2018 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL Owners Manual

Note:Do not remove the dipstick when theengine is running.
Note: If the oil level is between themaximum and minimum marks, the oil levelis acceptable. Do not add oil.
Note:The oil consumption of new enginesreaches its normal level after approximately3,000 mi (5,000 km).
Adding Engine Oil
WARNING: Do not remove the fillercap when the engine is running.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additivesbecause they are unnecessary and couldlead to engine damage that may not becovered by the vehicle Warranty.
Only use oils certified for gasoline enginesby the American Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conformsto the current engine and emission systemprotection standards and fuel economyrequirements of the International LubricantsSpecification Advisory Committee (ILSAC).
To top up the engine oil level do thefollowing:
1. Clean the area surrounding the engineoil filler cap before you remove it.
2. Remove the engine oil filler cap. SeeUnder Hood Overview (page 315). Turnit counterclockwise and remove it.
3. Add engine oil that meets ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 382). You may haveto use a funnel to pour the engine oil intothe opening.
4. Recheck the oil level.
5. If the oil level is correct, replace thedipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
6. Replace the engine oil filler cap. Turn itclockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
Note: Do not add oil further than themaximum mark. Oil levels above themaximum mark may cause engine damage.
Note:Make sure you install the oil filler capcorrectly.
Note:Soak up any spillage with anabsorbent cloth immediately.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR RESET
Use the information display controls on thesteering wheel to reset the oil changeindicator.
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From the main menu scroll to:
Action and descriptionMessage
Press the right arrow button,then from this menu scroll tothe following message.
Settings
Press the right arrow button,then from this menu scroll tothe following message.
Vehicle
Press the right arrow button,then from this menu scroll tothe following message.
Oil Life
Press and hold the OK buttonuntil the instrument clusterdisplays the followingmessage.
Hold OK toReset
Reset Successful
When the oil change indicatorresets the instrument clusterdisplays 100%.
Remaining Life
{00}%
Action and descriptionMessage
If the instrument clusterdisplays one of the followingmessages, repeat theprocess.
Not Reset
Reset Cancelled
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNING: Do not remove the coolantreservoir cap when the cooling system is hot.Wait 10 minutes for the cooling system tocool down. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent the possibilityof scalding and slowly remove the cap.Failure to follow this instruction could resultin personal injury.
WARNING: Do not put coolant in thewindshield washer reservoir. If sprayed onthe windshield, coolant could make it difficultto see through the windshield.
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofpersonal injury, make sure the engine is coolbefore unscrewing the coolant pressure reliefcap. The cooling system is under pressure.Steam and hot liquid can come out forcefullywhen you loosen the cap slightly.
WARNING: Do not add coolant furtherthan the MAX mark.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the coolant at theintervals listed in the scheduled maintenanceinformation. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 523).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks on thecoolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
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Maintain coolant concentration within 48%to 50%, which equates to a freeze pointbetween -29°F (-34°C) and -35°F (-37°C).Coolant concentration should be checkedusing a refractometer. We do not recommendthe use of hydrometers or coolant test stripsfor measuring coolant concentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING: Do not add engine coolantwhen the engine is hot. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not remove the coolantreservoir cap when the cooling system is hot.Wait 10 minutes for the cooling system tocool down. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent the possibilityof scalding and slowly remove the cap.Failure to follow this instruction could resultin personal injury.
Note: Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Take care not to putengine coolant in the windshield washer fluidreservoir or windshield washer fluid in theengine coolant reservoir.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or non-specified additivesas they can cause damage to the enginecooling or heating systems. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
It is very important to use prediluted coolantapproved to the correct specification in orderto avoid plugging the small passageways inthe engine cooling system. See Capacitiesand Specifications (page 373). Do not mixdifferent colors or types of coolant in yourvehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or usingan incorrect coolant may harm the engine orcooling system components and may not becovered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,use the approved concentrated coolantdiluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 373).Using water that has not been deionisedmay contribute to deposit formation,corrosion and plugging of the small coolingsystem passageways.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes andmodels may not be approved to ourspecifications and may cause damage tothe cooling system. Resulting componentdamage may not be covered by the vehicleWarranty.
If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
To top up the coolant level do the following:
1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressureescapes as you unscrew the cap.
2. Add prediluted coolant approved to thecorrect specification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 373).
3.Add enough prediluted coolant to reachthe correct level.
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4. Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turnit clockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
5. Check the coolant level in the coolantreservoir the next few times you driveyour vehicle. If necessary, add enoughprediluted engine coolant to bring thecoolant level to the correct level.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) ofengine coolant per month, have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible. Operating anengine with a low level of coolant can resultin engine overheating and possible enginedamage.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, thecoolant may change color from orange topink or light red. As long as the coolant isclear and uncontaminated, this color changedoes not indicate the coolant has degradednor does it require the coolant to be drained,the system to be flushed, or the coolant tobe replaced.
In case of emergency, you can add a largeamount of water without engine coolant inorder to reach a vehicle service location. Inthis instance, qualified personnel:
1. Must drain the cooling system.
2. Chemically clean the coolant system.
3. Refill with engine coolant as soon aspossible.
Water alone, without engine coolant, cancause engine damage from corrosion,overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolantsubstitute:
•Alcohol.
