Vehicle Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan.
Target Audience:
Owners and professional mechanics seeking in-depth repair and maintenance guidance for the 1998-2002 Lincoln Continental.
Competitors Era:
Competed against other American luxury sedans like Cadillac DeVille, Buick Park Avenue, and imported luxury sedans from Mercedes-Benz (E-Class), BMW (5 Series), Lexus (LS).
Manual Advantage:
Provides professional-level factory service information, enabling complex repairs and diagnostics without relying solely on guesswork or limited online resources.
Content Value:
Offers significant cost savings for owners by enabling DIY repairs and proactive maintenance.
Manual Type:
Full Service & Repair Workshop Manual
Coverage Breadth:
Comprehensive: all repairs, servicing, and troubleshooting procedures.
Page Count Estimation:
Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but described as very detailed).
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine:
Detailed coverage of engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for the automatic transmission, including hydraulic and electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Coverage for front-wheel drive axle shafts, differential, and related components.
Brakes:
In-depth information on hydraulic brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and parking brake.
Suspension:
Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension components, steering, and alignment.
Steering:
Coverage of power steering system, steering column, and wheel.
Electrical:
Extensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, power accessories, charging system, and starting system.
HVAC:
Service and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Body:
Procedures for body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, and exterior components.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides and diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all mechanical and electrical components.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting fault codes, identifying symptoms, and pinpointing root causes.
Rebuilds Overhauls:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds and overhauls.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing of electrical circuits, sensors, actuators, and control modules.
Special Tools:
Identification of and instructions for using specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth Of Information:
Professional-level detail, equivalent to factory service information.
Visuals:
Hundreds of detailed photos and exploded diagrams to illustrate procedures.
Accuracy:
Accurate, step-by-step instructions for correct job completion.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely searchable PDF (standard for professional manuals).
Print Capability:
Printable (single pages or entire manual).
Binding Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Operating Systems:
Fully compatible with all Windows and MAC computers.
Usage License:
Lifetime use, unlimited installations on multiple computers.
Fees:
No extra fees, no expiry dates, no renewal fees.
Engine Code:
4.6L V8 SOHC 'Triton' (Modular Engine Family)
Displacement:
281 cubic inches (4.6 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
3.55 in x 3.54 in (90.2 mm x 89.9 mm)
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 or 9.8:1 (depending on specific engine variant, e.g., PI vs. non-PI)
Horsepower:
Approximately 260-275 hp @ 4,500-5,000 rpm (varies by year and specific engine configuration).
Torque:
Approximately 295-305 lb-ft @ 3,500-4,000 rpm (varies by year and specific engine configuration).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SMPI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum recommended.
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug (COP) or coil pack configuration.
Emission Systems:
Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation).
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Model:
AX4N (e.g., 4R70W variant)
Transmission Control:
Electronic control with adaptive shift logic.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10.7 quarts (10.1 liters) for a complete fluid change, including torque converter.
Length:
Approximately 212.1 inches (5387 mm)
Width:
Approximately 78.2 inches (1986 mm)
Height:
Approximately 54.4 inches (1382 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 114.4 inches (2906 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,700 - 3,900 lbs (1678 - 1769 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (1998 Model Year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (1998 Model Year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (1998-2002 Model Years)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Airbags:
Standard front airbags for driver and passenger; optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts.
Audio System:
Factory premium audio systems often included cassette and CD players, with optional JBL or Mach premium sound systems. Some models offered voice-activated systems.
Navigation:
Optional factory GPS navigation system, typically touchscreen based.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors on some models.
Telematics:
Optional Ford RESCU (Roadside Emergency Support) or similar cellular/satellite-based assistance systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), change fluid and filter as needed or approximately every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) as per service manual recommendations.
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter, using specified coolant.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for long-life spark plugs (e.g., if equipped with Platinum or Iridium plugs, check specific type).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG, SH, SJ, or higher. Check owner's manual for exact specification, especially for synthetic blends.
Coolant Specification:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 Brake Fluid.
Common Problems:
Variable: Coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system failures, power window regulator failures, ABS sensor issues, radiator leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, rear main seal oil leaks, transmission solenoid issues.
Lincoln Legacy:
Lincoln, Ford's luxury division, established in 1917, known for producing opulent and powerful vehicles, often favored by presidents and dignitaries.
Continental Lineage:
The Continental nameplate has a long and storied history with Lincoln, representing the pinnacle of American luxury and design across multiple generations, evolving from iconic two-door coupes to modern sedans.
Manufacturing Plant:
Wixom Assembly Plant, Wixom, Michigan, USA.
Production Period:
1998-2002 (Ninth Generation).
