2002 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL service indicator

5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
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.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
195

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Maintenance and Specifications
197

Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªPremiumº
unleaded gasoline. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto Makers' Choiceylogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²The
indicator may come on. For more information on the
ªService Engine Soonº indicator, refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
208

²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
214

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