Lincoln Mark VIII (1998 year). Instruction — part 7

N (Neutral)

With the gearshift in N (Neutral),
the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal
down while in this gear.

D (Overdrive)

The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.

P R N D 2 1

P R N D 2 1

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100

D (Overdrive) can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever. The Message Center O/D OFF
indicator will illuminate.

D (Drive) – Activate by pressing the transmission control switch on the
side of the gearshift lever. The transmission operates in gears one
through three. D (Drive) provides more engine braking than

(Overdrive) and is useful whenever driving conditions (i.e., city

traffic, hilly terrain, etc.) cause the transmission to excessively shift
between

(Overdrive) and D (Drive). Also deactivate

(Overdrive)

when:
• driving with a heavy load
• towing a trailer up or down steep hills
• additional engine braking is desired.
To return to

(Overdrive) mode, press the transmission control switch.

The Message Center O/D OFF indicator will no longer be illuminated.

Every time the vehicle is shut off and restarted, you must press the
transmission control switch to cancel overdrive operation if driving in
overdrive is not desired.

O/D

OFF

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101

2 (Second)

Use 2 (Second) to start-up on
slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on
downgrades.

1 (First)

Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum
engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts can be made
by shifting to 2 (Second) or to

(Overdrive). Selecting 1 (Low)

at higher speeds causes the
transmission to shift to a lower gear,
and will shift to 1 (Low) after
vehicle decelerates to the proper
speed.

P R N D 2 1

P R N D 2 1

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102

VEHICLE LOADING

Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
• Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard

equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or
aftermarket equipment.

• Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers

and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.

• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload

weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.

• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum total weight of

the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The
GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Compliance Label on the driver’s door pillar.

• GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Carrying capacity for each axle

system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Compliance Label on the driver’s door pillar.

• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum combined

weight of towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the
trailer. The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight that the
vehicle is allowed to tow.

• Maximum Trailer Weight Rating: Maximum weight of a trailer the

vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.

• Maximum Trailer Weight: maximum weight of a trailer the loaded

vehicle (including passengers and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.

• Trailer Weight Range: Specified weight range that the trailer must

fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating.

Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.

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103

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.

Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the
originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

DRIVING THROUGH WATER

Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine.

If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (truck)/wheel rims (car).

Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.

TRAILER TOWING

Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing vehicle. It does not come
from the factory fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are available
through Ford or Mercury/Lincoln dealers. Do not tow a trailer until your
vehicle has been driven at least 3 200 km (2 000 miles).

Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.

The amount of weight your loaded trailer should be no more than 907 kg
(2 000 lbs.).

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.

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104

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,

structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.

Preparing to tow

Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.

Hitches

Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10 –
15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.

Safety chains

Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the
trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.

If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.

Trailer brakes

Electric brakes and instruction, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.

Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough

braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.

The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR

Trailer lamps

Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.

Driving

105

Driving while you tow

Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.

Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.

When towing a trailer:
• Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will

eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.

• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to the Severe Duty Schedule in your
“Service Guide” for more information.

Trailer towing tips

• Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on

a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.

• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
• The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer

weight.

• After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place

the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must

park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

FUEL CONSUMPTION

Fuel economy can be improved by avoiding:
• lack of regular, scheduled maintenance.
• excessive speed.
• rapid acceleration.
• extended idle.

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106

HAZARD LIGHTS CONTROL

Use only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehicle breakdown,
approaching danger, etc. The hazard flashers can be operated when the
ignition is off.
• The hazard lights control is

located on top of the steering
column.

• Depress hazard lights control to

activate all hazard flashers
simultaneously.

• Depress control again to turn the

flashers off.

FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH

If the engine cranks but does not start after a collision, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated. The shut-off switch is a device
intended to stop the electric fuel pump when your vehicle has been
involved in a substantial jolt.

1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.

2. Check the fuel system for leaks.

3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the fuel pump shut-off switch by
pushing in the button on the switch.

4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Pause for a few seconds and
return the key to the OFF position.

