Lincoln Mark VIII (1998 year). Manual — part 9

Severe winter climate

If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –36°C [–34°F]), it may
be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the coolant concentration in
your vehicle is such that the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months. Never increase the engine
coolant concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme climates.

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID

Check the power steering fluid at
least twice a year. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCON

t ATF

power steering fluid.

1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge will be near the
center of the NORMAL band).

2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.

3. Turn the engine off.

4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.

5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.

DO

NOT

OV

ERFILL

P

O

W

ER

ST

EE

R

IN

G

FLU

ID

MAX

MIN

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TRANSMISSION FLUID

Checking and adding automatic transmission fluid

Follow the scheduled service intervals outlined in the “Service Guide.”

Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and/or dipstick handle
and also in the Lubricant specifications section in the Capacities and
specifications chapter.

An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.

Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the bottom (cold)
notch on the dipstick and outside
temperatures are above 10°C (50°F)
(see figure to the right).

Your transmission does not use up fluid. However, it is recommended
that you check the transmission fluid at least twice a year. The fluid level
should be checked if the transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.

Transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating temperatures
66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 32 km (20 miles) of
driving.

The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]) (see figure to the
right).

The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at room temperature
(10°C-35°C [50°F-95°F]) (see figure
to the right).

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If your vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds,
in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should
be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to cool before
checking.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

2. With the parking brake engaged
and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow sufficient time
for each gear to engage.

3. Latch the gearshift lever in P
(Park) and leave the engine running.

4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.

5. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.

6. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid level should
be within the top notch (hot) area of the dipstick.

7. If necessary, add fluid in .25L (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.

8. If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.

An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.

If the fluid level is above the top
notch of the hot range after driving
the vehicle approximately 30 km
(20 miles), excess fluid should be
removed by a qualified technician.

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BATTERY

Your vehicle may be equipped with a
Superstart maintenance-free battery.
If the original equipment battery
needs replacing, it may be replaced
with a low-maintenance battery. The
low-maintenance battery normally
does not require additional water
during its life of service. However,
for severe usage or in high
temperature climates, check your
battery electrolyte level, at least
every 24 months or 40,000 km
(24,000 miles). Keep the electrolyte
in each cell up to the “level” indicator. Do not overfill the battery cells.

If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery cells with
distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the charging
system checked.

For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.

If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminal(s) and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when
you are done cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the
top of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.

If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery is replaced.

Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To
begin this process:

1. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
vehicle.

2. Let the engine idle for at least one minute.

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3. The relearning process will automatically complete as you drive the
vehicle.
• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle, the idle quality of

your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is eventually
relearned.

• If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been

installed, the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once
the battery is reconnected.

• Always dispose of automotive

batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your community’s
standards for disposal. Call your
local recycling center to find out
more about recycling automotive
batteries.

WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES

Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less
effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.

Checking the wiper blades

If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.

Changing the wiper blades

When replacing wiper blade assemblies, always use a Motorcraft part or
equivalent. To make replacing the wipers easy, turn the ignition to ACC,
then turn the wipers on. When the wipers reach the vertical position,
turn the ignition to LOCK.

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To replace the wiper blades:

1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and lock into the service
position.

2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
with a screwdriver to release the
blade and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.

3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.

INFORMATION ABOUT TIRE QUALITY GRADES

New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have their Tire Quality Grade
(described below) molded into the
tire’s sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards
that the United States Department
of Transportation has set.

Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic tires for use on
passenger cars. They do not apply
to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver or temporary use
spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).

U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades: The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.

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Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire grade 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
grade 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.

Traction A B C

The traction grades, from highest to lowest are A, B, and C, and they
represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking
(straight ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering

(turning) traction.

Temperature A B C

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.

The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,

underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

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SERVICING YOUR TIRES

Checking the tire pressure

• Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
• Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been

parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km
(3 miles).

• Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the label

located on the face of the passenger door jamb.

Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.

Tire rotation

Because your vehicle’s tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the “Service Guide.” If you notice that the tires
wear unevenly, have them checked.
• Four tire rotation

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Replacing the tires

Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.

Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier to lose control and roll

over.

Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.

SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS

Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods

of time may result in damage to vehicle components.

Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.

Do not use any type of tire chains on this vehicle. This includes both
conventional and cable-type chains.

The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide traction in
rain or snow. However, during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires.

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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS

Important safety precautions

Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.

If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the fuel
tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work improperly

in a collision.

The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is venting
vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before

completely removing the cap.

Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.

Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
• Extinguish all smoking materials

and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.

• Always turn off the vehicle before

fueling.

• Automotive fuels can be harmful

or fatal if swallowed. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician
immediately, even if no symptoms
are immediately apparent. The
toxic effects of fuel may not be
visible for hours.

• Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is

splashed on the skin, promptly remove contaminated clothing and
wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.

• If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact lenses, flush with water

for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

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• Be particularly careful if you are taking “Antabuse” or other forms of

disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. Consult a physician
immediately.

