1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII Owners Manual

180R (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.DrivingYour vehicle's gearshift is console-mounted on the
floor. The Transmission Control Switch (TCS) is
located on the gearshift handle. The Transmission
Control Indicator Light is located on the instrument
panel. You can put the gearshift lever in any of the
several positions.The O/D OFF light is off (not illuminated) during
normal vehicle operation. This allows the
transmission to upshift and downshift from 1st
through 4th gears. When the TCS is pressed, the
Transmission Control Indicator Light will illuminate
(O/D OFF) on the instrument panel. When this
O/D OFF is illuminated, the transmission will
upshift and downshift from 1st through 3rd gears.
If O/D OFF light does not come ªONº when TCS
is depressed or if the light flashes when you are
driving, have your vehicle serviced at the first
opportunity. If this condition persists, damage could
occur to the transmission.
To return the transmission to normal operation (1st
through 4th gear) depress the TCS again. This
switch may be used to cancel overdrive any time
the vehicle is being driven. Each time your vehicle
is started, the overdrive system will automatically be
in the normal overdrive mode and the light will not
be illuminated.
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181
When to use D (Overdrive)Overdrive is the usual driving position for an
automatic overdrive transmission. It works the same
way Drive works, automatically upshifting or
downshifting as the vehicle speeds or slows.
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth gear Ð
an overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle cruises at
an appropriate consistent speed for any length of
time. This fourth gear will increase your fuel
economy when you travel at cruising speeds.When to use Drive (D Ð with
Transmission Control Switch activated)Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrain. If the transmission shifts back and forth
between Third and Fourth gears while you are
driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle does not
have adequate power for climbing hills, depress the
TCS.
You can depress the TCS at any speed.
When to use 2 (Second)Use 2 (Second) for start-up on slippery roads or to
give you more engine braking to slow your vehicle
on downgrades.When to use 1 (Low)Use 1 (Low) when driving down steep grades. It
gives more engine braking to slow your vehicle than
2 (Second) on the downgrades. You can upshift
from 1 (Low) to 2 (Second) or from 1 (Low) to
Overdrive at any speed.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
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
rotating.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the
ignition whenever you leave your vehicle.
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182
Youca n tel la console-mounte dgearshif tis securely
WARNING
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WARNING
Do no texcee dtheGVW Ror the

183
Limiting Your Vehicle's LoadThe load that you add to your vehicle must not
exceed the maximum load stated on the Safety
Compliance Certification Decal attached to the left
front door pillar.
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add the
weights of:q
the driver and passengers
q
luggage and any other items that you put in
your vehicle
q
the tongue load of the loaded trailer
q
the weight of any equipment that has been
added to your vehicle since it was delivered to
your dealerIf you do not know the actual weights of these
items, use the following procedure to figure the
weight of a load:
1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver,
passengers and luggage. You might take your
vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection
station for trucks.
2. Then weigh your vehicle with the driver,
passengers and luggage.
3. Subtract the first reading from the second to
figure the total weight of the load.
After determining this load, you must also make
sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus the
load it carries, is less than its GVWR. Also, make
sure that the weight your vehicle carries over each
axle is less than the GAWR for the respective axle.
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184
If you rvehicl eexceed sthe GVWR ,remov ecargo
WARNING
Imprope rdistributio nof you rvehicle's

185
WARNING
Towingtrailer sbeyon dthemaximum
WARNING
Do no tto w atraile rwhe nusin ga
Yo ushoul dals olimi tyou rtrailer' sloa dwhe nyou

186Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle's
bumper. The bumper is not designed to bear the
load.
Always check the pressure in all your vehicle's tires
when preparing to tow (see inflation
recommendation on the tire label).Using the hitchYour vehicle uses aload carryinghitch. Because
this type of hitch places the tongue load of a trailer
on the rear wheels of your vehicle, you must
distribute the load in your trailer so that only 10 to
15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the
tongue.
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and
change the weight on the hitch. This will prevent
damage to your vehicle and make your vehicle
easier to handle.
Connecting the safety chainsAlways attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the hitch
breaks.
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.
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WARNING
Do no tconnec ta trailer' shydraulic