1996 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL Customer Assistance Guide

Using a console-mounted gearshift
(If equipped)
Thumb button Park Reverse Neutral Drive FirstThe console-mounted gearshift
182The console-mounted gearshift thumb button and
brake pedal must be depressed to move the
gearshift lever out of P (Park). The thumb button
pops out automatically when the gearshift latches
into position. Once the gearshift is secure,
gradually release the brake pedal and use the
accelerator as necessary.
Gear Selection (Column- and
Console-Mounted Control)
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the
vehicle will move backward. You should always
come to a complete stop before shifting into or out
of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position, the
vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the
brake pedal down while in this position.

Driving
When to use (Overdrive) (Overdrive) is the usual driving position for an
automatic overdrive transaxle. It works the same
way D (Drive) works, automatically upshifting or
downshifting as the vehicle speeds or slows.
However, (Overdrive) also shifts into a fourth gear
- an overdrive gear - when your vehicle cruises at a
consistent speed for any length of time. This fourth
gear will increase your fuel economy when you travel
at cruising speeds.(Overdrive) may not be appropriate for certain
terrain. If the transaxle shifts back and forth between
third and fourth gears while you are driving on hilly
roads or if your vehicle requires additional power for
climbing hills, shift to D (Drive).When to use D (Drive)
D (Drive) eliminates the excessive shifting
between third and fourth gears that your
vehicle sometimes does when you are traveling
through hilly terrain in Overdrive. It also
gives more engine braking to ml slow your
vehicle on downgrades than Overdrive.
When to use 1 (First)
Use I (First) when added engine braking is
desired when descending steep hills.
The automatic transaxle will shift to the proper
gear to ascend any grade without any need to
shift to I (First).
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop before you
shift into P (Park). Make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents the front
wheels from rotating.
183

/!\ WARNINGAlways set the parking brake fully and makesure that the gearshift is securely latched in P(Park). Never leave your vehicle unattendedwhile it is running.You can tell a column-mounted gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) if the lever is adjacent to the P
(Park) and you cannot move it without pulling it
toward you and rotating it downward.
You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) if the lever is adjacent to the P
(Park) and you cannot move it without pushing in the
thumb button.
The gearshift will lock when you turn the key to the
LOCK position. When the gearshift is in any
position except P (Park), the ignition key cannot be
turned to the LOCK position or removed from the
steering column. To remove the key, the gearshift
lever must be in P (Park).
184Traction ControlÔ Ô (If equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with the
optional Traction ControlÔ, system. This
system helps prevent wheel spin in order to
improve tire traction and is an especially useful
feature when you drive in hilly areas or on
slippery, icy or snowy roads.
When the Traction Control system is
controlling wheelspin, an electric motor sound
may be heard from the engine compartment and
engine acceleration may seem slower. This is
normal.
Traction ControlÔ works automatically by
rapidly applying and releasing the brakes and
reducing engine torque to prevent one or both
of the front drive wheels from spinning during
acceleration.
During the Traction ControlÔ function, which
most often occurs during low speed
acceleration on slippery surfaces, a noise may
be heard coming from the engine compartment.
This is normal and may last for a few seconds
during the acceleration of the vehicle.

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.
185

Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or
left for more than five seconds if the engine is running.
This can damage the power steering pump.
Air Suspension Adaptive Ride
Control System
Your vehicle has an air suspension system with
automatic load leveling and automatic ride control.
This system keeps your vehicle at a constant level by
adding air or releasing air from the springs. Ride and
handling is enhanced by firming shock absorber
performance during certain road conditions, steering
maneuvers, braking, and accelerations and is
returned to the driver selected ride calibration when
driver or road surface induced motion changes are
completed.
A shutoff switch is located behind an access panel in
the left side of the trunk. If this switch is in the OFF
position, the air suspension system will remain at a
constant state, not adjusting for varying loads or
driving conditions.
186Normal vehicle operation does not require any
action by the driver.
For a more complete listing of the various
driving and steering options available, see Road
Calibrated Suspension in the Features chapter.Air suspension switchThe air suspension switch

Brakes
Applying the Brakes
Your vehicle has anti-lock disc brakes on all four
wheels. They adjust automatically as the brake pads
wear down.
When you press down hard on the brake pedal, the
wheels will not lock and slide. The Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS) automatically starts releasing and
reapplying the front brakes independently and the
rear brakes together whenever your wheels start to
lock. When this happens, you will feel the brake
pedal pulsate. This is an indication that the ABS
system is working correctly and is normal.
Each time you turn the ignition key to the ON
position, the anti-lock brake system will function
through one test cycle. When this happens, the ANTI-
LOCK light will come on for up to five seconds and a
clunk may be felt in the pedal. If the light stays on
longer than five seconds, shut off theengine and restart. If it remains on, it means the
anti-lock brake system is disabled and should be
serviced immediately to restore the benefits of
the anti-lock feature. Normal braking is not
affected unless the brake warning light is also lit.
The And-lock Brake System has self-check
capabilities. As described above, the system
turns on the ANTI-LOCK light each time you
start your engine. After the engine is started
and the ANTI-LOCK light turns off, the system
performs another test the first time the vehicle
reaches 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The system turns
on the ABS pump motor for approximately 1/2
second. At this time, a mechanical noise may
be heard. This is a normal part of the self-
check feature. If a malfunction is found during
this check the ANTI-LOCK light will come on.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal; you will wear out the linings and
increase your vehicle's stopping distance.
Brake rotor damage may also eventually occur.
187

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