2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL message center

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.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
Driving
128

If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn components in steering linkage
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
SeeElectronic Message Centerin theInstrumentationchapter for
personalized adjustment.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked by your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The air suspension system is designed to improve ride, handling and
general vehicle performance during:
²certain road conditions
²steering maneuvers
²braking
²accelerations
This system keeps the rear of your vehicle at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the springs.
If you exceed the load limit, the rear air suspension may not operate and
the system warning CHECK RIDE CONTROL may appear on the message
center.
Driving
129

The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
1 5A Lighting Control Module: Anti-Theft
Indicator Lamp, PWM Dimming Output,
Illumination Lamps for Microphone, RR and
LR Door Ashtrays, Heated Seat Switches,
Rear Defrost Control Switch, EATC Control
Panel, Message Center Switches, Speed
Control Switches, Cigar Lighter, Console
and Ashtray
2 10A Data Link Connector (DLC), Powertrain
Control Module (PCM)
3 15A Multi-Function Switch, Cornering Lamps,
High Beam and Turn Signal Input to LCM
4 10A
Power Door Locks and Power Windows
Switch Backlights, Radio, Mobile Telephone
Transceiver, Lighting Control Module, (RUN/
ACC Sense), Electronic Day/Night Mirror
12345
7891011
17
13 14 15 16
19 20 21
25 26 27 28 29
31 30
36
6
12
18
24
32
33 34 35
37 38 39 40 41
2223
Roadside emergencies
145

The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
1 5A Lighting Control Module: Anti-Theft
Indicator Lamp, PWM Dimming Output,
Illumination Lamps for Microphone, RR and
LR Door Ashtrays, Heated Seat Switches,
Rear Defrost Control Switch, EATC Control
Panel, Message Center Switches, Speed
Control Switches, Cigar Lighter, Console
and Ashtray
2 10A Data Link Connector (DLC), Powertrain
Control Module (PCM)
3 15A Multi-Function Switch, High Beam and
Turn Signal Input to LCM
4 10A Power Door Locks and Power Windows
Switch Backlights, Radio, Lighting Control
Module, (RUN/ACC Sense), Electronic
Day/Night Mirror
12345
7891011
17
13 14 15 16
19 20 21
25 26 27 28 29
31 30
36
6
12
18
24
32
33 34 35
37 38 39 40 41
2223
Roadside emergencies
148

The engine coolant must be maintained at the correct fluid level
and concentration to work properly. If the engine coolant fluid
level and concentration is not maintained correctly, damage to
the engine and cooling system may result.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
²The engine coolant should be at the ªcold fill levelº as listed on the
engine coolant reservoir.
²If the engine coolant reservoir becomes empty, the LOW ENGINE
COOLANT warning will illuminate in the message center.
²Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for service interval
schedules.
²Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If this occurs,
the LOW ENGINE COOLANT warning will illuminate and you will need
to add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding engine coolant
in this chapter.
COLD FILL
LEVEL
Maintenance and care
170

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 UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
²Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Maintenance and care
183

set zone adjustment ............70,72
Console ........................................78
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat .................................92
steering column ........................48
Coolant
checking and adding ..............169
refill capacities .................173,209
specifications ...................210,211
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................49
Customer Assistance ................141
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................221
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................214
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............220
Getting roadside assistance ...141
Getting the
service you need ....................214
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................224
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................217
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............220
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................22
Defrost
rear window ..............................29
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................174
engine oil .................................165
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........210
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................135Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................156
Emission control system ..........195
Engine ........................................211
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................8
cleaning ...................................206
coolant .....................................169
idle speed control ...................177
lubrication
specifications ...................210,211
refill capacities ........................209
service points ..........................164
starting after a collision .........142
Engine block heater .................122
Engine oil ..................................165
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................165
checking and adding ..............165
dipstick ....................................165
filter, specifications .........167,209
recommendations ...................167
refill capacities ........................209
specifications ...................210,211
Exhaust fumes ..........................123
Floor mats ...................................79
Fluid capacities .........................209
Fuel ............................................187
calculating
fuel economy ................20,21,192
cap ...........................................189
capacity ...................................209
choosing the right fuel ...........190
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................195
detergent in fuel .....................191
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................187,189,192
filter, specifications .........191,209
fuel filler door override ............78
fuel filler door release ..............78
fuel pump shut-off switch .....142
Index
227

charging system ........................11
high beam .................................10
oil pressure ...............................11
safety belt ...................................9
service engine soon ....................8
traction control active ..............11
turn signal indicator .................10
Load limits .................................135
GAWR ......................................135
GVWR ......................................135
trailer towing ..........................135
Locks
autolock .....................................88
childproof ..................................77
doors ..........................................74
Lubricant specifications ....210,211
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................155
Lumbar support, seats ...............94
Message center .................14,16,20
air leveling disabled .................14
air ride switch off .....................14
check air ride system ...............14
check air suspension ................14
menu button .............................19
reset button ..............................20
system check button ................16
warning messages .....................17
Mirrors .........................................65
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................73
cleaning ...................................205
heated ........................................77
programmable memory ............84
side view mirrors (power) .......76
Moon roof ....................................65
Motorcraft parts .................191,209
Octane rating ............................190
Odometer .....................................13
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................165
Overdrive ...................................131
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry system ..................82Parking brake ............................126
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....209
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................151
Power door locks ........................74
Power steering ...................128,129
fluid, checking and adding ....174
fluid, refill capacity ................209
fluid, specifications ..........210,211
Radio ............................................30
Relays .................................143,152
Remote entry system ............81,82
illuminated entry ......................84
locking/unlocking doors ...........81
opening the trunk .....................82
panic alarm ...............................82
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................83
replacing the batteries .............82
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ................12,95,96,97,98
Safety defects, reporting ..........225
Safety restraints ...........95,96,97,98
belt minder .............................100
cleaning
the safety belts ................104,208
extension assembly ..................99
for adults .........................96,97,98
for children .............................112
lap belt ......................................99
warning light
and chime ........................9,11,100
Safety seats for children ..........113
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............95
Seats ............................................92
child safety seats ....................113
cleaning ............................207,208
easy access/easyout feature ....95
heated ........................................94
memory seat .............................84
Index
229