1997 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL maintenance

3
Finding Information in This GuideAfter you have read this guide once, you will
probably return to it when you have a specific
question or need additional information. To help
you find specific information quickly, you can use
the Quick Index or the Index.
TheQuick Indexat the end of the book provides
a page number following each item which indicates
where detailed information can be found.
To use theIndex, turn to the back of the book
and search in the alphabetical listing for the word
that best describes the information you need. If the
word you chose is not listed, think of other related
words and look them up. We have designed the
Index so that you can find information under a
technical term.
Canadian Owners Ð French VersionFrench Owner Guides can be obtained from your
dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box
1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.The Lincoln CommitmentThe Lincoln Commitment is more than the prestige
of owning a superior luxury automobile, it is a
comprehensive owner benefits package that is
designed to provide you with services to support
your every driving need. Refer to the Lincoln
Commitment brochure for more information.Your Maintenance Schedule and
Record BookletTheMaintenance Schedulebooklet lists the services
that are most important for keeping your vehicle in
good condition. A record log is also provided to
help you keep track of all services performed.
File:02fniic.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 14:13:47 1996

4About the WarrantiesYour vehicle is covered by three types of warranties:
Basic Vehicle Warranty,Extended Warranties
on certain parts, andEmissions Warranties.
Read yourWarranty Information Bookletcarefully to
find out about your vehicle's warranties and your
basic rights and responsibilities.
If you lose yourWarranty Information Booklet,you
can get a new one free of charge. Contact any Ford
or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, or refer to the addresses
and phone numbers on the first page of this
Owner's Guide.More Protection for Your VehicleYou can get more protection for your new car or
light truck by purchasing a Ford Extended Service
Plan (Ford ESP). Ford ESP is the only extended
service program with the Ford name on it and the
only service contract backed by Ford Motor
Company.Ford ESP is an optional service contract, backed and
administered by Ford. It provides:
q
protection against repair costs after your Bumper
to Bumper Warranty expires;
and
q
other benefits during the warranty period (such
as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage for
certain maintenance and wear items).
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating
Ford Motor Company dealer. There are several Ford
ESP plans available in various time-and-mileage
combinations. Each plan can be tailored to fit your
own driving needs, including reimbursement
benefits for towing and rental. (In Hawaii, rules
vary. See your dealer for details.)
File:02fniic.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 14:13:47 1996

12Engine Oil Pressure Warning LightThis light indicates the engine's oil pressure, not the
oil level. However, if your engine's oil level is low,
it could affect the oil pressure. The light will come
on briefly when you turn your key to the START
and ON position. The light should stay off when
the engine is running with normal oil pressure. If
the light comes on while the engine is running, you
have lost oil pressure and continued operation will
cause severe engine damage.If you lose engine oil pressure:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
2. Shut off the engine immediately or severe
engine damage could result.
3. Check the engine's oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine oil,
seeEngine Oilin the Index. If you do not
follow these instructions, you or others could
be injured. To assure an accurate reading, your
car should be on level ground.
4. If the level is low, add only as much oil as
necessary before you start the engine again. Do
not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the
light is on, regardless of the oil level. Contact
your nearest dealer for further service actions.
For more information about adding oil, seeAdding
engine oilin theMaintenance and Carechapter.
File:03fnisc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 14:14:40 1996

15
High Beam LightThis light illuminates when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the lights.
Chime for Headlamps OnThis 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.Air Bag Readiness LightThe air bag system uses a readiness light and a tone
to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When
you turn the ignition key to the ON position, this
light will light up for six (6) seconds and then turn
off. This indicates that the system is operating
normally. NOTE: Regularly scheduled maintenance
of the air bag system is not required.
File:03fnisc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 14:14:40 1996

54NOTE:The outside temperature reading is most
accurate when the vehicle is moving. Higher
readings may be obtained when the vehicle is not
moving. The readings that you get may not agree
with temperatures given on the radio due to
differences in vehicle and station locations.Operating tipsThe following tips will help you to get the most
satisfaction from your Electronic Automatic
Temperature Control system.q
In humid weather, select DEFVbefore
starting your engine. This will help to prevent
windshield fogging. After a few minutes of
operation, switch to AUTOMATIC or an
override selection of your choice.
q
To prevent humidity buildup inside your
vehicle, always drive with the EATC System
turned on.
q
Do not put objects under the front seats that
interfere with the flow of air to the back seat
area.
q
Remove any snow, ice, or leaves from the air
intake area of your EATC System which could
block the air intake. The intake area is located
at the bottom of the windshield, under the
hood at the passenger side rear corner.
ServiceIf your EATC is not operating as described here,
take it to your dealer to have it checked. System
diagnostics are built in which will allow your dealer
to readily identify problems that might occur.Passenger Compartment Air FilterYour vehicle has an air filter that removes pollen
and road dust from outside air before it is directed
to the interior of the vehicle. For maintenance of
this filter, see theMaintenance and Carechapter.
File:05fncfc.ex
Update:Fri Sep 6 14:53:57 1996

74Overhead Console WarningsIf your Continental is equipped with the Pressure
Alert System, a warning will appear in the overhead
console when the pressure in one of your vehicle's
tires drops below acceptable levels or if the system
has malfunctioned.
SeeSecuriTiresin theMaintenance and Care
chapter for more information.Lincoln RESCU System
(If equipped)Lincoln RESCU runs a self-test when you start your
vehicle. During this test, the Lincoln RESCU
warning light, located in the overhead console, will
briefly illuminate. If a problem is detected during
the self-check, the light will remain lit and the
message ªRESCU FAILUREº will be displayed on
the vehicle's message center for several seconds.
If the warning light fails to briefly illuminate when
you start your vehicle or if it remains lit, have your
Lincoln RESCU System checked by an authorized
Lincoln/Mercury dealer as soon as possible. Your
system may be inoperative.
File:05fncfc.ex
Update:Fri Sep 6 14:53:57 1996

112Heated Mirror FeatureBoth mirrors are heated whenever the Electric Rear
Window Defroster is turned on. Do not remove ice
from the mirrors with a scraper or you could
damage them. If the outside mirror glass is frozen
in place, do not attempt to readjust or move the
mirror glass or damage may result.Remote Control Fuel Filler Door
Release ButtonYour vehicle has a remote control fuel filler door
which cannot be opened from outside of the
vehicle. To unlatch the fuel filler door, push the
fuel door button on the driver side door. Refer to
theMaintenance and Carechapter for further
information.The remote control fuel filler door release
button
File:05fncfc.ex
Update:Fri Sep 6 14:53:57 1996

147
q
a readiness light and tone,
q
and the electrical wiring which connects the
components.
The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits,
the air bag electrical system, the air bag readiness
light, the air bag power, and the air bag inflators.
Determining if System Is OperationalThe Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses a
readiness light and a tone to indicate the condition
of the system. The readiness light is in the
instrument cluster. When you turn the ignition key
to ON, this light will illuminate for approximately
six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates
that the system is operating normally. NOTE:
Routine maintenance of the air bag system is not
required.A problem with the system is indicated by one or
more of the following:
q
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
q
the readiness light will not light immediately
after ignition is turned on,
q
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone
pattern will repeat periodically until the problem
and light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently,
have the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer
immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not
function properly in the event of a collision.
Disposal of Air Bags and Air Bag
Equipped VehiclesFor disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles,
see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air
bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.
File:06fnssc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 17 14:19:23 1996