2000 LINCOLN LS check engine

and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. Refer toEngine
coolantin theMaintenance and carechapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your dealer as soon as safely possible.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM.Displayed when the electrical system is
not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical accessories
when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of the
electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes on
when the engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible.
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED.Indicates the transmission is
overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads or when
driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended period of time.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it
cool. Check the transmission fluid and level. Refer toTransmission
fluidin theMaintenance and carechapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your dealer for transmission service as
soon as possible.
CHECK TRANSMISSION.Indicates the transmission is not operating
properly. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as
possible.
LOW FUEL LEVEL.Displayed when you have approximately 80 km
(50 miles) to empty.
LOW BRAKE FLUID.Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toChecking and
adding brake fluidin theMaintenance and carechapter.
CHECK TAIL LAMPS.Displayed when the tail lamps are activated and
at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as safely possible
and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK BRAKE LAMPS.Displayed when the brake lamps are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. The center
high-mount brakelamp is not monitored.
CHECK FRT TURN LAMPS.Displayed when the turn signals are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK SIDE REPEATER LAMPS (if equipped).Displayed when
the turn signals are activated and at least one is burned out. Check the
lamps as soon as safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
Instrumentation
23

CHECK REAR TURN LAMPS.Displayed when the turn signals are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK TRACTION CONTROL (if equipped).Displayed when the
Traction Controlysystem is not operating properly. If this message is
displayed on the message centerandthe amber T/C OFF light in the
Traction Controlyon/off switch isnotilluminated, the Traction
Controlysystem will be partially operable. If this warning stays on,
contact your dealer for service as soon as possible. For further
information, refer toTraction controlyin theDrivingchapter.
CHECK ADVANCETRAC (if equipped).Displayed when the
AdvanceTracysystem is not operating properly. If this message is
displayed on the message center the AdvanceTracysystem will be
partially operable. If this warning stays on while the engine is running,
contact your dealer for service as soon as possible. For further
information, refer toAdvanceTracystability enhancement systemin
theDrivingchapter.
TRUNK AJAR.Displayed when the trunk is not completely closed.
LOW WASHER FLUID.Indicates the washer fluid reservoir is less than
one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer toChecking and
adding washer fluidin theMaintenance and carechapter.
CHECK AC (cabin) FILTER.Displayed when the AC cabin filter life
remaining is 5 percent or less. When AC Filter life left is between 5%
and 0%, the CHANGE AC FILTER SOON message will be displayed.
When AC Filter life left reaches 0%, the AC FILTER CHANGE
REQUIRED message will be displayed.
To reset the AC Filter monitoring system to 100% after each AC Filter
change:
1. Press the STATUS control to
access the System Check function,
the message center will display AC
FILTER XXX% RESET FOR NEW.
2. Press and hold the RESET
control to set to 100%, the message
center will display IF NEW FILTER
HOLD RESET.
%
Instrumentation
24

3. After a successful reset, the
message center will display AC
FILTER LIFE SET TO 100%.
CHANGE OIL SOON/OIL CHANGE REQUIRED.Displayed when the
engine oil life remaining is 5 percent or less. When oil life left is between
5% and 0%, the CHANGE OIL SOON message will be displayed. When oil
life left reaches 0%, the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message will be
displayed.
An oil change is required whenever indicated by the message center.
USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
To reset the oil monitoring system to 100% after each oil change
[approximately 8 000 km (5 000 miles) or 180 days] perform the
following:
1. Press the STATUS control to
access the System Check function.
Press RESET to reset oil %.
2. Press and hold the RESET
control to set to 100%.
3. After a successful reset, the
message center will display OIL
LIFE SET TO 100%.
To reset the oil monitoring system to your personalized oil life %:
1. Press the STATUS control to
access the System Check function.
Press RESET to reset oil %.
2. Press RESET and SETUP
controls at the same time to activate
a service mode which will display
OIL LIFE XX% RESET TO ALTER.
%
%
%
%
%
Instrumentation
25

If there is any anti-theft problem with your vehicle, ensureALL coded
keysfor that vehicle are brought to the dealership, to aid in
troubleshooting.
The SecuriLockypassive anti-theft system is not compatible with
aftermarket remote start systems. Use of these systems may result in
vehicle starting problems and a loss of security protection. Large metallic
objects, electronic devices on the key chain that can be used to purchase
gasoline or similar items, or a second key on the same key ring as the
PATS ignition key may cause vehicle starting concern and record DTC's
under certain conditions. If present, you need to keep these objects from
touching the PATS ignition key while starting the engine. These objects
and devices cannot damage the PATS ignition key, but can cause a
momentary concern if they are too close to the key during engine start. If
a problem occurs, turn ignition OFF and restart the engine with all other
objects on the key ring held away from the ignition key. Check to make
sure the encoded ignition key is an approved Ford encoded ignition key.
Spare coded keys can be purchased from your dealership and
programmed to your anti-theft system. Refer toProgramming spare
SecuriLockykeysfor more information.
If one or both of your coded keys are lost or stolen and you want to
ensure the lost or stolen key will not operate your vehicle, bring your
vehicle and all available coded keys to your dealership for reinitialization.
Theft indicator
When the ignition is turned to RUN or START, the theft indicator in the
instrument cluster will light for three seconds and then go out (indicates
proper anti-theft system operation). If the key is in the ignition and the
theft indicator stays on for an extended period of time or flashes rapidly,
have the system serviced by your dealership or a qualified technician.
Programming spare SecuriLockYkeys
Spare coded keys can be purchased from your dealership and
programmed to your anti-theft system (up to a total of eight keys). Your
dealership can program your new coded key(s) to your vehicle or you
can do it yourself using the following simple procedure. To program a
new coded key yourself, you will need two previously programmed coded
keys (keys that already operate your vehicle's engine). If two previously
programmed coded keys are not available (one or both of your original
keys were lost or stolen), you must bring your vehicle to your dealership
to have the spare coded key(s) programmed.
Controls and features
108

PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine's idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have
the vehicle checked. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than 10
minutes at high engine RPM.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraintschapter.
Starting
144

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23ÉC
(-10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do
not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and
could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
²the vehicle is raised for service.
²the sound of the exhaust system changes.
²the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).
Starting
147

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metalº, ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Driving
149

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.
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.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
The Traction Controlysystem helps maintain the stability and
steerability of your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces. The system operates at all speeds by detecting and
controlling wheel spin. The system borrows many of the electronic and
mechanical elements already present in the anti-lock braking system
(ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear 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 rear 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
rear 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. This is especially evident if wheel spin-up should occur
while turning.
During Traction Controlyoperation 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.
Driving
152