Lincoln Continental (2002) [194/232] Maintenance and specifications

• Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved

recycling process (see Use of Recycled engine coolant section).

For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap

on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery

reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and

water to the “cold full” level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant

degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the

coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow

system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.

To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is

cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The

cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out

forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.

1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.

2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant

pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic bottle).

Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.

3. Step back while the pressure releases.

4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the

cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.

5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see

above), to within the “cold fill range” or the “cold full” level on the

reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the

radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.

6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly

installed to prevent coolant loss.)

After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration, refer

to Checking Engine Coolant section. If the concentration is not 50/50

(protection to –34° F/–36° C), drain some coolant and adjust the

concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50

coolant concentration.

Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant

reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If

necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and

distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.

If you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per

month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling

Maintenance and Specifications

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