1996 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL engine

Getting Help Outside the U.S. and
Canada
Before you export your vehicle to a foreign country,
contact the appropriate foreign embassy or consulate
to make sure local regulations do not prevent you
from registering your vehicle. Officials at the
embassy can also help you decide whether you
should import your vehicle to that country.
Officials at the embassy or consulate can tell you
where to get unleaded fuel. If you cannot get
unleaded fuel or can get only fuel with an anti-knock
index that is lower than your vehicle needs, contact
a district or owner relations office before you leave
the U.S. or Canada.
Use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without a proper
conversion may damage the effectiveness of your
emissions control system and may cause engine
knocking or serious engine damage. Ford Motor
Company is not responsible for any damage that is
caused by use of improper fuel.You may also have difficulty importing your vehicle
back into the U.S. if you use leaded fuel.
If your vehicle must be serviced while you are
traveling or living in Central or South America, the
Caribbean, or the Middle East, contact the nearest
Ford dealership. If the dealership cannot help you,
write to:Ford Motor CompanyExport Operations1555 Fairlane BusinessPark #3Allen Park, MI 481 olU.S.A.Phone: 313-317-4282Fax: 313-390-0804221

AccessoriesFord Accessories for Your Vehicle
A wide selection of accessories is available through
your local authorized dealer. These fine accessories
have been engineered specifically to fulfill your
automotive needs. They are custom designed to
complement the style and aerodynamic appearance
of your Ford-built vehicle. In addition, each
accessory is made from high quality materials and
meets or exceeds Ford's rigid engineering and safety
specifications. That is why Ford brand accessories
are warranted for up to 3 years or 36,000 miles
(60,000 km), whichever comes first. See your
dealer for complete warranty information and
accessory availability.
Ford has many fine products available from your
dealer to clean your vehicle and protect its finishes.
For best results, use the following, or products of
equivalent quality:Ford Custom Clear Coat Polish
Ford Custom Silicone Gloss Polish
Ford Custom Vinyl Protectant
Ford Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner
Ford Extra Strength Spot and Stain Remover
Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Remover
Ford Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner
Ford Extra Strength Whitewall Tire Cleaner
Ford Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Ford Premium Car Wash Concentrate
Ford Triple Clean
Ford Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner
223

Travel
Heavy-duty battery
Comfort and convenience
Engine block heater
Cargo net
224Protection and appearance
Carpeted floor mats
Cleaners, waxes and polishes
Styled wheel protector locks
Super Seal undercoating (in U.S. only)
Touch-up paints
Vinyl protectant
Wheel splash guards (flat)
Vehicle security system

NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment,
passengers, and luggage to your vehicle, do not
exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label). Consult
your dealer for specific weight information.
NOTE: The Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) or in Canada the Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulates
the use of mobile communications systems - such as
two-way radios, telephones, and theft alarms that
are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply
with FCC or in Canada the CRTC regulation and
should be installed only by a qualified technician.NOTE: Mobile communications systems may harm
the operation of your vehicle, particularly if they are
not properly designed for automotive use or are not
properly installed. For example, when operated, such
systems may cause the engine to stumble or stall. In
addition, such systems may themselves be damaged or
their operation affected by operating your vehicle.
(Citizens band CB transceivers, garage door openers,
and other transmitters whose power output is 5 watts
or less will not ordinarily affect your vehicle's
operation.)
NOTE: Because we have no control over the
installation, design, or manufacture of such systems,
Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse
effects or damage that may result if you use this
equipment.
225

Servicing Your ContinentalService Made Easy
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you: We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find them
easily. When possible, we design - such as the
headlamp bulbs-- that can be replaced without
tools. We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your vehicle
easy. The maintenance schedule is located in
the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet.This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you
need to check and service regularly.
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service required.
Check your Warranty Information Booklet to find out
which parts and services are covered. Also see the
Customer Assistance chapter of this Owner Guide.
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner
Maintenance Checks listed in the Maintenance
Schedule and Record booklet be performed for the
proper operation of your vehicle. In addition to the
conditions listed in the Owner Maintenance Checklist,
be alert for any unusual noise, vibration, or other
indication that your vehicle may need service. If you
do notice something unusual, see that your vehicle is
serviced promptly.
231

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.
233

3.Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on:
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
2.Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly./! WARNINGDo not start your engine with the aircleaner removed and do not remove it whilethe engine is running./! WARNINGThe cooling fan is automatic and may comeon at any time. Always disconnect thenegative terminal of the battery beforeworking near the fan.234If the battery is disconnected' the computer must
releam its idle control. See Battery in the Index.
NOTE: The engine compartment light may be
switched on or off at the light assembly. The light
assembly is located on the hood on the driver's side.
To turn the light on, pull the switch toward you; to
turn it off, push it away from you. The switch may
remain in the on position at all times, as the light will
turn off when the hood is closed.
Opening the Hood
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle
located under the bottom left comer of the
instrument panel.

Whenever you close the hood, latch it securely.
NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at six-
month intervals to maintain smooth and trouble-
free operation.
NOTE: Read and understand Precautions When
Servicing Your Vehicle at the beginning of this
chapter before opening the hood.
236Engine Compartment
Your vehicle has a 4.6 liter 4V SFI engine. The
following page shows a diagram of where to find
items that you should regularly service.