1998 LINCOLN MARK VIII transmission

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift in N (Neutral),
the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal
down while in this gear.
D (Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
P R N D 2 1
P R N D 2 1
Driving
100

D (Overdrive) can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever. The Message Center O/D OFF
indicator will illuminate.
D (Drive)± Activate by pressing the transmission control switch on the
side of the gearshift lever. The transmission operates in gears one
through three. D (Drive) provides more engine braking than
(Overdrive) and is useful whenever driving conditions (i.e., city
traffic, hilly terrain, etc.) cause the transmission to excessively shift
between
(Overdrive) and D (Drive). Also deactivate(Overdrive)
when:
²driving with a heavy load
²towing a trailer up or down steep hills
²additional engine braking is desired.
To return to
(Overdrive) mode, press the transmission control switch.
The Message Center O/D OFF indicator will no longer be illuminated.
Every time the vehicle is shut off and restarted, you must press the
transmission control switch to cancel overdrive operation if driving in
overdrive is not desired.
O/ D
OFF
Driving
101

2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on
slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on
downgrades.
1 (First)
Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum
engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts can be made
by shifting to 2 (Second) or to
(Overdrive). Selecting 1 (Low)
at higher speeds causes the
transmission to shift to a lower gear,
and will shift to 1 (Low) after
vehicle decelerates to the proper
speed.
P R N D 2 1
P R N D 2 1
Driving
102

VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum total weight of
the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The
GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum combined
weight of towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the
trailer. The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight that the
vehicle is allowed to tow.
²Maximum Trailer Weight Rating: Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
²Maximum Trailer Weight: maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
²Trailer Weight Range: Specified weight range that the trailer must
fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
Driving
103

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the
originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (truck)/wheel rims (car).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing vehicle. It does not come
from the factory fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are available
through Ford or Mercury/Lincoln dealers. Do not tow a trailer until your
vehicle has been driven at least 3 200 km (2 000 miles).
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.
The amount of weight your loaded trailer should be no more than 907 kg
(2 000 lbs.).
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Driving
104

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10 ±
15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the
trailer's safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Driving
105

Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to the Severe Duty Schedule in your
ªService Guideº for more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on
a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Fuel economy can be improved by avoiding:
²lack of regular, scheduled maintenance.
²excessive speed.
²rapid acceleration.
²extended idle.
Driving
106

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
25 10A Steering Column/Ignition/Lighting Module
(Right Low-Beam Headlamp)
26 15A Steering Column/Ignition/Lighting Module
(Courtesy Lighting, Demand Lighting)
27 Ð Not Used
28 10A Instrument Cluster, I/P Warning Indicator
Display, Air Suspension/EVO Steering
Module, Rear Window Defrost Module,
Steering Wheel Position Sensor,
Transmission Control Switch
29 Ð Not Used
30 10A Heated Mirrors
31 10A Steering Column/Ignition/Lighting Module
(Park Lamps)
32 15A Brake On/Off Switch, Brake Pressure
Switch
33 Ð Not Used
34 15A Heated Seats, Backup Lamps, Speed
Control, Daytime Running Lamps, A/C
Cycling Switch, Digital Transmission Range
Sensor, Intake Manifold Runner Control
Module
35 10A Driver's Power and Heated Seats
36 Ð Not Used
37 Ð Not Used
38 10A Data Link Connector
39 Ð Not Used
40 Ð Not Used
41 10A Keyless Entry, Power Door Locks, Power
Mirror Switch, Memory/Recall Switch,
Driver's Door Module
Roadside emergencies
112