2018 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL Owners Manual

Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” thebrakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving in slipperyconditions that require tire chains or cables,then it is critical that you drive cautiously.Keep speeds down, allow for longer stoppingdistances and avoid aggressive steering toreduce the chances of a loss of vehiclecontrol which can lead to serious injury ordeath. If the rear end of your vehicle slideswhile cornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of your vehicle.
Note:Your vehicle may have originalequipment tires designed to optimize theperformance of your vehicle in dry or wetsummer road conditions. If your vehicle isequipped with such tires, we recommendusing a dedicated set (all 4 tires) of wintertires in snow and ice conditions. Do not mixwinter tires and performance tires betweenaxles or degraded traction and handlingcharacteristics could result.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causedriveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages overtwo-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
206
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Direction of travel.A
Steering wheel rotation.B
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow and ice.Apply the accelerator slowly and steadilywhen starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although anAWD vehicle may accelerate better than atwo-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, itwon’t stop any faster, because as in othervehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.Do not become overconfident as to roadconditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles for stopping.Drive slower than usual and consider usingone of the lower gears. In emergencystopping situations, apply the brake steadily.Since your vehicle is equipped with a fourwheel (ABS), do not “pump” the brakes. SeeHints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes(page 210).
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle have been designed and testedto provide predictable performance whetherloaded or empty and durable load carryingcapability. For this reason, Ford MotorCompany strongly recommends that you donot make modifications such as adding orremoving parts (such as lowering kits orstabilizer bars) or by using replacement partsnot equivalent to the original factoryequipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise thecenter of gravity can make it more likely thevehicle will rollover as a result of a loss ofcontrol. Ford Motor Company recommendsthat caution be used with any vehicleequipped with a high load or device (suchas ladder or luggage racks).
207
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E223901
A
B

Failure to maintain your vehicle properly mayvoid the warranty, increase your repair cost,reduce vehicle performance and operationalcapabilities and adversely affect driver andpassenger safety. Frequent inspection ofvehicle chassis components is recommendedif the vehicle is subjected to off-highwayusage.
208
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

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

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.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-
LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock braking system does noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brakepedal may pulse and may travel further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Youmay also hear a noise from the system. Thisis normal.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
The electric parking brake replaces theconventional handbrake. The operatingswitch is on the instrument panel.
WARNING: Always fully apply theparking brake and make sure you shift intopark (P). Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury or death.
Note:When you apply the electric parkingbrake in certain conditions, for example, ona steep hill, the electric parking brake mayreapply the brakes within three to tenminutes.
Note:You may notice various noises whenyou apply and release the electric parkingbrake. This is normal and no cause forconcern.
Note:After a determined period of time, theparking brake automatically recalibrates.This process is short and only performedwhen you switch the vehicle off.
Applying the Electric Parking Brake
WARNING: The brake system warninglamp will flash when applying the electricparking brake. If the brake system warninglamp continues to flash there could be aproblem with your electric parking brake.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Note:The brake system warning lampilluminates for ten seconds if you switch theignition off after you apply the electricparking brake, or you apply the electricparking brake after you switch the ignitionoff.
Note:The electric parking brake will notautomatically apply when you park thevehicle. You must apply the electric parkingbrake using the electric parking brakeswitch.
210
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Brakes

Pull the switch up to apply the electricparking brake.
The brake system warning lamp flashes forabout two seconds then stays illuminated toconfirm that you have applied the electricparking brake. See Information Displays(page 115).
Apply the electric parking brake when thevehicle is moving
WARNING: Applying the electricparking brake while moving will result in theengagement of the anti-lock braking system.Do not use the electric parking brake systemwhen the vehicle is moving unless the normalbrake system is unable to stop the vehicle.
WARNING: With the exception ofemergency conditions (for example, thebrake pedal is broken or is blocked), do notapply the electric parking brake while thevehicle is moving. On bends, or poor roadsurfaces or weather conditions, emergencybraking can cause the vehicle to skid out ofcontrol or off the road.
If you apply the electric parking brake whenyour vehicle is moving, the brake systemwarning lamp illuminates and a warningchime sounds. See Information Displays(page 115).
If your vehicle speed is above 4 mph(6 km/h), the braking force is applied as longas you pull the switch. Releasing or pressingthe switch or pressing the accelerator pedalwill stop the braking force.
Releasing the Electric Parking Brake
You can release the electric parking brakeeither manually by pressing the switch orautomatically.
211
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
BrakesE169085 E169086

