Lincoln Continental 1997 User Manual

Table of Contents

iii

Introduction

Ford’s Commitment to You

At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the continuous commitment to achieve the best result possible. It is dedication to learning what you want, determination to develop the right concept, and execution of that concept with care, precision, and attention to detail. In short, excellence means being the standard by which others are judged.

Our Guiding Principles

Quality comes first. For your satisfaction, the

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quality of our products and services must be our number one priority.

You are the focus of everything we do. Our

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work must be done with you in mind, providing better products and services than our competition.

Continuous improvement is essential to our

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success. We must strive for excellence in everything we do: in our products — in their safety and value — and in our services, our human relations, our competitiveness, and our profitability.

Employee involvement is our way of life.

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We are a team. We must treat one another with trust and respect.

Dealers and suppliers are our partners. We

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must maintain mutually beneficial relationships with dealers, suppliers, and our other business associates.

Integrity is never compromised. Our conduct

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worldwide must be pursued in a manner that is socially responsible and commands respect for its integrity and for its positive contributions to society.

ThingstoKnowAboutUsingThis Guide

Congratulationsonthepurchaseofyournew vehicle.Thisguidehasinformationaboutthe equipmentandtheoptionsforyournewvehicle. Youmaynothaveboughtalloftheoptions availabletoyou.Ifyoudonotknowwhich informationappliestoyourvehicle,talktoyour dealer.

Thisguidedescribesequipmentandgives specificationsforequipmentthatwasineffectwhen thisguidewasapprovedforprinting.Fordmay discontinuemodelsorchangespecificationsor designwithoutanynoticeandwithoutincurring obligation.

NOTESandWARNINGS

NOTESgiveyouadditionalinformationaboutthe

subjectmatteryouarereferencing. WARNINGSremindyoutobeespeciallycarefulin

thoseareaswherecarelessnesscancausedamageto yourvehicleorpersonalinjurytoyourself,your passengersorotherpeople.Pleasereadall WARNINGScarefully.

WARNING

Finding Information in This Guide

After you have read this guide once, you will probably return to it when you have a specific question or need additional information. To help you find specific information quickly, you can use the Quick Index or the Index.

The Quick Index at the end of the book provides a page number following each item which indicates where detailed information can be found.

To use the Index, turn to the back of the book and search in the alphabetical listing for the word that best describes the information you need. If the word you chose is not listed, think of other related words and look them up. We have designed the Index so that you can find information under a technical term.

Canadian Owners — French Version

French Owner Guides can be obtained from your dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box 1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.

The Lincoln Commitment

The Lincoln Commitment is more than the prestige of owning a superior luxury automobile, it is a comprehensive owner benefits package that is designed to provide you with services to support your every driving need. Refer to the Lincoln Commitment brochure for more information.

Your Maintenance Schedule and Record Booklet

The Maintenance Schedule booklet lists the services that are most important for keeping your vehicle in good condition. A record log is also provided to help you keep track of all services performed.

About the Warranties

Your vehicle is covered by three types of warranties: Basic Vehicle Warranty, Extended Warranties on certain parts, and Emissions Warranties.

Read your Warranty Information Booklet carefully to find out about your vehicle’s warranties and your basic rights and responsibilities.

If you lose your Warranty Information Booklet, you can get a new one free of charge. Contact any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, or refer to the addresses and phone numbers on the first page of this Owner’s Guide.

More Protection for Your Vehicle

You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by purchasing a Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP). Ford ESP is the only extended service program with the Ford name on it and the only service contract backed by Ford Motor Company.

Ford ESP is an optional service contract, backed and administered by Ford. It provides:

protection against repair costs after your Bumper

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to Bumper Warranty expires; and other benefits during the warranty period (such

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as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain maintenance and wear items).

You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford Motor Company dealer. There are several Ford ESP plans available in various time-and-mileage combinations. Each plan can be tailored to fit your own driving needs, including reimbursement benefits for towing and rental. (In Hawaii, rules vary. See your dealer for details.)

When you buy Ford ESP, you receive peace-of-mind protection throughout the United States and Canada, provided by a network of more than 5,100 participating Ford Motor Company dealers.

NOTE: Repairs performed outside the United States and Canada are not eligible for ESP coverage.

This information is subject to change. Ask your dealer for complete details about Ford ESP coverage.

Breaking Your Vehicle In

Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or break-in period during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in period, you need to pay careful attention to how you drive your vehicle.

