2018 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL power steering

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. If ametal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifyour vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 341).
Note:Depending on applicable laws andregulations in the country for which yourvehicle was originally built, your brake lampsmay flash during heavy braking. Followingthis, your hazard lights may also flash whenyour vehicle comes to a stop.
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 110).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomesstuck or entrapped, apply steady and firmpressure to the brake pedal to slow thevehicle and reduce engine power. If youexperience this condition, apply the brakesand bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Movethe transmission to park (P), switch theengine off and apply the parking brake.Inspect the accelerator pedal for anyinterference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake rapidlyby measuring the rate at which you press thebrake pedal. It provides maximum brakingefficiency as long as you press the pedal,and can reduce stopping distances in criticalsituations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
If it illuminates when you aredriving, this indicates amalfunction. Your vehiclecontinues to have normal braking withoutthe anti-lock brake system function. Haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when youswitch the ignition on to confirm the lamp isfunctional. If it does not illuminate when youswitch the ignition on, or begins to flash atany time, have the system checked by anauthorized dealer.
It illuminates when you engage theparking brake and the ignition ison.
If it illuminates when your vehicle is moving,make sure the parking brake is disengaged.If the parking brake is disengaged, thisindicates low brake fluid level or a brakesystem fault. Have your vehicle immediatelychecked.
209
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
BrakesE144522 E144522

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system, tireconstruction and wheel and tire size maychange the handling characteristics of yourvehicle and may adversely affect theperformance of the electronic stability controlsystem. In addition, installing any stereoloudspeakers may interfere with andadversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarket stereoloudspeaker as far as possible from the frontcenter console, the tunnel, and the frontseats in order to minimize the risk ofinterfering with the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness of theelectronic stability control system could leadto an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy the lawsof physics. It’s always possible to lose controlof a vehicle due to inappropriate driver inputfor the conditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to lose controlof your vehicle increasing the risk of personalinjury or property damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tires haveexceeded their ability to grip the road; thiscould reduce the operator’s ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death. If your electronic stabilitycontrol system activates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stability controlor the traction control system, you mayexperience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and traction controlsystems do not enhance your vehicle'sability to maintain traction of the wheels.
•The adaptive steering system (ifequipped) automatically changes thesteering function to a fixed steering ratio.See Steering (page 259).
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction control systemyou may experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe and yourfoot is not on the brake, the brake pedalmay move as the system applies higherbrake force.
217
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Stability Control

Note:The system turns on each time youswitch the ignition on and you shift intoreverse (R). If you temporarily switch thesystem off, it turns on the next time youswitch the ignition on.
Note:The system may not correctly operatewhen towing a trailer. For vehicles with atrailer tow module and tow bar approved byus, the system turns off when you attach atrailer. For vehicles with an aftermarkettrailer tow module or tow bar, werecommend that you switch the system offwhen you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,contact an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: If the system detects anerror, you may not feel a difference in thesteering, however a serious condition mayexist. Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible, failure to do so may result in lossof steering control.
WARNING: The electric power steeringsystem has diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system. If a fault isdetected, a message displays in theinformation display. Stop your vehicle assoon as it is safe to do so. Switch the ignitionoff. After at least 10 seconds, switch theignition on and watch the information displayfor a steering system warning message. If asteering system warning message returns,have the system checked as soon aspossible.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem. There is no fluid reservoir. Nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle. This increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage to thesteering system. You do not lose the abilityto steer your vehicle manually. Typicalsteering and driving maneuvers allow thesystem to cool and return to normaloperation.
Steering Tips
Steering wander or pull could be caused byany of the following:
•Incorrect tire pressures.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Crowned road surface.
•High crosswind.
If the problem persists, have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
259
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Driving Aids

Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering systemadaptive learning helps correct roadirregularities and improves overall handlingand steering feel. It communicates with thebrake system to help operate advancedstability control and accident avoidancesystems. Additionally, whenever the batteryis disconnected or a new battery installed,you must drive your vehicle a short distancebefore the system relearns the strategy andreactivates all systems.
Adaptive Steering (If Equipped)
Note:The adaptive steering system hasdiagnostic checks that continuously monitorthe system. If a fault is detected a messagedisplays in the information display. If a redwarning message displays, stop your vehicleas soon as it is safe to do so. The messagemay clear if the fault is no longer present. Ifan adaptive steering system warningmessage appears each time you start yourvehicle, have the system checked as soonas possible.
The adaptive steering system continuallychanges the steering ratio with changes tovehicle speed, optimizing the steeringresponse in all conditions.
The adaptive steering system is designedwith a locking device. While the lock isengaged, your vehicle returns to a fixedsteering ratio. You may also notice a soundwhen you start or turn off your vehicle as thelock is disengaged or engaged. If yourvehicle loses electrical power or detects afault while you are driving, the lock engagesand you are able to continue steering. Duringthis time it is possible that the steering wheelmay not be straight when the vehicle isdriving straight ahead. During this time youmay notice that the steering wheel anglerequired to steer the vehicle may bedifferent. Extreme operating conditions mayalso cause the lock to engage. This strategyprevents overheating and permanentdamage to the adaptive steering system.Typical steering and driving maneuvers allowthe system to cool and return to normaloperation.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST (If Equipped)
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility to drivewith due care and attention. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: The system does not detectvehicles that are driving in a differentdirection, pedestrians at night, cyclists oranimals. Failure to take care may result inthe loss of control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
WARNING: The system does notoperate during hard acceleration or steering.Failure to take care may lead to a crash orpersonal injury.
260
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Driving Aids

