2001 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL brakes

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 weight - kg (lbs.)454 (1 000)*
Maximum tongue load - kg (lbs.)45/68 (100/150)
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.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Driving
128

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10% of
the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system directly to your vehicle's
lighting system. To get the proper equipment for hooking up your
trailer's lamps, see your Lincoln Mercury dealer. Be sure to follow their
instructions carefully.
Driving
129

BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only brake fluids certified to
meet Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant specificationsin the
Capacities and specificationschapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use DOT 5 or any other brake fluid that is not DOT 3 or
DOT 4, you will cause permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry, this may
cause the brakes to fail.
MAX
Maintenance and care
156

Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird droppings
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which appear
coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
Maintenance and care
195

A
Accessory delay ..........................66
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..................97, 101
and child safety seats ..............99
description ........................97, 101
disposal ....................................104
driver air bag ....................99, 102
indicator light .............9, 101, 103
operation ...........................99, 102
passenger air bag .............99, 102
side air bag ..............................101
Air cleaner filter .......................200
Air conditioning ..........................27
automatic temperature
control system ..........................27
Air filter, cabin ..........................167
Air suspension ...........................120
description ..............................120
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................157
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................116±117
Anti-theft system ........................69
arming the system ....................70
disarming a triggered system ..71
Audio system (see Radio) .........34
Automatic transaxle .................121
driving with .............................123
fluid, adding ............................163
fluid, checking ........................163
fluid, refill capacities ..............200
fluid, specification ..................202
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........201B
Battery .......................................165
acid, treating emergencies .....165
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....144
maintenance-free ....................165
replacement, specifications ...200
servicing ..................................165
Belt minder .................................93
Brakes ........................................116
anti-lock ...........................116±117
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........10, 117
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....156
fluid, refill capacities ..............200
fluid, specifications .........201±202
lubricant specifications ..201±202
shift interlock ..........................121
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....200
CD changer .................................44
Certification Label ....................203
Child safety restraints ..............104
child safety belts ....................104
Child safety seats ......................105
attaching with tether straps ..109
in front seat ............................107
in rear seat ..............................107
Cleaning your vehicle ...............194
engine compartment ..............197
exterior ............................195±196
exterior lamps .........................196
instrument cluster lens ..........198
Index
218

Heating ........................................27
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage door
opener) ..................................57±60
Hood ..........................................151
I
Ignition .................................49, 202
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................105
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................185
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................198
cluster ..................................8, 198
lighting up panel and interior .26
location of components ..............8
J
Jack ............................................140
positioning ...............................140
storage .....................................140
Jump-starting your vehicle ......144
K
Keyless entry system .................76
autolock .....................................78
keypad .......................................76
programming entry code .........77
Keys .................................49, 79±81
key in ignition chime ...............12
positions of the ignition ...........49L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................26
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................191
cargo lamps ...............................26
daytime running light ...............25
headlamps .................................25
headlamps, flash to pass ..........26
instrument panel, dimming .....26
interior lamps ...................56, 191
replacing bulbs .......186, 188±191
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................49
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ..........................................9
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 117
brake ..........................................10
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 .................................126
GAWR ......................................126
GVWR ......................................126
trailer towing ..........................126
Locks
autolock .....................................78
childproof ..................................67
doors ..........................................64
Lubricant specifications ...201±202
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................143
Lumbar support, seats ...............86
Index
221