
Message center interface
During an activation, Lincoln RESCU communicates with the vehicle's
message center. Status messages describing the sequence of the steps
being executed are displayed, allowing you to visually follow the
activation process. The following messages are typical of those displayed
during an assistance request. They are as shown in the order in which
they would appear:
²INFO REQUEST or S.O.S REQUEST
²CALL IN PROGRESS
²RINGING RESPONSE CENTER
²SENDING LOCATION DATA
²DATA RECEIVED
²WAITING FOR OPERATOR
Once an assistance request is made, it will typically take less than one
minute until contact is made with an operator. During voice
communication the following messages will alternately toggle on the
display:
²CID XXXXXXXXXX
²LAT XXXXXXXXXX
²LON XXXXXXXXXX
²HDG XX
These messages respectively are the customer identification number,
vehicle latitude, vehicle longitude and heading. Under special conditions,
the operator may ask you to read the information being displayed on the
message center.
Automatic redial
As described previously, when an assistance request is made, the
vehicle's cellular phone automatically dials the Lincoln Security Response
Center's central computer and attempts to send an electronic data
message. On rare occasions, it can be difficult for the computer to
recognize the message if the cellular connection is weak or noisy. If the
transmission of the message is unsuccessful, the data call will be
terminated and the message ªREDIAL IN PROGRESSº will be displayed
on the message center. A second call will automatically be placed which
bypasses the response center's computer and is forwarded directly to an
operator.
Controls and features
60

Similarly, if the cellular call is disconnected by the network prior to
receipt of the termination tone, another call to the response center will
also automatically be dialed. The message ªREDIAL IN PROGRESSº will
be displayed on the message center and voice communication with an
operator will be restored.
During redial calls, full control of the cellular phone is returned to you.
Pressing either PWR or END on the cellular handset will terminate the
assistance request and reset the system.
Location data retransmit capability
During an activation, the Lincoln Security Response Center operator has
the capability to initiate a retransmission of the electronic data message.
This may be necessary to ensure a more precise determination of vehicle
location or to track a vehicle that is moving. To accomplish the
retransmit, a special tone is sent to the vehicle by the response center.
In this situation you will temporarily lose voice contact with the operator
and the messages ªSENDING LOCATION DATAº and ªDATA RECEIVEDº
will be respectively displayed on the message center. After the data
retransmission is complete, voice communication will be restored and the
CID, LAT, LON and HDG message will again alternately toggle on the
message center display.
Global positioning system
Vehicle location is continuously updated via Global Positioning System
(GPS) technology. GPS was developed by the U.S. Department of
Defense for worldwide navigational and positioning purposes. It utilizes a
constellation of 24 orbiting satellites located more than 20 000 km
(12 428 miles) above the earth. At any given time, several of the 24
satellites should be visible to the vehicle's GPS receiver. Based on the
time for signals emitted by these satellites to reach the receiver, an
on-board computer will determine the vehicle's location, typically within
30 meters (100 feet). In addition to latitude and longitude, the system
also determines heading and speed.
Vehicle positioning information is relayed to the Lincoln Security
Response Center only during roadside or emergency requests. The
response center will not be able to track your location while in an
inactive state.
Controls and features
61

system will operate but the response center will not be able to identify
your location. In this situation, the operator will depend on you to
provide verbal information regarding vehicle location.
²
Inoperative if cellular signal marginal or unavailable
Since the Lincoln RESCU System utilizes the vehicle's cellular phone, it
can only be operated in geographical areas with cellular coverage.
Although approximately 90 percent of the U.S. population lives and
works in cellular coverage areas, there are various rural or mountainous
areas where coverage is marginal or does not exist. If an activation
occurs in this situation, the messages ªNO CELLULAR SIGNALº and
ªWAITING TO ACQUIREº will alternately be displayed on the message
center. If after several attempts cellular service can not be acquired, the
message ªUNABLE TO PLACE CALLº will be displayed, the assistance
request will be terminated and the phone will return to its normal
operating mode.
²
Inoperative if cellular system is busy
In a particular area, the local cellular system can only handle a limited
number of cellular calls at one time. Once volume has reached the
maximum limit, additional callers are denied access. If an activation
occurs in this situation, the messages ªCELLULAR SYSTEM BUSYº and
ªPLEASE WAITº will alternately be displayed on the message center. If
after several attempts a cellular channel cannot be acquired, the message
ªUNABLE TO PLACE CALLº will be displayed, the assistance request
will be terminated and the phone will return to its normal operating
mode.
²
Incompatible with cellular PIN feature
Some cellular carriers offer custom phone numbers that are assigned a
personal identification number (PIN). In this situation, the user is
required to enter the PIN with any phone calls made over the network.
The PIN feature is not compatible with the Lincoln RESCU System. At
the time your phone is activated, ask your carrier to assign you a phone
number that does not require a personal identification number. If you
have difficulty obtaining a non-PIN number, contact you dealer or call
the Ford Cellular System Clearinghouse at 1±800±367±3357 for
assistance.
Controls and features
63

