2018 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL service interval

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.
324
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Maintenance

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.
325
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
MaintenanceE170684

GENERAL MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?
Carefully following the maintenanceschedule helps protect against major repairexpenses resulting from neglect orinadequate maintenance and may help toincrease the value of your vehicle when yousell or trade it. Keep all receipts forcompleted maintenance with your vehicle.
We have established regular maintenanceintervals for your vehicle based uponrigorous testing. It is important that you haveyour vehicle serviced at the proper times.These intervals serve two purposes; one isto maintain the reliability of your vehicle andthe second is to keep your cost of owningyour vehicle down.
It is your responsibility to have all scheduledmaintenance performed and to make surethat the materials used meet thespecifications identified in this owner'smanual. See Capacities and Specifications(page 373).
Failure to perform scheduled maintenanceinvalidates warranty coverage on partsaffected by the lack of maintenance.
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at YourDealership?
Factory-Trained Technicians
Service technicians participate in extensivefactory-sponsored certification training tohelp them become experts on the operationof your vehicle. Ask your dealership aboutthe training and certification their technicianshave received.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft® ReplacementParts
Dealerships stock Ford, Motorcraft andFord-authorized branded re-manufacturedreplacement parts. These parts meet orexceed our specifications. Parts installed atyour dealership carry a nationwide 24-monthor unlimited mile (kilometer) parts and laborlimited warranty.
If you do not use Ford authorized parts theymay not meet our specifications anddepending on the part, it could affectemissions compliance.
Convenience
Many dealerships have extended eveningand Saturday hours to make your servicevisit more convenient and they offer one stopshopping. They can perform any servicesthat are required on your vehicle, fromgeneral maintenance to collision repairs.
Note:Not all dealers have extended hoursor body shops. Please contact your dealerfor details.
Protecting Your Investment
Maintenance is an investment that paysdividends in the form of improved reliability,durability and resale value. To maintain theproper performance of your vehicle and itsemission control systems, make sure youhave scheduled maintenance performed atthe designated intervals.
523
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Scheduled Maintenance

Your vehicle is equipped with the IntelligentOil-Life Monitor system, which displays amessage in the information display at theproper oil change interval. This interval maybe up to one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km).
When the oil change message appears inthe information display, it is time for an oilchange. Make sure you perform the oilchange within two weeks or 500 mi (800 km)of the message appearing. Make sure youreset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor aftereach oil change. See Oil Change IndicatorReset (page 318).
If your information display resets prematurelyor becomes inoperative, you should performthe oil change interval at six months or5,000 mi (8,000 km) from your last oilchange. Never exceed one year or 10,000 mi(16,000 km) between oil change intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and builtwith multiple, complex, performance systems.Every manufacturer develops these systemsusing different specifications andperformance features. That is why it isimportant to rely upon your dealership toproperly diagnose and repair your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommendedmaintenance intervals for various parts andcomponent systems based upon engineeringtesting. Ford Motor Company relies upon thistesting to determine the most appropriatemileage for replacement of oils and fluids toprotect your vehicle at the lowest overall costto you and recommends againstmaintenance schedules that deviate fromthe scheduled maintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of onlygenuine Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorizedre-manufactured replacement partsengineered for your vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford WorkshopManual list the recommended additives andchemicals for your vehicle. We do notrecommend using chemicals or additives notapproved by us as part of your vehicle’snormal maintenance. Please consult yourwarranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normaloperating characteristic and, by itself, doesnot necessarily indicate a concern or that thefluid needs to be changed. However, aqualified expert, such as the factory-trainedtechnicians at your dealership, shouldinspect discolored fluids that also show signsof overheating or foreign materialcontamination immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils andfluids at the specified intervals or inconjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viableway to change fluid for many vehiclesub-systems during scheduled maintenance.It is critical that systems are flushed only withnew fluid that is the same as that requiredto fill and operate the system or using aFord-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basicmaintenance checks and inspections everymonth or at six-month intervals.
524
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Scheduled Maintenance

Multi-Point Inspection
Steering and linkageExterior lamps operation
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure2Fluid levels1; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pitsFor oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operationHalf-shaft dust boots
1 Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer2If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership serviceadvisor or technician about the multi-pointvehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive wayto perform a thorough inspection of yourvehicle. Your checklist gives you immediatefeedback on the overall condition of yourvehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™
Your vehicle is equipped with an IntelligentOil-Life Monitor that determines when youshould change the engine oil based on howyou use your vehicle. By using severalimportant factors in its calculations, themonitor helps reduce the cost of owning yourvehicle and reduces environmental waste atthe same time.
This means you do not have to remember tochange the oil on a mileage-based schedule.Your vehicle lets you know when an oilchange is due by displaying a message inthe information display.
The following table provides examples ofvehicle use and its impact on oil changeintervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oilchange intervals depend on several factorsand generally decrease with severity of use.
527
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Scheduled Maintenance

Normal Maintenance Intervals
At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display1
Change engine oil and filter.2
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection (recommended).
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with a dipstick). Consult your dealer for requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the rear axle (All Wheel Drive vehicles only).
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints.
Inspect the tires, tire wear and measure the tread depth.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
1 Do not exceed one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between service intervals.2 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil Change Indicator Reset (page 318).
529
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Scheduled Maintenance

Other Maintenance Items1
Change automatic transmission fluid.Every 150,000 mi(240,000 km)Replace accessory drive belt(s).4
1 Perform these maintenance items within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last engine oil and filter change. Do not exceed the designated distance
for the interval.2 Initial replacement at six years or 100,000 mi (160,000 km), then every three years or 5,000 mi (8,000 km).3 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.4 If not replaced within the last 100,000 mi (160,000 km).
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
If you operate your vehicle primarily in anyof the following conditions, you need toperform extra maintenance as indicated. Ifyou operate your vehicle occasionally underany of these conditions, it is not necessaryto perform the extra maintenance. Forspecific recommendations, see yourdealership service advisor or technician.
531
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Scheduled Maintenance

Operating in Dusty or Sandy Conditions Such as Unpaved or Dusty Roads
Perform multi-point inspection.
Change automatic transmission fluid.Every 30,000 mi(48,000 km)
1Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil Change Indicator Reset (page 318).
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the NormalSchedule:
Axle and PTU Maintenance
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear axle(AWD only) in your vehicle does not requireany normal scheduled maintenance.Changing or checking the PTU lubricant isnot necessary unless the unit has beensubmerged in water or shows signs ofleakage. Contact your authorized dealer forservice.
California Fuel Filter Replacement
If you register your vehicle in California, theCalifornia Air Resources Board hasdetermined that the failure to perform thismaintenance item does not nullify theemission warranty or limit recall liabilitybefore the completion of your vehicle'suseful life. Ford Motor Company, however,urges you to have all recommendedmaintenance services performed at thespecified intervals and to record all vehicleservice.
Hot Climate Oil Change Intervals
Vehicles operating in the Middle East, NorthAfrica, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations withsimilar climates using an American PetroleumInstitute (API) Certified for Gasoline Engines(Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality,the normal oil change interval is 5,000 mi(8,000 km).
If the available API SM or SN oils are notavailable, then the oil change interval is3,000 mi (4,800 km).
534
Continental (CPL) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Second-Printing
Scheduled Maintenance