Avoid sudden stops. Because your vehicle has

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new brake linings, you should take these steps:

—Watch traffic carefully so that you can

anticipate when to stop.

—Begin braking well in advance. —Apply the brakes gradually.

The break-in period for new brake linings lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.

Use only the type of engine oil that Ford

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recommends. See Engine oil recommendations in the Index. Do not use special “break-in” oils.

Instrumentation

The instrument panel (dashboard) on your vehicle is divided into several different sections. The illustrations on the following pages show the major parts of the instrument panel that are described in this chapter. Some items shown may not be on all vehicles.

The main controls for the climate control system, clock, and radio are on the instrument panel.

If you have radio transmitting equipment in your vehicle, be aware that it can interfere with your vehicle’s electrical system and may cause the instrumentation and/or convenience products to have temporary, abnormal operation.

NOTE: Any cleaner or polish that increases the gloss (shine) of the upper part of the instrument panel should be avoided. The dull finish in this area is to help protect the driver from undesirable windshield reflection.

Instrument panel

Instrument cluster

The following warning lights and gauges are on the instrument cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to possible problems with your vehicle.

Indicator Lights and Chimes

Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime

This warning light and chime remind you to fasten your safety belt. The following conditions will take place:

If the safety belt is not buckled when the

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ignition is turned to the ON position, the chime will turn on for four (4) to eight (8) seconds and the light will come on for one to two minutes.

If the safety belt is buckled while the light is on

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and the chime is sounding, both the light and chime will turn off.

If the safety belt is buckled before the ignition

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is turned to the ON position, neither the light nor the chime will come on.

Brake System Warning Light

The warning light for the brakes can show two things — that the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is low, the brake system should be checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician.

Thislightcomesonwhentheparkingbrakeisset, orifitisnotset,itcomesonbrieflywhenyou turntheignitiontotheSTARTposition.Itnormally goesoffshortlyaftertheenginestartsandyou releasetheparkingbrake.Ifthelightstaysonafter youhavefullyreleasedtheparkingbrake,havethe hydraulicbrakesystemservicedbyyourdealerora qualifiedservicetechnician.

WARNING

TheBRAKElightindicatesthatthe brakesmaynotbeworkingproperly. Havethebrakescheckedimmediately.

Anti-LockBrakeSystemWarningLight

Thislightcomesonforafewsecondswhenyou turntheignitionkeytotheSTARTposition.It shouldgooffshortlyaftertheenginestarts.Ifit staysonlongerthanfive(5)seconds,itindicates thatyouranti-lockbrakesystemmaynotbe workingproperly.Normalbrakingisnotaffected unlesstheBRAKEsystemwarninglightalsoremains onforlongerthansix(6)seconds.Youshouldhave yourvehicleservicedimmediatelybyyourdealeror qualifiedservicetechniciantorestorethebenefitsof theanti-lockfeature.SeeAnti-lockbrakesinthe Indexformoreinformation.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light indicates the engine’s oil pressure, not the oil level. However, if your engine’s oil level is low, it could affect the oil pressure. The light will come on briefly when you turn your key to the START and ON position. The light should stay off when the engine is running with normal oil pressure. If the light comes on while the engine is running, you have lost oil pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine damage.

If you lose engine oil pressure:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Shut off the engine immediately or severe engine damage could result.

3. Check the engine’s oil level, following the instructions on checking and adding engine oil, see Engine Oil in the Index. If you do not follow these instructions, you or others could be injured. To assure an accurate reading, your car should be on level ground.

4. If the level is low, add only as much oil as necessary before you start the engine again. Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the light is on, regardless of the oil level. Contact your nearest dealer for further service actions.

For more information about adding oil, see Adding engine oil in the Maintenance and Care chapter.

Traction ControlH Active Light (If equipped)

This light comes on when the Traction ControlH system begins applying and releasing the brakes and adjusting the engine characteristics to limit a wheelspin condition.

It will be lit for a minimum of six seconds or for the duration of the Traction ControlH event.

Charging System Light

This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and that you need to have the electrical system checked.

This light illuminates every time you turn the ignition to the ON or START position (engine off). The light should go off when the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.

If the light stays on or illuminates when the engine is running, have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.

Turn Signal Indicator Lights

When you push the turn signal lever up before making a right turn, the right side arrow on the instrument panel flashes.