2. Locate the compass module
mounted at the base of mirror.
3. Turn the ignition to the ON
position.
4. Insert an appropriate diameter
rod (paperclip) into the right switch
access hole underneath the compass
module and gently press for 1 to 2
seconds until ZONE and the current
zone setting are displayed on the upper right corner of the mirror.
5. Release the switch, then slowly press it down again. Press the switch
repeatedly until the correct zone setting for your geographic location is
displayed on the upper right corner of the mirror.
6. To exit the zone setting mode, release pressure from the switch for
greater than two seconds.
Compass calibration adjustment
Perform this adjustment in an open area free from steel structures and
high voltage lines.
For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical accessories (heater/air
conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all vehicle doors are shut.
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Locate the compass module
mounted on the base of mirror.
3. Insert an appropriate diameter
rod (paperclip) into the left switch
access hole underneath the compass
module.
4. Gently press the switch for 1 to 2
seconds until CAL and a direction
are displayed on the upper right
corner of the mirror. (To exit CAL before performing a compass
adjustment, turn the ignition to OFF.)
Controls and features
72
![LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1999 Owners Manual 5. Release pressure from the switch.
6. Slowly drive the vehicle in a circle (less than 5 km/h [3 mph]) until
the CAL indicator turns off. This will take up to five circles to complete
calibration.
7. LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1999 Owners Manual 5. Release pressure from the switch.
6. Slowly drive the vehicle in a circle (less than 5 km/h [3 mph]) until
the CAL indicator turns off. This will take up to five circles to complete
calibration.
7.](/manual-img/15/6877/w960_6877-72.png)
5. Release pressure from the switch.
6. Slowly drive the vehicle in a circle (less than 5 km/h [3 mph]) until
the CAL indicator turns off. This will take up to five circles to complete
calibration.
7. The compass is now calibrated.
The compass display will remain on for approximately 40-45 minutes
after the ignition key is removed. The battery saver will then shut off the
display.
AUTOMATIC DIMMING INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle is equipped with inside and driver side outside rear view
mirrors with an auto-dimming function. The electronic day/night mirrors
will change from the normal state to the non-glare state when bright
lights (glare) reach the mirrors. When the inside rear view mirror detects
bright light from in front of or behind the vehicle, the inside and driver
side outside rear view mirrors will automatically adjust (darken) to
minimize glare.
Press the control to turn the mirror
on or off. The mirror will
automatically return to the normal
state whenever the vehicle is placed
in R (reverse)(when the mirror is
on) to ensure a bright clear view
when backing up.
Do not clean the housing or glass of
any mirror with harsh abrasives, fuel
or other petroleum-based cleaning
products.
On vehicles equipped with a moonroof, the automatic rear view mirror
has two map lamps. Refer toInterior lampsfor more information.
Controls and features
73

AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
Important supplemental restraint system (SRS) precautions
The supplemental restraint system
is designed to work with the safety
belt to help protect the driver and
right front passenger from certain
upper body injuries.
Air bags DO NOT inflate slowly or
gently and the risk of injury from a
deploying air bag is greatest close to
the trim covering the air bag
module.
All occupants of the vehicle including the driver should always
properly wear their safety belts even when air bag SRS is
provided.
Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back
seat and always use appropriate child restraints.
RESUME
SET ACCEL
COAST
OFF
ONMEM
BANDVOL
TEMP FAN
80
MPH km/h
ABS
P!BRAKE
+ –
RPMx1000NORMT/C
ACTIVECHEFFILL ON RIGHT
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON AIR
BAG ANTI
THEFT0 123456
7
0 2060
80
100
1200 204060100
120
140
160
180
200
40
000000.0
SYSTEM
DRIVER ID
MENU
TRIP
RESETSELECT
DISPLAY
DTE ECONVEHICLE HANDLINGNITNOCLATNE
OFFHI
LOVOL
PUSH ONTAPE
MUTESEEK
TUNE
AM
FM
REW
FFSIDE 1 2
COMP
SHUFF
EXT
OFFMAX
A/CCDEJ
RDS
SCAN AUTO
AUTO
123
4
56FRONT
REAR
BASS
TREBSELBAL
FADE
HIHI
OFF OFFBACK
BOTH BOTHBACK00
P0FFLIGHTS
AUTO
LAMP
SRS
HEATED SEATS
Seating and safety restraints
101

Wheel-speed sensors allow excess front wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the front
brakes in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque
reduction is realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection
systems. This process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast
acting. The front wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a
second and adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads.
During Traction Controlyoperation, TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE is
displayed on the message center. You may hear an electric motor type of
sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior.
If you should become stuck in snow or on a very slippery road surface,
try switching the Traction Controlysystem off. This may allow excess
wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out or enable a successful ªrockingº
maneuver. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrumentationchapter.
If the Traction Controlysystem is cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to prevent the front brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Controlyfunction using only engine
torque reduction will still control wheels from over-spinning. When the
front brakes have cooled down, the system will again function normally.
Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will function
normally during the cool down period.
If a system fault is detected, CHECK TRACTION CONTROL is displayed
on the message center and your vehicle should be serviced.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.
Driving
123

Flat tire warning
If the sensors detect a tire pressure lower than 68 kPa (10 psi), the LOW
TIRE PRESSURE warning will appear in the overhead console and the
message WARNING LOW TIRE PRESSURE will be displayed in the
message center, indicating an impending flat tire. If this condition occurs,
your SecuriTire requires service as soon as possible. Refer toServicing
your SecuriTires.
The Pressure Alert System will activate only when the vehicle is moving
faster than 15 km/h (10 mph).
Servicing your SecuriTires
If you cannot service your SecuriTire immediately, replace it with your
temporary spare as soon as safely possible.
Your temporary spare tire can be used until your SecuriTire has been
repaired.
It is recommended that you always have your SecuriTires serviced by an
authorized Michelin tire dealer.Each SecuriTire is equipped with a
pressure sensor around the wheel rim. This sensor could be
damaged when removing and installing the tire.Servicing a
SecuriTire at locations other than your Michelin tire dealer may
adversely affect your warranty.
If you have questions concerning your SecuriTires or servicing, please
call the Michelin Tire Information Line at 1-800-847-3435 or contact your
local Michelin tire dealer.
INFORMATION ABOUT TIRE QUALITY GRADES
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have their Tire Quality Grade
(described below) molded into the
tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards
that the United States Department
of Transportation has set.
Maintenance and care
170