Note:If something hits the front end of yourvehicle or damage occurs, the radar sensingzone may change. This could cause missedor false vehicle detections. Contact anauthorized dealer to have the radar checkedfor proper coverage and operation.
Note:If your vehicle detects excessive heatat the camera or a potential misalignmentcondition, a message may display in theinformation display indicating temporarysensor unavailability. This messagedeactivates automatically when operationalconditions are correct. For example, whenthe ambient temperature around the sensordecreases or the sensor automaticallyrecalibrates.
DRIVE CONTROL
LINCOLN DRIVE CONTROL
The system delivers a driving experiencethrough a suite of sophisticated electronicvehicle systems. These systems continuouslymonitor your driving inputs and the roadconditions to optimize ride comfort, steering,handling, powertrain response and sound.
You can preset your preferences for thesesystems within the information display. Thesystem responds to your preferences basedon what gear position you select. Thisprovides a single location to control multiplesystems performance settings.
Lincoln Drive Control consists of thefollowing systems:
•Continuously controlled dampingdynamically adjusts the shock absorbersstiffness in real time to match the roadsurface and driver inputs. This systemcontinuously monitors your vehicle’smotion (roll, pitch, bounce), suspensionposition, load, speed, road conditions,and steering to adjust the suspensiondamping for optimal vehicle control.
•Electronically power-assisted steeringadjusts steering effort and feel based onyour vehicle speed and your inputs.
•Adaptive steering optimizes yourvehicle's steering response based onyour steering wheel input, changes invehicle speed and other conditions.
•Active noise control utilizes your vehicleelectronics to enhance the acousticexperience.
•Electronic stability control and tractioncontrol maintain your vehicle control inadverse conditions or high performancedriving.
•Electronic throttle control enhances thepowertrain response to your inputs.
Using Lincoln Drive Control
You can configure which of the Drive Controlmodes are active when your vehicle is indrive (D) or in sport (S). The configurationremains active until modified from the mainmenu on the information display.
264
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Driving Aids

These systems have a range of modes whichyou can choose from in order to customizeyour ideal driving experience:
•Comfort – Provides a more relaxeddriving experience, maximizing comfort.Your steering effort decreases and thesuspension movement is more fluid.Comfort mode is ideal when you desireenhanced traveling comfort.
•Normal – Delivers a balancedcombination of comfortable, controlledride and confident handling. This modeprovides an engaging drive experienceand a direct connection to the roadwithout sacrificing any of the composuredemanded from a luxury vehicle.
•Sport – Provides a sportier drivingexperience. The suspension stiffens, withan emphasis on handling and control.The engine responds more directly toyour inputs and takes on a more powerfultone. This mode is ideal for use duringmore spirited driving.
You can change the drive control settings inthe information display. See GeneralInformation (page 115).
Note:Not all settings may be available.
Note:Lincoln Drive Control has diagnosticchecks that continuously monitor the systemto ensure proper operation. Certain types ofsystem errors gray out the mode selectionswithin the information display, preventingyou from changing states when the gearposition is changed. Other types of errorsproduce a temporary message in theinformation display. If either conditionpersists for multiple key cycles, see anauthorized dealer.
265
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Driving Aids

Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime yousubmerge the rear axle in water. Water maycontaminate the rear axle lubricant, which isnot a normal maintenance inspection itemunless there is a possibility of a leak or otheraxle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure the ignitionis in the accessory or on position when beingtowed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (withoutaccess to wheel dollies, car-hauling trailer,or flatbed transport vehicle), it can beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground,regardless of the powertrain andtransmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward for towingin a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in position N. Ifyou cannot move the transmission intoN, you must override it and enable stayin neutral mode. Failing to do so mayresult in damage to the transmission. SeeTransmission (page 194).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 146).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An example ofrecreational towing would be towing yourvehicle behind a motorhome. We designedthese guidelines to prevent damage to yourtransmission.
Front-wheel Drive Vehicles
Front-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.It is recommended to tow your vehicle withthe front wheels off the ground by using atow dolly. If you are using a tow dolly, followthe instructions specified by the equipmentprovider.
All-wheel Drive Vehicles
All-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.It is recommended to tow your vehicle withall four (4) wheels off the ground such aswhen using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise,you cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
275
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Towing

Before driving through standing water, checkthe depth. Never drive through water that ishigher than the bottom of the front rockerarea of your vehicle.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle. Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check that thesteering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor mat designedto fit the footwell of your vehicle that doesnot obstruct the pedal area. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Pedals that cannot movefreely can cause loss of vehicle control andincrease the risk of serious personal injury.
WARNING: Secure the floor mat toboth retention devices so that it cannot slipout of position and interfere with the pedals.Failure to follow this instruction could resultin the loss of control of your vehicle, personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not place additionalfloor mats or any other covering on top ofthe original floor mats. This could result inthe floor mat interfering with the operationof the pedals. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Always make sure thatobjects cannot fall into the driver foot wellwhile your vehicle is moving. Objects thatare loose can become trapped under thepedals causing a loss of vehicle control.
277
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Driving HintsE259345 E142666