2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL towing capacity

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.
²GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the trailer.
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 designed 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.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
The Certification Label, found on the inside pillar of the driver's door,
lists several important vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding
any additional equipment, refer to these limitations. If you are adding
weight to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added
to the cab), the weight added should not exceed the front axle reserve
capacity (FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front
axle reserve capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e.
restrict the number of passengers or amount of cargo carried).
Driving
136

You may add equipment throughout your vehicle if the total weight
added is equal to or less than the total axle reserve capacity (TARC)
weight. You should NEVER exceed the total axle reserve capacity.
Always ensure that the weight of passengers, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
your vehicle including both gross vehicle weight and Front and rear
gross axle weight rating limits. Under no circumstance should these
limitations be exceeded. Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation
could result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing vehicle. Refer to the
following chart for towing limits:
Towing classLight duty
Maximum gross trailer weight454 kg (1 000 lbs.)*
Maximum tongue load45/68 kg (100/150 lbs.)
Engine4.6L
Hitch designLoad carrying type
Trailer-tow package optionNot required
* Vehicle speed should not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) when towing on
grades. Limit maximum gross trailer weight to 454 kg (1 000 lbs.) and
maximum tongue load to 45/68 kg (100/150 lbs.): (1) when you are
towing a trailer on steep hills or on moderate hills for distances longer
than 8 km (5 miles) or more and; (2) on very hot days (when the
temperature is above 38ÉC [100ÉF])
Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to tow.
However, you can contact your local Lincoln dealer to get the proper
towing equipment. 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.
Do not tow a trailer when using a temporary spare tire.
The amount of weight your loaded trailer should be no more than 907 kg
(2 000 lbs.).
Driving
137

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