changes, move the lever far enough to
signal but not to latch. The lever will return to
the off position when you release it.
NOTE: The flash rate of the turn signal will
speed up considerably if the Lighting Control
Module detects a left or right turn lamp bulb
(front or rear) is burned out.
High Beams
To turn on the high beams, turn the headlamp
control switch to the headlamp ON position (or
activate the autolamp feature) and push the turn
signal lever away from you until it latches. When
the high beams are ON, the high beam indicator
light on the instrument cluster comes on.
90To turn off the high beams, pull the lever toward
you until it latches. The high beam indicator
light turns off.
Flashing the Lights
To flash the headlamps, pull the lever toward
you for a moment and then release it. The
headlamps will flash whether the headlamp knob
is in the on or off position.
Windshield Wipers and Washer
To turn on the windshield wipers, the ignition
key must be turned to the ON or ACC position.
Rotate the knob towards "S" to activate the
wipers. The first seven detents are interval wipe
positions, the eighth detent is the LO position
and the ninth detent is the HI position.
To turn the wipers off, turn the knob to the OFF
position.

To connect the trailer's safety chains:
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and
attach them to your vehicle's frame or hook
retainers. Never attach the safety chains to your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the weight of a trailer.
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in the
chains to allow you to turn corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that
the rental agency gives you.
Connecting the trailer's brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or surge-type
hydraulic brakes are safe if you install them properly
and adjust them according to the manufacturer's
instructions. Be sure that your trailer's brakes meet
local and federal regulations.
Separate trailer brakes of adequate size should be
used for trailers weighing over 1.000 lbs. (454 kg)
loaded weight./!\ WARNINGDo not connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to your vehicle'sbrake system. Your vehicle may nothave enough braking power and yourchances of having a collision greatlyincrease.Connecting the trailer's lights
Do not connect a trailer's fighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's fighting
system wiring. To get the proper equipment
for hooking up your trailer's lights, see your
local trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be
sure to follow their instructions carefully.
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's hghting
system.
197

Roadside EmergenciesJump-Starting Your Vehicle
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the lights
on or any electrical equipment on after you turn the
engine off. If this happens, you may be able to
jump-start from a booster battery to start your
vehicle./! WARNINGThe gases around the battery can explode ifexposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes.An explosion could result in injury or vehicledamage./! WARNINGTo protect yourself when charging a battery,always shield your face and eyes. Make surethat you can breathe fresh air./! WARNINGApplying too much pressure on the ends whenlifting a battery could cause acid to spill. Liftthe battery with a carrier or with your handson the opposite comers.199

/! WARNINGAlways replace a fuse with one that has thespecified amperage rating. Using a fuse witha higher amperage rating can cause severewire damage and could start a fire.5.Align the edge of the cover with the edge of
the fuse panel and push the cover up until it
latches.
Even after you replace a fuse, it will continue to
blow if you do not find what caused the overload.
If the fuse continues to blow, have your electrical
system checked.
Lights and Bulb Replacement
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights ftequently: headlamps high-mount brakelamp tail lamps brakelamps hazard flasher turn signals side markers license plate lamp
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if: oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicle's high beams when you do
not have the high beams on the headlamps do not seem to give you enough
light to see clearly at night
277

Bulb specifications
FunctionTrade numberExterior illuminationBackup lamp3156Cornering lamp3156Headlamp9007High-mount brakelamp912License plate lamp168Luggage compartment lamp912Side marker - front lamp916NA*Side marker - rear lamp194Turn signal and park lamp - front3457NA*Turn signal, stoplamp and tail lamp
- rear3157Redundant turn - rear3157Decklid reflector168Instrument panel lightsElectronic automatic temperature
control***Air bag readiness light37Anti-lock warning lamp37And-theft warning lamp37Ash receptacle1445Ash ttay - rear doors37Clock***FunctionTradenumberInstrument panel lights (continued)Cluster illumination***Cluster control button37Compact disc player**Glove compartment194Headlamp switch nomenclature37Message center control buttons***“PRN@D I" bulb (floor console)194Rear window defrost switchnomenclature37Radio**Warning lights (cluster)37Interior courtesy lampsCigar lighter (door mounted)1893Door mounted lamp (front and rear)214-2Illuminated visor mirror (passenger)74Overhead console-reading lamps (without
moon roof)211-2Passenger assist handle (rear seat)211-2Under instrument panel906*NA means Natural Amber.
**Refer bulb replacement to a Ford -authorized radio service
center.
***Refer bulb replacement to a Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer.
283