1998 LINCOLN MARK VIII check oil

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you fuel your vehicle.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks, the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
MIN MAX
Maintenance and care
126

²Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Add engine oil through the oil filler
cap. Remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil in the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the MAX
mark on the dipstick.
Engine oil recommendations
Look for this certification mark.
Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C153-G.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the American
Petroleum Institute.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Maintenance and care
127

Changing the engine oil and filter
Change your engine oil and filter according to the following mileage and
time requirements, whichever occurs first:
²Normal Schedule ± 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or six months.
²Severe Duty Schedule - 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or three months.
Severe duty operation would include extensive idling, trailer towing,
driving in severe dust and police, taxi or delivery service.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, startup
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed at least once each
year:
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
MAX
MIN
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128

Keep a record for at least one month. This will provide an accurate
estimate of the vehicle's fuel economy.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the services listed in your ªService Guideº performed according
to the specified schedule.
The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in the ªService Guideº are
required because they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure, the
charging system warning light, the ªCheck Engineº light or the
temperature warning light. These events could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
If you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have
the dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive
if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill
you.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
Maintenance and care
144

²Backup lamps
²License plate lamp
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they will be replaced immediately. If a
bulb is removed for an extended period of time, contaminants may enter
the lamp housings and affect performance.
Replacing headlamp bulbs
The high beam headlamps on your vehicle use halogen bulbs. If the lamp
burns out, simply replace it with a new one.
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of
children's reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the headlamps are operated.
Unlike the high beam headlamps, the low beam headlamps on your
vehicle use a ªhigh intensity dischargeº source. These lamps operate at a
high voltage.
Low beam headlamps that flicker, are dim, or appear yellow or red
should be replaced using the following instructions provided the vehicle
is equipped with an orange sticker displayed near the front of the engine
compartment which reads WARNING: HIGH VOLTAGE.
Take your vehicle to your Lincoln Mercury dealer for service if:
²One or both of your low beam headlamp bulbs are burned out and the
orange sticker which reads WARNING: HIGH VOLTAGE is not
displayed near the front of the engine compartment or
²The message center displays ªCHECK HEADLAMPS.º
Replacing the low beam headlamp bulb
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the OFF position.
2. Lift the hood and disconnect the
battery ground cable.
3. Remove the sight shield located
above the headlamps.
Maintenance and care
146

Aiming headlamps ....................154
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................77
and child safety seats ..............78
description ................................77
disposal ......................................81
indicator light ...........................80
passenger air bag .....................79
Air suspension
description ................................97
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description ................................93
Anti-theft system ........................63
Battery .......................................135
Brake fluid
checking and adding ..............128
Brakes ..........................................93
anti-lock .....................................93
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................94
fluid, checking and adding ....128
Brake-shift interlock ...................97
Break-in period .............................2
Bulbs, replacing ........................145
specifications ..........................154
Changing a tire .........................115
Child safety seats ........................82
Chime
headlamps on ............................11
Cleaning your vehicle ...............156
engine compartment ..............157
fabric ........................................158
instrument panel ....................158
plastic parts ............................158
safety belts ..............................158
tail lamps .................................158
washing ....................................156
waxing .....................................156
wheels ......................................157
windows ..................................160
woodtone trim ........................160Climate control system
automatic temperature
control ..............34,35,36,37,38,39
Compass, electronic ...............22,23
Controls ..................................57,58
Defrost
rear window ..............................40
Emission control system ..........144
Engine ........................................164
service points ..........................125
Engine block heater ...................91
Engine coolant
checking and adding ..............130
disposal ....................................131
refill capacities ........................131
Engine oil ...........................126,127
changing oil and oil filter .......128
checking and adding .......126,127
Exhaust fumes ............................92
Floor mats ...................................58
Fuel
calculating fuel economy .......143
improving fuel economy ........106
octane rating ...........................142
quality ......................................142
running out of fuel .................143
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................141
Fuel gauge ...................................14
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......107
Fuse panels
instrument panel ....................109
power distribution box ...........113
Fuses ...................................108,109
Gauges, Mechanical ....................12
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................12
Hazard flashers .........................107
Headlamps ...................................32
daytime running lights .............32
flashing ......................................33
high beam .................................32
Index
168

Heating ........................................34
High beams
indicator light .............................8
Hood
release lever ............................124
Ignition
positions of the ignition ...........40
Instrument panel
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................33
Jump-starting
your vehicle ........................119,120
attaching cables ......................120
disconnecting cables ..............121
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................63
keypad .......................................60
programming entry code ....61,62
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............12
Lamps
headlamps ........................146,151
interior lamps ...........................52
map lamps .................................52
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............6
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ............................................6
charging system ..........................7
check engine ..........................9,10
cruise indicator ...........................8
oil pressure .................................7
overdrive off ..............................11
safety belt ...................................9
turn signal indicator ...................8
Lubricant specifications ...........163
Message center ...........................14
reset button ..............................20
Mirrors
cleaning ...................................160
side view mirrors (power) .......54Moon roof ....................................51
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................60
Parking brake ..............................94
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....161
Power door locks ........................54
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....132
Refill capacities for fluids ........162
Relays ........................................108
Remote entry system .................58
locking/unlocking doors ......58,59
Reporting safety defects ..........167
Safety restraints
automatic locking mode
(retractor) ............................73,74
extension assembly ..................75
for children ...............................81
lap and shoulder belts .............72
maintenance ..............................76
proper use .................................71
warning light and chime .....11,76
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ....86
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................83
in rear seat ................................86
tether anchorage hardware .....87
Seats ............................................66
adjusting the seat, power ........66
auto-glide ..................................69
heated seats ..............................67
lumbar support .........................68
rear seat access ........................70
Servicing your vehicle ..............123
precautions when servicing ...123
Speed control ..............................43
canceling a set speed ...............46
indicator light ...........................47
resuming a set speed ...............47
tap up/tap down .......................45
turning off .................................43
Index
169

Recommended fuel Unleaded fuel only -
91 octane (R+M/2)
Fuel tank capacity 68.1L (18.0 gallons)
Engine oil capacity (with filter
change)5.7L (6.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft
5W30 Super Premium Motor Oil,
Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-G
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity12.0L (12.8 quarts). Use
Motorcraft MERCONtVATF
(part# XT-5-QM), Ford
Specification WSS-M2C202-B
Tire pressure and size 30 psi (measured cold). Refer to
the label located on the front face
of the passenger's door jamb
Hood release Pull handle under the left side of
the instrument panel
Coolant capacity 15.1L (16.0 quarts)
Power steering fluid capacity Fill to line in reservoir. Use
Motorcraft MERCONtAT F
Ensure correct automatic transmission fluid is used for a specific
application. Check the container to verify the fluid is MERCONtand/or
MERCON Vtapproved. Some fluids have been approved as meeting both
MERCONtand MERCONtV requirements and will be labeled as such.
Fluids labeled as meeting only MERCONtor only MERCONtV
requirements must not be used interchangeably. DO NOT mix MERCONt
and MERCONtV. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated on the
dipstick or on the dipstick handle. Refer to your ªService Guideº to
determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
176