5. Make a further check for leaks in the fuel system.

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107

The fuel pump shut-off switch is
located on the left side of the trunk
behind the trunk liner.

FUSES AND RELAYS

Fuses

If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.

Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage
rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause

severe wire damage and could start a fire.

OFF

15

15

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108

Standard fuse amperage rating and color

Fuse rating

Color

5 amp

Tan

7.5 amp

Brown

10 amp

Red

15 amp

Light blue

20 amp

Yellow

20 amp fuse link

Light blue

25 amp

Natural

30 amp

Light green

30 amp fuse link

Pink

40 amp fuse link

Green

50 amp fuse link

Red

60 amp fuse link

Yellow

80 amp fuse link

Black

100 amp fuse link

Dark blue

Passenger compartment fuse panel

The fuse panel is located on the left
hand side of the instrument panel
facing the driver’s side door. Pull the
panel cover outward to access the
fuses.

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109

To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.

The fuses are coded as follows.

Fuse/Relay

Location

Fuse Amp

Rating

Description

1

10A

Steering Column/Ignition/Lighting Module
(Brake Lamps, Climate Control Blower
Motor, Hazard Lamps, Speed Control)

2

10A

Radio, Cellular Phone

3

—

Not Used

4

10A

Radio, Cellular Phone, Message Center,
Compass, Day/Night Mirror, Passenger Seat
Module

10 A

10 A

10 A

15 A

15 A

10 A

30 A

20 A

10 A

10 A

10 A

10 A

10A

10A

10A

10 A

10 A

10 A

15 A

10 A

1

4

5

2

3

7

6

10

11

8

9

13

12

16

17

14

15

19

18

22

23

20

21

25

24

28

29

26

27

31

30

34

35

32

33

37

36

40

41

38

39

30 A

10 A

15 A

15 A

10 A

10 A

10 A

10 A

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Fuse/Relay

Location

Fuse Amp

Rating

Description

5

10A

Day/Night Sensor, Cluster (Oil Pressure,
Brake Warning, Speed Control), I/P
Warning Indicator Display, Steering
Column/Ignition/Lighting Module (Logic
Input)

6

10A

Starter Motor Relay

7

15A

Steering Column/Ignition/Lighting Module
(Left Turn Lamps)

8

—

Not Used

9

10A

Blower Motor Relay, Electronic Automatic
Temperature Control Module

10

30A

Windshield Wipers

11

10A

Coil Drivers, Radio Noise Capacitors, PCM
Relay

12

10A

Passenger’s Power and Heated Seats

13

15A

Steering Column/Ignition/Lighting Module
(Right Turn Lamps)

14

30A

Cigar Lighter, Cellular Phone, Power Point

15

10A

Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor

16

20A

Moonroof

17

10A

Instrument Cluster (Charging Indicator)

18

—

Not Used

19

10A

Steering Column/Ignition/Lighting Module
(Left Low-Beam Headlamp)

20

10A

Message Center, Instrument Cluster,
Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
Module

21

10A

EVAC/Fill Connector, Anti-Lock Brake
Control Module

22

—

Not Used

23

—

Not Used

24

—

Not Used

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Fuse/Relay

Location

Fuse Amp

Rating

Description

25

10A

Steering Column/Ignition/Lighting Module
(Right Low-Beam Headlamp)

26

15A

Steering Column/Ignition/Lighting Module
(Courtesy Lighting, Demand Lighting)

27

—

Not Used

28

10A

Instrument Cluster, I/P Warning Indicator
Display, Air Suspension/EVO Steering
Module, Rear Window Defrost Module,
Steering Wheel Position Sensor,
Transmission Control Switch

29

—

Not Used

30

10A

Heated Mirrors

31

10A

Steering Column/Ignition/Lighting Module
(Park Lamps)

32

15A

Brake On/Off Switch, Brake Pressure
Switch

33

—

Not Used

34

15A

Heated Seats, Backup Lamps, Speed
Control, Daytime Running Lamps, A/C
Cycling Switch, Digital Transmission Range
Sensor, Intake Manifold Runner Control
Module

35

10A

Driver’s Power and Heated Seats

36

—

Not Used

37

—

Not Used

38

10A

Data Link Connector

39

—

Not Used

40

—

Not Used

41

10A

Keyless Entry, Power Door Locks, Power
Mirror Switch, Memory/Recall Switch,
Driver’s Door Module

Roadside emergencies

112

Power distribution box

The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.

Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.

Always replace the cover to the Power Distribution Box before
reconnecting the battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.

30A MAXI

20A MAXI

40A MAXI

PCM

PO

WER

RELA

Y

ST

A

RTE

R

RELA

Y

HORNS

RELA

Y

HIGH

BEAM

FUEL

PUMP

DECK

LID

30A MAXI

30A MAXI

30A MAXI

30A MAXI

30A MAXI

20A MAXI

20A MAXI

60A MAXI

30A MAXI

40A MAXI

30A MAXI

40A MAXI

60A MAXI

60A MAXI

15A

15A

10A

10A

10A

30A

20A

20A

15A

PCM

PCM

HI BM

NO

T USED

SCIL

RADIO

HORN

AIRB

A

G

DECKLID

SSM

THERM

DSM

PSM

THERMA

CT

OR

FUEL PUMP

PCM

R

UN/A

CCY #1

SSM

BLO

WER MTR

R

UN/A

CCY #2

IGN B1

IGN B2

IP FUSE PNL

RR DEFR

OST

VLCM

IP FUSE PNL

ABS-3

ABS-2

11

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

19

18

17

16

15

14

13

21

20

9

7

5

3

1

12

10

8

6

4

2

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The high-current fuses are coded as follows.

Fuse/Relay

Location

Fuse Amp

Rating

Description

1

10A*

Powertrain Control Module (Keep-Alive
Memory)

2

15A*

High Beam Relay, Daytime Running Lamps
Module

3

10A*

Powertrain Control Module (EAM Pump
Motor-Monitor)

4

15A*

Air Suspension, Electronically Variable
Orifice Power Steering

5

30A*

Trunk Lid Relay, Fuel Filler Door Release

6

10A*

Air Bag Module

7

—

Not Used

8

20A*

Horn Relay

9

—

Not Used

10

20A*

Radio Amplifier, CD Changer

11

—

Not Used

12

15A*

Steering Column/Ignition/Lighting Module
(Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column Motors,
Mirror Lamps, Brake Shift Interlock, High
Beam Indicator, Anti-Theft Indicator)

13

60A**

Air Suspension

14

30A**

Delayed Accessory Power Relay #1, I/P
Fuses (4, 10, 16)

15

30A**

Powertrain Control Module, PCM Power
Relay, Engine Compartment Fuse 1

16

20A**

Fuel Pump Relay, Fuel Pump Module

17

30A**

Electronic Air Management, Engine
Compartment Fuse 3

18

30A**

Passenger Seat Module, Passenger Lumbar,
I/P Fuse 12

19

30A**

Driver Seat Module, Driver Lumbar, I/P
Fuse 35

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114

Fuse/Relay

Location

Fuse Amp

Rating

Description

20

30A**

Anti-Lock Brake Control Module

21

20A**

Anti-Lock Brake Control Module, EVAC/Fill
Connector

22

60A**

I/P Fuses (1, 7, 13, 19, 25, 31)

23

40A**

Variable Load Control Module

24

40A**

Rear Window Defrost Control, I/P Fuse 30

25

60A**

I/P Fuses (2, 14, 20, 26, 32, 38), Engine
Compartment Fuse 5

26

20A**

Ignition Switch, I/P Fuses (5, 9, 11, 15, 17,
21)

27

30A**

Starter Motor Solenoid, Ignition Switch, I/P
Fuses (6, 28, 34)

28

30A**

Delayed Accessory Power Relay #2, I/P
Fuse 41

29

40A**

Blower Motor Relay

* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses

CHANGING THE TIRES

If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.

Tire change procedure

1. Park on a level surface, activate hazard flashers and set parking brake.

2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park).

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115