2002 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL service

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 specification ESA-M6C25±A. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter. 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 Specifications
215

If this warning appears, check the pressure in your tires as soon as
possible and adjust any tire that is low to the recommended air pressure
level.
If the warning remains on after you have adjusted the tires to the
recommended air pressure levels, take your vehicle to an authorized
Lincoln/Mercury dealer for service.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
219

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.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Maintenance and Specifications
220

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONt
AT FAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Fuel tank N/A All 75.7L (20.0
gallons)
Automatic
transaxle
3Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FAll 13.0L (13.7
quarts)
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 3.4L (3.6 quarts)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
2Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant Specificationsin this chapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONtand
MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Maintenance and Specifications
225

For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
²When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
²The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems - such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
²Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use or are not properly installed. When operated, such systems may
cause the engine to stumble or stall or cause the transmission to be
damaged or operate improperly. In addition, such systems may be
damaged or their performance may be affected by operating your
vehicle. (Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers and
other transmitters with outputs of five watts or less will not ordinarily
affect your vehicle's operation.)
²Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or damage
that may result from the use of such equipment.
Accessories
233

plastic parts ....................186±187
safety belts ..............................189
washing ....................................184
waxing .....................................184
wheels ......................................185
windows ..................................189
wiper blades ............................187
Clock ............................................55
Compass, electronic ....................60
calibration .................................62
set zone adjustment .................61
Console ........................................56
Controls
power seat ...............................103
steering column ........................67
Coolant
checking and adding ..............199
refill capacities ................203, 224
specifications ..................226±227
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................63
Customer Assistance ................154
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................190
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................176
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................180
Getting roadside assistance ...154
Getting the service you
need .........................................174
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................181
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................177
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................180D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................40
Defrost
rear window ..............................39
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................216
engine oil .................................194
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........226
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................148
E
Electronic message center .........76
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................167
Emission control system ..........212
Engine ........................................227
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................186
coolant .....................................199
idle speed control ...................197
lubrication
specifications ..................226±227
refill capacities ........................224
service points ..........................193
starting after a collision .........155
Engine block heater .................136
Engine oil ..................................194
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................194
checking and adding ..............194
Index
235

Hood ..........................................192
I
Ignition ...............................133, 227
Infant seats (see Safety
seats) .........................................126
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................213
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................187
cluster ................................10, 188
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................41
J
Jack ............................................163
positioning ...............................163
storage .....................................163
Jump-starting your vehicle ......167
K
Keyless entry system .................94
autolock .....................................97
keypad .......................................94
programming entry code .........95
Keys .........................87, 97±98, 100
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition .........133
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................41
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................46
cargo lamps ...............................41
daytime running light ...............40headlamps .................................40
headlamps, flash to pass ..........41
instrument panel, dimming .....41
interior lamps .....................45, 47
replacing bulbs ....... 46±47, 49±52
Lane change indicator (see
Turn signal) .................................44
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....11, 139
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12
high beam .................................13
oil pressure ...............................12
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ..................10
traction control active ..............12
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................148
GAWR ......................................148
GVWR ......................................148
trailer towing ..........................148
Locks
autolock .....................................97
childproof ..................................87
doors ..........................................87
Lubricant specifications ...226±227
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................166
Lumbar support, seats .............105
M
Message center ...............76, 78, 84
air leveling disabled .................76
air ride switch off .....................76
check air ride system ...............76
check air suspension ................76
menu button .............................83
reset button ..............................84
Index
237