Manual release
WARNING: If the brake system warninglight remains illuminated or flashes for morethan four seconds after you have releasedthe parking brake, there could be a problemwith your braking system. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
You can manually release the electric parkingbrake by:
1. Switching the ignition on.
2. Pressing the brake pedal.
3. Pressing the electric parking brakeswitch.
When the electric parking brake is released,the brake system warning lamp turns off.
Automatic release - drive away release
Your vehicle automatically releases theparking brake if all of the following conditionsexist:
•The driver door is closed.
•The accelerator pedal is pressed.
•There are no faults detected in theparking brake system.
Note:If the electric parking brake warninglamp stays illuminated, the electric parkingbrake will not automatically release. Youmust release the electric parking brake usingthe electric parking brake switch while yourfoot is on the brake and the ignition is on.
The brake system warning lamp will go offto confirm that you have released the electricparking brake.
Note:The electric parking brake drive awayrelease makes starting on a hill easier. Thisfeature releases the parking brakeautomatically when the vehicle has sufficienttorque force to move up the hill. To assuredrive away release when starting uphill,press the accelerator pedal quickly.
Driving with a Trailer
Depending on the slope and the weight ofthe trailer, your vehicle and trailer may rollbackwards slightly when you start on a slope.
To prevent this from happening, do thefollowing:
1. Pull the switch up and hold it in thisposition.
2.Accelerate your vehicle, then release theswitch when you notice that the enginehas developed sufficient driving force.
Battery With No Charge
WARNING: You will not be able toapply or release the electric parking brakeif the battery is low or has no charge.
If the battery is low or has no charge, usejumper cables and a booster battery.
212
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Brakes

HILL START ASSIST
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When you leaveyour vehicle, always apply the parking brakeand shift the transmission into park (P) forautomatic transmission or first gear formanual transmission.
WARNING: You must remain in yourvehicle when the system turns on. At alltimes, you are responsible for controllingyour vehicle, supervising the system andintervening, if required. Failure to take caremay result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, serious personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system turns off if thereis a malfunction or if you excessively rev theengine.
The system makes it easier to pull awaywhen your vehicle is on a slope without theneed to use the parking brake.
When the system activates, your vehicleremains stationary on a slope for a fewseconds after you release the brake pedal.This allows you time to move your foot fromthe brake to the accelerator pedal. Thebrakes release when the engine hasdeveloped sufficient torque to prevent yourvehicle from rolling down the slope. This isan advantage when pulling away on a slope,for example from a car park ramp, trafficlights or when reversing uphill into a parkingspace.
The system activates on any slope thatcauses your vehicle to roll.
Note:There is no warning lamp to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring yourvehicle to a complete standstill. Keep thebrake pedal pressed and shift into firstgear when facing uphill or reverse (R)when facing downhill.
2. The system activates if the sensorsdetect that your vehicle is on a slope.
3. When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle remains on theslope without rolling away for a fewseconds. This hold time increases if youare in the process of driving off.
4. Pull away in the normal manner.
Switching the System On and Off
Vehicles with Manual Transmission
You can switch this feature on or off in theinformation display. The system remembersthe last setting when you start your vehicle.
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
The system turns on when you switch theignition on and you cannot switch the systemoff.
AUTO HOLD
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When you leaveyour vehicle, always apply the parking brake.
213
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Brakes