1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL instrument panel

The rear defroster control is located
on the instrument panel.
Press the defroster control to clear
the rear window of thin ice and fog.
²The small LED will illuminate
when the defroster is activated.
The ignition must be in the ON position to operate the rear window
defroster.
The defroster turns off automatically after 10 minutes or when the
ignition is turned to the OFF position. To manually turn off the defroster
before ten minutes have passed, push the control again.
CLOCK (IF EQUIPPED)
Press + to increase the time
displayed.
Press ± to decrease the time
displayed.
AUDIO SYSTEM
Refer to the ªAudio Guideº for instructions on how to operate the audio
system.
FRONT
REAR
NI
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N
O
CL
A
T
N
E
NI
T
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O
CL
A
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Controls and features
33

POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER CONTROLS
Rotate the windshield wiper control
to the desired interval, low or high
speed position.
The bars of varying length are for
intermittent wipers. When in this
position rotate the control upward
for fast intervals and downward for
slow intervals.
Push the control on the end of the
stalk to activate washer. Push and
hold for a longer wash cycle.
Windshield wiper/washer features
The exterior lamps will illuminate when the ignition is ON and the
windshield wiper control is in the interval, LO or HI position.
The instrument panel lighting will dim noticeably approximately
15 seconds after the wipers are turned on. The lights will remain in this
state until 30 seconds after the wipers are turned off.
3
1
2
5
4
OFFHI
LO
OFFHI
LO
Controls and features
34

Rear courtesy/reading lamps
The courtesy lamp lights when:
²any door is opened.
²when the instrument panel
dimmer switch is turned to the
courtesy lamp position.
²if any of the keyless entry keypad
controls are pressed and the
ignition is OFF.
With the ignition key in the ACC or ON position, the reading lamp can be
turned on by pressing the rocker control.
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 illuminate
briefly. 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 dealer as
soon as possible. Your system may be inoperative.
It is important that you understand the limitations of your
Lincoln RESCU System prior to initiating an activation. See
Lincoln RESCU System Limitationslater in this chapter for details.
The RESCU system can be activated in three ways:
S.O.S.INFO
S.O.S.INFO
i
i
S.O.S.
INFO
i
Controls and features
41

If a door is open, the system is prearmed and is waiting for the door to
close. The anti-theft indicator on the instrument panel will be lit
continuously when the system is prearmed.
Once the doors are closed, the system will arm in 30 seconds.
Disarming the system
You can disarm the system by any of the following actions:
²Unlock the doors by using your
remote entry transmitter.
²Unlock the doors by using your
keyless entry keypad.
²Unlock the doors with a key. Turn
the key full travel (toward the
front of the vehicle) to make sure
the alarm disarms.
²Turn ignition to ACC or ON.
SecuriLockYanti-theft system
The SecuriLockyanti-theft system provides an advanced level of vehicle
theft protection. Your vehicle's engine can only be started with the two
special SecuriLockyelectronically coded keys provided with your
vehicle. Each time you start your vehicle, the SecuriLockykey is read
by the SecuriLockyanti-theft system. If the SecuriLockykey
identification code matches the code stored in the SecuriLocky
anti-theft system, the vehicle's engine is allowed to start. If the
SecuriLockykey identification code does not match the code stored in
the system or if a SecuriLockykey is not detected (vehicle theft
situation), the vehicle's engine will not operate.
Spare SecuriLockykeys can be purchased from your dealership and
programmed to your SecuriLockyanti-theft system. Refer to
Programming spare SecuriLockykeysfor more information.
123
45678
90
Controls and features
64

Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front center of
the hood. Lift the hood until the lift
cylinders hold it open.
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.6L DOHC V8 engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Power steering fluid reservoir
BRAKE RELEASEHOOD
34
9
657
81021
Maintenance and care
127

Function Trade Number
Door mounted lamp (front) 214-2
Illuminated visor mirror 74
Overhead console reading lamp (without
moon roof)912
Passenger assist handle (rear seat) 211-2
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your dealer.
CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Refer to the ªCustomer Assistance Guideº for a list of Ford-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.
Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle. Remove any exterior
accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car wash.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Remove any bugs and tar
before waxing vehicle. Use cleaning fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth to
remove. Use tar remover to remove any tar spots.
Maintenance and care
155

²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. Use glass
cleaner or tar remover if necessary.
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the windshield and wiper
blades with undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild detergent.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the blades, do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
Maintenance and care
157

Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel.
ENGINE NUMBER
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if so equipped).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
AIR BAG
Capacities and specifications
165