•Methanol.
•Brine.
•Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection of thecoolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledcoolant as an approved recycling process isnot yet available.
Dispose of used engine coolant in anappropriate manner. Follow yourcommunity's regulations and standards forrecycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase thecoolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% providesimproved freeze point protection. Coolant concentrations above 60%decrease the overheat protectioncharacteristics of the coolant and maycause engine damage.
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If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•You can decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•Coolant concentrations below 40%decrease the freeze and corrosionprotection characteristics of the coolantand may cause engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted coolant foroptimum cooling system and engineprotection.
Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed in thescheduled maintenance information, thecoolant should be changed. Add predilutedcoolant approved to the correct specification.See Capacities and Specifications (page373).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambient temperature,vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat,the coolant temperature gaugemoves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates and amessage may appear in theinformation display.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineautomatically switches to alternating cylinderoperation. Each disabled cylinder acts as anair pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle still operates,however:
•Engine power is limited.
•The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the enginetemperature, causing the engine tocompletely shut down. Your steering andbraking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you canre-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING: Fail-safe mode is for useduring emergencies only. Operate yourvehicle in fail-safe mode only as long asnecessary to bring your vehicle to rest in asafe location and seek immediate repairs.When in fail-safe mode, your vehicle will havelimited power, will not be able to maintainhigh-speed operation, and may completelyshut down without warning, potentially losingengine power, power steering assist, andpower brake assist, which may increase thepossibility of a crash resulting in seriousinjury.
WARNING: Do not remove the coolantreservoir cap when the cooling system is hot.Wait 10 minutes for the cooling system tocool down. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent the possibilityof scalding and slowly remove the cap.Failure to follow this instruction could resultin personal injury.
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Your vehicle has limited engine power whenin the fail-safe mode, drive your vehicle withcaution. Your vehicle does not maintainhigh-speed operation and the engine mayoperate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable ofautomatically shutting down to preventengine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, we recommend thatyou contact your roadside assistanceservice provider.
3.If this is not possible, wait a short periodfor the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolantlevel is at or below the minimum mark,add prediluted coolant immediately.
5.When the engine temperature cools, youcan re-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairincreases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING: To reduce the risk of crashand injury, be prepared that the vehiclespeed may reduce and the vehicle may notbe able to accelerate with full power until thecoolant temperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a long orsteep grade in high ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
You may notice a reduction in vehicle speedcaused by reduced engine power in orderto manage the engine coolant temperature. Your vehicle may enter this mode if certainhigh-temperature and high-load conditionstake place. The amount of speed reductiondepends on vehicle loading, grade andambient temperature. If this occurs, there isno need to stop your vehicle. You cancontinue to drive.
The air conditioning may automatically turnon and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolant temperaturedecreases to the normal operatingtemperature, the air conditioning turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves fullyinto the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service engine soonmessages appear in your information display,do the following:
1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe todo so. Fully apply the parking brake, shiftinto park (P) or neutral (N).
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2. Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. Afterseveral minutes, if the temperature doesnot drop, follow the remaining steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart theengine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Note:Transmission fluid should be checkedby an authorized dealer. If required, fluidshould be added by an authorized dealer.
Have an authorized dealer check and changethe transmission fluid at the correct serviceinterval. See Maintenance (page 312). Yourtransmission does not consume fluid.However, the fluid level should be checkedif the transmission is not working properly,(i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly)or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluidadditives, treatments or cleaning agents. Theuse of these materials may affecttransmission operation and result in damageto internal transmission components.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNING: Do not use any fluid otherthan the recommended brake fluid as thiswill reduce brake efficiency. Use of incorrectfluid could result in the loss of vehiclecontrol, serious personal injury or death.
WARNING: Only use brake fluid froma sealed container. Contamination with dirt,water, petroleum products or other materialsmay result in brake system damage or failure.Failure to adhere to this warning could resultin the loss of vehicle control, seriouspersonal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluid totouch your skin or eyes. If this happens, rinsethe affected areas immediately with plentyof water and contact your physician.
WARNING: A fluid level between theMAX and MIN lines is within the normaloperating range and there is no need to addfluid. A fluid level not in the normal operatingrange could compromise the performanceof the system. Have your vehicle checkedimmediately.
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To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoircap must remain in place and fully tight,unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets Ford specifications.See Capacities and Specifications (page373).
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electricpower steering (EPS) system. There is nofluid reservoir to check or fill.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING: If you operate your vehiclein temperatures below 40°F (5°C), use washerfluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to usewasher fluid with antifreeze protection in coldweather could result in impaired windshieldvision and increase the risk of injury oraccident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low.Only use a washer fluid that meets Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 373).
State or local regulations on volatile organiccompounds may restrict the use of methanol,a common windshield washer antifreezeadditive. Washer fluids containingnon-methanol antifreeze agents should beused only if they provide cold weatherprotection without damaging the vehicle’spaint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter on your vehicle must bereplaced at the specified service interval.Refer to your scheduled maintenanceinformation.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNING: Batteries normally produceexplosive gases which can cause personalinjury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparksor lighted substances to come near thebattery. When working near the battery,always shield your face and protect youreyes. Always provide correct ventilation.
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