1997 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL Owners Manual

2242. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the
auxiliary latch that is located under the hood at
the center of the vehicle.
The auxiliary latch under the front edge of the
hood3. Lift the hood until the lift cylinders hold it
open.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 understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of this
chapter before opening the hood.
Engine CompartmentYour 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.
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225
Engine compartment service points
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226Engine Oil RecommendationsWe recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
The API Certification Mark
Neveruse:q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or
engine treatments
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and engine
protection for all climates down to-15ÊF (-25ÊC).
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.
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227
Checking and Adding Engine OilSince 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.
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
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº 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.
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228It 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 30
minutes to allow the oil to settle.Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil
FilterChange your engine oil and oil filter according to
these mileage and time requirements, whichever
occurs first.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
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229
WARNING
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WARNING
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WARNING
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230
If yo ufin dtha tth e flui dleve lis excessivel ylow Ð
WARNING
Do no tle tth ereservoi rfo rth emaster
Windshiel dWashe rFluid
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231
WARNING
Do no tpu twindshiel dwashe rflui din
WARNING
Th ecoolin gfan is automati can dmay