When you push the turn signal lever down before making a left turn, the left side arrow on the instrument panel flashes.

Usually, the turn signals turn off automatically after you turn your vehicle. If the turn signal continues to flash after you have made the turn, push the lever back to the OFF position.

If one or both of your turn indicators do not flash or stay on continuously, have them serviced as soon as possible. In the meantime, be sure to use the accepted hand signals.

Service Engine Soon Warning Light

This light illuminates when the engine’s Emission Control System requires service. It will also illuminate when the ignition key is in the ON position and the engine is off.

High Beam Light

This light illuminates when the headlamps are turned to high beam or when you flash the lights.

Chime for Headlamps On

This chime sounds if the driver or any passenger door is open when the parking lamps or headlamps are on. The chime sounds until you close the door, turn off the lamps or turn the ignition to the ON position.

Air Bag Readiness Light

The air bag system uses a readiness light and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. The readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, this light will light up for six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the system is operating normally. NOTE: Regularly scheduled maintenance of the air bag system is not required.

If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash, remains on, or you hear a beeping sound, have the system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.

Anti-Theft Alarm Light (If equipped)

This light flashes on and off when the ignition is turned to the OFF position and any door is opened. As soon as you lock the doors, the light glows steadily. Within 30 seconds of closing all the doors, the light goes out. This indicates that the alarm system is armed.

See Anti-Theft System in the Controls and Features chapter for more information.

The Instrument Cluster

In addition to warning lights, the instrument cluster has a message center/odometer, a speedometer, tachometer, fuel and coolant temperature gauges.

Odometer

The odometer tells you the total number of miles (kilometers) your vehicle has been driven.

If the odometer displays the word Error, please contact your dealer for service.

Speedometer

The speedometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.

Tachometer

The tachometer displays the approximate engine revolutions per minute (rpm), or how fast the engine is running.

You can drive your vehicle at most rpm points on the tachometer but you must stay out of the red zone.

If you drive with the tachometer in the red zone, you may damage the engine.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the gauge indication will not be accurate.

The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into the NORMAL band as the engine coolant warms up. It is acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate within the NORMAL band under normal driving conditions. Under certain driving conditions such as, heavy stop and go traffic, or driving up hills in hot weather, the pointer may indicate at the top of the NORMAL band.

If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves above the NORMAL band, the engine is overheating and continued operation may cause engine damage.

If your engine overheats:

1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible.

2. Turn off the engine.

3. Let the engine cool. DO NOT REMOVE

COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.

4. Check the coolant level following the instructions on checking and adding coolant to your engine, see Engine Coolant in the Index. If you do not follow these instructions, you or others could be injured.

If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system serviced as soon as possible.

Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge displays approximately how much fuel you have in the fuel tank. The ignition switch must be in the OFF position while filling the tank with at least three gallons (11 liters) for the fuel gauge to indicate the new level. If the ignition is left ON or less than 3 gallons (11 liters) of fuel are added the fuel gauge will not immediately indicate the new fuel level. The gauge will gradually correct itself to indicate the true fuel level.

The Electronic Message Center (M/C)

The Electronic Message Center only works when the ignition is in the ON position.

Each time the M/C is powered the display goes through a self test by displaying the PLEASE FASTEN SEATBELT message. This self test is used to stabilize the systems before reporting the status to you.

The message center tells you about the condition of your vehicle by two methods:

operator selectable features

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continuous warning reporting of monitored

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systems

You can select different features for the M/C to display by using the message center control buttons located to the right of the instrument cluster. You will hear a tone when you press one of these buttons. However, if the M/C detects a warning from any of the monitored systems, then the M/C will display the appropriate warning message.

Operator Selectable Features

Cluster Control Buttons and Message Center Control Buttons

These features are controlled by the message center (M/C) control buttons located to the right of the instrument cluster.

System Check

Pressing the SYSTEM CHECK button causes the M/C to cycle through a status of each of the systems being monitored. For each of the monitored systems, the M/C will indicate either an OK message or a warning message for three seconds. The sequence of the system check report is as follows:

Washer Fluid Level

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Ride Control

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Oil Level

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Engine Coolant Level

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Voltage Level

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Engine Temperature

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Doors Closed (Driver and Right Side)

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Trunk Closed

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Exterior Lamps (Head, Front Turn, Brake and

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Tail) Distance to Empty

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Fuel Level

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Traction Control (if equipped)

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System Warnings

System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your vehicle’s operating systems. There are up to 18 warning messages which can be displayed by the M/C to show the status of the monitored systems. The M/C will display the last selected feature if there are no more warning messages. This allows you to use the full functionality of the M/C after you acknowledge the warning by pressing the RESET button and clearing the warning message.