Choosing the right fuel

Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.

Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.

Vehicles certified to California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control Information label) are designed to
operate on California reformulated gasolines. If California reformulated
gasoline is not available when you refuel, your vehicle can be operated
on non-California fuels. However, even though your engine will perform
adequately on other gasolines, the performance of the emission control
devices and systems may be adversely affected.

Repair of damage caused by using a fuel that your vehicle was not
designed for may not be covered by your warranty.

Octane recommendations

Your vehicle is designed to use
“Premium” gasoline for optimum
performance with an (R+M)/
2 octane rating of 91 or higher.
Gasolines with lower octance ratings
can be used, but performance may
decrease. We do not recommend
gasolines labeled as “Premium” in
high altitude areas that are sold with octane ratings less than 91.

Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly. However,
if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on fuel with the
recommended octane, see your dealer or a qualified service technician to
prevent any engine damage.

Fuel quality

If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” gasoline.
“Premium” gasoline is not recommended (particularly in the United

91

(R+M)/2 METHOD

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States) because it may cause these problems to become more
pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.

The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) issued a
gasoline specification to provide information on high quality fuels that
optimize the performance of your vehicle. We recommend the use of
gasolines that meet the AAMA specification if they are available.

It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.

Cleaner air

Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air quality, including
reformulated gasolines that contain oxygenates up to 10% ethanol or
15% MTBE.

Do not use gasolines containing methanol, which can damage critical fuel
system components. Damage resulting from the use of methanol may not
be covered by your warranty.

Running out of fuel

Avoid running out fuel because this situation may have an adverse affect
on modern powertrain components.

You may need to crank the engine several times before the system starts
to pump fuel from the tank to the engine. If you run out of fuel, your
Check Engine light may come on. For more information on the Check
Engine light, refer to the Instrumentation chapter.

Calculating fuel economy

To accurately calculate your vehicle’s fuel economy:

1. Fill the tank completely and record the initial odometer reading.

2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).

3. After at least three to five fuel tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and
record the current mileage reading.

4. Use one of the following equations to calculate fuel economy.

Liters used x 100

4 Total kilometers traveled

Total miles traveled

4 Total gallons used

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Keep a record for at least one month. This will provide an accurate
estimate of the vehicle’s fuel economy.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
• Use only unleaded fuel.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at

high speeds.

• Have the services listed in your “Service Guide” performed according

to the specified schedule.

The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in the “Service Guide” are
required because they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.

If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine

compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure, the
charging system warning light, the “Check Engine” light or the
temperature warning light. These events could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.

If you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have
the dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive

if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill
you.

Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,

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sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.

Please consult your “Warranty Guide” for complete emission warranty
information.

Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) testing

In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) system. If your “check engine/service
engine soon” light is on, reference the applicable light description in the
Warning Lights and Chimes section of your owners guide. Your vehicle
may not pass the I/M test with the “check engine/service engine soon”
light on.

If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the OBD-II system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test” condition. To
ready the OBD-II system for I/M testing, a minimum of 30 minutes of city
and highway driving is necessary as described below:
• First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
• Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop and go, city type traffic with

at least four idle periods.

Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.

EXTERIOR BULBS

Replacing exterior bulbs

Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
• Headlamps
• Tail lamps
• Brakelamps
• High-mount brakelamp
• Turn signals

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• Backup lamps
• License plate lamp
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they will be replaced immediately. If a
bulb is removed for an extended period of time, contaminants may enter
the lamp housings and affect performance.

Replacing headlamp bulbs

The high beam headlamps on your vehicle use halogen bulbs. If the lamp
burns out, simply replace it with a new one.

Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of
children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do

not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the headlamps are operated.

Unlike the high beam headlamps, the low beam headlamps on your
vehicle use a “high intensity discharge” source. These lamps operate at a
high voltage.

Low beam headlamps that flicker, are dim, or appear yellow or red
should be replaced using the following instructions provided the vehicle
is equipped with an orange sticker displayed near the front of the engine
compartment which reads WARNING: HIGH VOLTAGE.

Take your vehicle to your Lincoln Mercury dealer for service if:
• One or both of your low beam headlamp bulbs are burned out and the

orange sticker which reads WARNING: HIGH VOLTAGE is not
displayed near the front of the engine compartment or

• The message center displays “CHECK HEADLAMPS.”

Replacing the low beam headlamp bulb

1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the OFF position.

2. Lift the hood and disconnect the
battery ground cable.

3. Remove the sight shield located
above the headlamps.

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4. Remove the retaining screw from
the corner of the headlamp
assembly.

5. Remove the bolts from the top of
the headlamp assembly.

6. Gently pull the headlamp
assembly forward. Noting the
location of each connector,
disconnect the wire connectors from
the headlamp assembly.

7. Remove the headlamp assembly
and place it on a clean work surface.

8. Remove the low beam headlamp
housing cover by rotating
counterclockwise 1/4 turn.

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