1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII service

149
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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:
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the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
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the readiness light will not light immediately
after ignition is turned on,
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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.
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170Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:q
your vehicle is raised for service
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the sound of the exhaust system changes
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your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an
open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, adjust
the heating or air conditioning system to bring in
outside air.
If you use the Electronic Automatic Climate
Control, set the fan speed selector dial to a medium
or high blower speed with the VENT or PNL-FLR
function buttons pressed.
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171
DrivingBrakesApplying the BrakesYour 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 brakes at each wheel independently
whenever your wheels start to lock. When this
happens, you will feel the brake pedal pulsate. This
is an indication that the ABS is working correctly
and is normal.
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.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
equipment is installed in your vehicle and, if either
the anti-lock brake system cycles or the ANTI-LOCK
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Update:Wed Jun 19 10:45:23 1996

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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188If you tow in D (Overdrive) while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, press the
Transmission Control Switch located on the shift
lever. This will also give the engine more power
going up hills and better engine braking going down
hills.
If you use the speed control while you are towing
on very long, steep grades, the speed control may
shut off.
Servicing Your Vehicle If You TowIf you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle
will need to be serviced more frequently than usual.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
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207
NOTE:Never use the differential housing as a lift
point.
The slot for the jack
2. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the wheel
clears the ground. Remove the wheel lug nuts.
3. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making
sure that the air valve stem is facing outward.
4. Reinstall the lug nuts, tightening until the
wheel is snug against the hub. The beveled
edges on the lug nuts face inward. Do not fully
tighten the lug nuts until you lower the
vehicle. If you do, you could force the vehicle
off the jack.
5. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise.
6. Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug nuts
in the order shown in the following illustration.
As soon as possible, have your dealer or a
qualified service technician check the lug nuts
for proper torque specifications.
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213
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while to
let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions. Drive it
around for a while with all electrical accessories
turned off to let the battery recharge. Driveability
may be deteriorated slightly until all drive modes
are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to use a battery
charger to fully recharge the battery.
If you need to replace your battery, seeBatteryin
theMaintenance and Carechapter.
Towing Your VehicleIf you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a
professional towing service or, if you are a member,
your roadside assistance center. Typical towing
options include wheel lift towing or flat bed towing.
Front towing
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215
Maintenance and CareService Made EasyFord 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:q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your vehicle
easy. The maintenance schedule is located in
theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.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 yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner
Maintenance Checks listed in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet be performed for the proper
operation of your vehicle. In addition to the
conditions listed in theOwner 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.
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Update:Thu Jun 20 14:28:32 1996