Warning messages that have been reset are divided into two categories. They will reappear on the display ten minutes from the reset or they will not reappear until an ignition OFF-ON cycle has been completed. This reappearing of warning messages is a reminder that these warning conditions still exist within the vehicle.

E/M

A press of this button allows you to change the M/C and the Electronic Climate control unit from English to Metric Units. When you press this button all displays change from English to Metric or Metric to English units. The displays remain in the units you have chosen until you change them again even after you turn off the vehicle and start it again.

TRIP

Pressing this button will display the first of two trip odometers. Pressing it again will display the second Trip Odometer. Pressing RESET will clear ony that Trip odometer which is displayed.

DTE/ECON

Pressing this button a first time will display approximately how many miles you can drive before you run out of fuel, or in other words the Distance To Empty (DTE). To ensure accuracy, turn the ignition OFF when you fill the tank.

Pressing this button a second time will allow you to display your Average Fuel Economy in miles/gallon or liters/100 kilometers. Your M/C computes this figure using the distance traveled and rate of fuel used information. If you want to reset this feature, press the RESET button while the Average Fuel Economy feature is displayed.

NOTE: DTE (Distance to Empty) is calculated using a “Running Average Fuel Economy” initialized by the factory. This value is not the same as the Average Fuel Economy Display. The Running Average Economy is based on more than 500 miles (800 km) of driving history. Also the factory default for Running Average Economy is reinitialized if the battery is disconnected.

If the FUEL LEVEL ERROR message is displayed this means that there is a problem with the fuel indication system and you should contact your dealer for service as soon as possible.

RESET

A press of the RESET button will allow you to reset the current feature displayed. Warnings, Average Fuel Economy, and Trip odometers are the only features which respond to the RESET button. Distance to Empty (DTE), RIDE/STEER and MENU are unaffected by pressing the RESET switch.

DISPLAY

Pressing this button will cause the message center display to turn off. Pressing it again will cause the display to come on again. Warnings override an off display and must be reset in order for the display to be off again.

RIDE/STEER

Pressing this button once will allow you to adjust your RIDE CONTROL settings, between NORMAL, PLUSH and FIRM. The settings are changed by pressing the SELECT button while RIDE CONTROL is displayed.

Pressing the RIDE/STEER button a second time will allow you to adjust the STEERING EFFORT settings between NORMAL, LOW, and HIGH. The settings are changed by pressing the SELECT button while STEERING EFFORT is displayed.

NOTE: The combination of FIRM RIDE CONTROL and LOW STEERING EFFORT is undesirable and cannot be selected.

Pressing this button will allow you to change various convenience settings throughout the vehicle. The settings for each feature are changed by pressing the SELECT button.

Pressing the MENU button once will allow you to enable or disable the EXPRESS WINDOW feature. This feature allows one tap down operation on the driver’s window using the window switch on the driver’s door armrest.

Pressing MENU again will allow you to enable or disable the AUTO DOOR LOCK feature. This feature automatically locks all doors when the driver shifts out of PARK, all doors are closed, the driver’s seat is occupied, and the vehicle is traveling over three mph (5 km/h).

Pressing MENU again will allow you to enable or disable the HORN CHIRP feature. When HORN CHIRP is ON the horn will briefly sound when the Remote Entry Key Fob LOCK button is pressed. This verifies the doors have been locked and the ANTI-THEFT system has been armed (if equipped).

Pressing MENU again will allow you to enable or disable the SEAT ACCESS feature. When ON, the driver’s seat will move back 2 inches (5 cm) or to end of seat travel when the vehicle is turned off and the ignition key is removed. Upon the driver entering the vehicle and closing the door, the seat will move forward to its previous position.

Pressing MENU again will allow you to enable or disable the REVERSE MIRRORS feature. When ON, the outside rearview mirrors tilt down when the gearshift is placed in R (Reverse). This provides for an improved view of the side of the vehicle and curb area when backing up. When you shift out of REVERSE the mirrors return to their previous positions.

Electronic Sound Systems

Luxury Audio System (Analog)

Luxury Audio System (Digital)

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