Lincoln Mark LT (2008 year). Manual — part 18

ENGINE

Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
• Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The

high-pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause
damage.

• Do not spray a hot engine with cold water to avoid cracking the

engine block or other engine components.

• Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (ZC-20) on all parts

that require cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In Canada use
Motorcraft Engine Shampoo (CXC-66-A).

• Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning

the engine.

• Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the

running engine may cause internal damage.

PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS

Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your authorized dealer.
• For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3-A).
• If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar

Remover (ZC-42).

• For plastic headlamp lenses, use Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass

Cleaner (ZC-23).

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WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES

The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, water repellent
coatings, tree sap, or other organic contamination; these contaminants
may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and streaking and
smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow these tips:
• The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with

a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra-Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your authorized dealer.

• The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or

Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32-A),
available from your authorized dealer. This washer fluid contains
special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.

• Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
• Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.

Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines (if
equipped).

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INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS

Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a
clean and damp white cotton cloth, then with a clean and dry white
cotton cloth; you may also use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner
(ZC-38-A) on the instrument panel and interior trim areas.
• Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase the gloss of the upper portion

of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.

• Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in

contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.

• Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the

finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.

Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of

the airbag system.

If a staining liquid like coffee/juice has been spilled on the instrument
panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:

1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean, white, cotton cloth.

2. Apply Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-11-A) [In
Canada use Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Cleaner (CXC-101)] to the wiped
area and spread around evenly.

3. Apply more Motorcraft cleaner to a clean, white, cotton cloth and
press the cloth onto the soiled area–allow this to set at room
temperature for 30 minutes.

4. Remove the soaked cloth, and if it is not soiled badly, use this cloth to
clean the area by using a rubbing motion for 60 seconds.

5. Following this, wipe area dry with a clean, white, cotton cloth.

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INTERIOR

For fabric, carpets and safety belts:
• Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.

• Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Professional Strength

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54).

• If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first

with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14). In Canada, use
Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Cleaner (CXC-101).

• If a ring forms on the fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area

immediately (but do not oversaturate) or the ring will set.

• Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can

stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.

Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the vehicle’s
seatbelts, as these actions may weaken the belt webbing.

LEATHER SEATS

Your leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the
leather.
• To clean, use a soft cloth with Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl

Cleaner (ZC-11-A). In Canada, use Motorcraft Vinyl Cleaner (CXC-93).
Dry the area with a soft cloth.

• To help maintain its resiliency and color, use the Motorcraft Deluxe

Leather Care Kit (ZC-11-D), available from your authorized dealer. In
Canada, use Motorcraft Vinyl Cleaner (CXC-93) or an equivalent
high–quality leather care product.

• Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or

cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based
leather conditioners. These products may cause premature wearing of
the clear, protective coating.

Note: In some instances, color or dye transfer can occur when wet
clothing comes in contact with leather upholstery. If this occurs, the
leather should be cleaned immediately to avoid permanent staining.

UNDERBODY

Flush the complete underside of your vehicle frequently. Keep body and
door drain holes free from packed dirt.

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FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS

Your Ford or Lincoln Mercury authorized dealer has many quality
products available to clean your vehicle and protect its finishes. These
quality products have been specifically engineered to fulfill your
automotive needs; they are custom designed to complement the style
and appearance of your vehicle. Each product is made from high quality
materials that meet or exceed rigid specifications. For best results, use
the following products or products of equivalent quality:

Motorcraft Bug and Tar Remover (ZC-42)

Motorcraft Car Wash (Canada only) (CXC-21)

Motorcraft Custom Bright Metal Cleaner (ZC-15)

Motorcraft Custom Clear Coat Polish (ZC-8-A)

Motorcraft Custom Vinyl Protectant (ZC-40-A)

Motorcraft Dash and Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38-A)

Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner (U.S. only) (ZC-11-A)

Motorcraft Leather Care Kit (U.S. only) (ZC-11-D)

Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3-A)

Motorcraft Dusting Cloth (ZC-24)

Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (U.S. only) (ZC-20)

Motorcraft Engine Shampoo (Canada only) (CXC-66-A)

Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-101)

Motorcraft Premium Glass Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-100)

Motorcraft Premium Liquid Wax (ZC-53-A)

Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (U.S. only)
(ZC-32-A)

Motorcraft Professional Strength Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54)

Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (U.S. only) (ZC-14)

Motorcraft Tire Clean and Shine (ZC-28)

Motorcraft Triple Clean (U.S. only) (ZC-13)

Motorcraft Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23)

Motorcraft Vinyl Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-93)

Motorcraft Wash and Wax (Canada only) (CXC-95)

Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37-A)

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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS

To help you service your vehicle, we provide scheduled maintenance
information which makes tracking routine service easy.

If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check your Warranty Guide to
find out which parts and services are covered.

Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
• Do not work on a hot engine.
• Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
• Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed

space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.

• Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away

from the battery and all fuel related parts.

Working with the engine off

1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).

2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.

3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

Working with the engine on

1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).

2. Block the wheels.

To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or personal burn
injuries, do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed

and do not remove it while the engine is running.

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OPENING THE HOOD

1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom of the instrument panel.

2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch that is
located on the front bumper under the grill.

3. Lift the hood until the lift cylinders hold it open.

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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

1. Battery

2. Transmission fluid dipstick

3. Air filter assembly

4. Power steering fluid reservoir

5. Engine oil dipstick

6. Brake fluid reservoir

7. Engine coolant reservoir

8. Engine oil filler cap

9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir

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WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.

Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16-A2.
Do not use any special washer fluid
such as windshield water repellent
type fluid or bug wash. They may
cause squeaking, chatter noise,
streaking and smearing. Refer to the
Maintenance product
specifications and capacities section in this chapter.

State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.

If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F (5°C),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use

washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.

Note: Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.

CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES

1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.

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

Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.

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Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer to Windows and wiper blades in the Cleaning
chapter.

To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.

ENGINE OIL

Checking the engine oil

Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.

1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.

2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.

3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).

4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.

5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level dipstick.

6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.

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• If the oil level is within this

range, the oil level is acceptable.
DO NOT ADD OIL.

• If the oil level is below this

mark, engine oil must be added
to raise the level within the
normal operating range.

• If required, add engine oil to the

engine. Refer to Adding engine
oil in this chapter.

• Do not overfill the engine

with oil. Oil levels above this
mark may cause engine
damage. If the engine is
overfilled, some oil must be
removed from the engine by an
authorized dealer.

7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.

Adding engine oil

1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to Checking the engine
oil in this chapter.

2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.

3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.

4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.

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5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.

To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.

Engine oil and filter recommendations

Look for this certification
trademark.

Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil

Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.

To protect your engine’s warranty use Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an
equivalent SAE 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A.
SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and durability
performance meeting all requirements for your vehicle’s engine.

Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.

Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in scheduled maintenance information.

Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.

It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter or
another with equivalent performance for your engine application.

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BATTERY

Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.

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

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 terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.

It is recommended that the negative battery cable terminal be
disconnected from the battery if you plan to store your vehicle for an
extended period of time. This will minimize the discharge of your battery
during storage.

Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to
the vehicle by the dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.

Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted

substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.

When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,

resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.

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Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes

when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.

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 and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:

1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.

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

3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.

4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with
the A/C on, put the vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.

7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
• The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to

relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.

• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle

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

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.

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• Always dispose of automotive

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

ENGINE COOLANT

Checking engine coolant

The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed in scheduled maintenance information. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-36°C). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the “FULL COLD” level or within the “COLD
FILL RANGE” in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add
coolant per the instructions in the Adding engine coolant section.

Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly. A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
• Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
• Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
• Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
• Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.

LEAD

RETURN

RECYCLE

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When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.

• The engine coolant should be at the “FULL COLD” level or within the

“COLD FILL RANGE” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).

• Refer to scheduled maintenance information for service interval

schedules.

• Be sure to read and understand Precautions when servicing your

vehicle in this chapter.

If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer to Adding
engine coolant in this chapter.
Note: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.

Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir, when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.

Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you

badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.

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