1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII automatic transmission

83
IgnitionUnderstanding the Positions of the
IgnitionThe positions of the key in the ignitionACC allows some of your vehicle's electrical
accessories such as the radio and the windshield
wipers to operate while the engine is not running.NOTE:Your vehicle is also equipped with an
accessory timer. This allows some of your
accessories to remain on for up to 10 minutes after
the ignition is turned to the OFF position. The
accessory timer is cancelled if any door is opened,
the dimmer switch is used, or the ignition is turned
to the ON position.
The automatic transmission gearshift must be in P
(Park) to move the key to the LOCK position.
LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to protect
your vehicle from theft.
OFF allows you to shut off the engine.
File:05fncf8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 27 10:02:20 1996

136To operate the Heated Seat System:
1. Select mode.q
ªBothº to heat the seat back and seat cushion
q
ªBackº to heat the seat back only
2. Turn the knob to ªLOº (the lowest heat level).
Allow five minutes for the heat level to
stabilize.
3. If the heat level is not high enough for
comfort, select increased heat levels. Allow at
least two minutes for the heat level to stabilize
at any new level selected.
4. If the heated seat is not turned off, the seat
will heat up to the selected temperature level
each time the car is started.
NOTE:Cooling the seat down takes considerably
longer than increasing its heat level.
Auto-Glide SeatsAuto-Glide is a feature which automatically moves
the seat forward or rearward when the seatback is
tilted forward or rearward to allow ease of entry
into the rear seat.
NOTE:This feature can turned off. For more
information see theMessage Center Driver Settings
section in theInstrumentationchapter.
With the ignition OFF, the driver's seat Auto-Glide
will only function when the gearshift is in N
(Neutral) or P (Park), and at least one of the
vehicle's doors is open. If the ignition is ON,
Auto-Glide will function with the transmission
selector in N (Neutral) or P (Park).
With the ignition OFF, the passenger seat
Auto-Glide will only function when at least one of
the vehicle's doors are open. If the ignition is ON,
Auto-Glide will function. However, Auto-Glide will
operate while occupied during rear travel.
File:06fnss8.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 15:04:39 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.
File:09fngf8.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 10:45:23 1996

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.
File:09fngf8.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 10:45:23 1996

234Fluid level for power steeringUse only MERCONHATF power steering fluid.If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive your
vehicle for a long period of time before adding fluid.
This can damage the power steering pump.
Automatic Transmission FluidUnder normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since your
vehicle does not use up transmission fluid. Refer to
theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for replacement
intervals. However, if the transmission is not
working properly Ð for instance, the transmission
may slip or shift slowly, or you may notice some
sign of fluid leakage Ð the fluid level should be
checked.
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid level
at normal operating temperature150ÊF-170ÊF
(66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20 miles (30 km)
of driving. However, if necessary, you can check
the fluid level without having to drive 20 miles
(30 km) to obtain a normal operating temperature if
outside temperatures are above50ÊF(10ÊC).
File:11fnmc8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 14:28:32 1996

235
NOTE:If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in city traffic
during hot weather, or pulling a trailer, the vehicle
should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
the fluid to cool before checking.Checking the Automatic Transmission
FluidWith the vehicle on a level surface and the brake
fully applied, start the engine and move the gear
shift selector through all of the gears allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely
latch the gear shift selector in the P (Park) position.
Fully set the parking brake and leave the engine
running.
NOTE:Your vehicle should not be driven if the
fluid level does not appear on the dipstick tip and
outside temperatures are above50ÊF(10ÊC).
Wipe off the dipstick cap and pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back
into the filler tube and make sure it is fully seated.Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperatures150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC), thefluid
level should be within the ªHOTº notched area on
the dipstick. When the vehicle has not been driven,
and outside temperatures are above68ÊF(20ÊC),
the fluid levels should be between the ªHOTº
notch and the tip end of the dipstick.
Adding Automatic Transmission FluidBefore adding any fluid, be sure that the correct
type will be used. Use only MerconHFluid, as
shown on handle.
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (250ML) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level to the correct area
on the dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL. If the level is
above the top hole on the dipstick, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified technician.
File:11fnmc8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 14:28:32 1996

236NOTE:Always dispose of used automotive fluids in
a responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about
recycling automotive fluids.
Automatic transmission dipstick
BatteryYour vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. When the original
equipment battery is replaced under warranty it
may be replaced by a low-maintenance battery. See
Motorcraft Partsat the end of this chapter for the
proper replacement battery.
The low-maintenance battery has removable vent
caps for checking the electrolyte level and adding
water. The electrolyte level should be checked at
least every 24 months or 24,000 miles
(40,000 km) in temperatures up to90ÊF(32ÊC)
and more often in temperatures above90ÊF(32ÊC).
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the
level indicator. Do not overfill.
If the level gets low, refill the battery with distilled
water. If necessary, you can add tap water to the
battery, provided the water is not hard or does not
have a high mineral or alkali content. If the battery
needs water quite often, have the charging system
checked for a possible malfunction.
File:11fnmc8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 14:28:32 1996

296Anti-theft system
arming the system.......... 127
description............. 127
disarming an untriggered system.... 128
disarming a triggered system...... 128
triggering.............. 128
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 272
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 271
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............ 49
Autolamp system (see Headlamps).... 78
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive..... 177
fluid, adding............. 235
fluid, checking............ 235
fluid, refill capacities......... 264
fluid, specification.......... 265
Axle
lubricant specifications........ 265
refill capacities............ 264
B
Basic vehicle warranty........... 3
Battery................ 236
acid, treating emergencies....... 237
battery saver............. 126
charging system warning light..... 13
disconnecting............ 212
how to service............ 236
jumping a disabled battery....... 209
maintenance-free........... 236
proper disposal, recycling....... 237
replacement, specifications....... 263
servicing.............. 236
when storing your vehicle....... 268
Brake fluid............... 225
brake warning light.......... 10
checking and adding......... 225
description............. 225
specifications............ 265
File:fnix8.ex
Update:Thu Jun 27 10:02:38 1996