2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL engine

²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
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 engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks can be heard.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
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166

Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Motor oil displaying the API certification trademark will meet all
requirements for your vehicle's engine.
Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C153-G.
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.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
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, start-up
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.
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167

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling
system components.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
Your engine's cooling system has been factory-filled with a 50/50 mixture
of distilled water and Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in
Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B), or an equivalent premium engine coolant
that meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
A50/50 mixtureof distilled water and Ford Premium Engine Coolant
provides:
²maximum cooling system efficiency.
²freeze protection down to -36É C (-34É F).
²boiling protection up to 129É C (265É F).
²protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
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169

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
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170

Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its
specified function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
Use only Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in
Canada, Motorcraft CXC-10) or a premium engine coolant that
meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
²DO NOT USE Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant
F6AZ-19544-AA (orange in color).
²DO NOT USE a DEX-COOLtengine coolant or an equivalent
engine coolant that meets Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D.
²DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine
coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze.
²DO NOT USE supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle.
These additives may harm your engine's cooling system.
²DO NOT MIX recycled coolant and conventional coolant
together in your vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants may harm
your engine's cooling system.
²The use of an improper coolant may harm engine and cooling
system components and may void the warranty of your vehicle's
engine cooling system. If you are unsure which type of coolant
your vehicle requires, contact your local dealer.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
reservoir. If engine coolant is sprayed onto the windshield, it
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
When the engine is cool, add a50/50 mixtureof engine coolant and
distilled water to the engine coolant reservoir, until the coolant is at the
ªcold fill levelº or within the ª cold fill rangeº as listed in the engine
coolant reservoir (depending upon application).
²NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
²NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
²Engine coolant concentrations above 60% or below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
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171

Plain water may be added in an emergency, but youmustreplace it with
a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the reservoir before you drive your vehicle the
next few times (with the engine cool). If necessary, add a50/50
mixtureof engine coolant and distilled water to the engine coolant
reservoir until the coolant level is at the ªcold fill levelº or within the
ªcold fill rangeº as listed on the reservoir (depending upon application).
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have
to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.
To avoid scalding hot steam or coolant from being released from
the engine cooling system, never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is running or hot. Failure to follow this warning may result
in damage to the engine's cooling system and possible severe personal
injury.
If you must remove the radiator cap, follow these steps to avoid personal
injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends the use of a recycled engine coolant
produced by Ford-approved processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant which meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44-A. Use of a recycled engine coolant which
does not meet the Ford specification may harm engine and cooling
system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
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172

Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this chapter.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36É C [±34É F]):
²it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
²NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
²increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
²it is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
²NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
²decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
Maintenance and care
173

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
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174