🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Lincoln

Model:

Continental

Year:

1999

Generation Designation:

Ninth Generation (FN3)

Platform Code:

FN3

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Premium luxury sedan in the late 1990s domestic market, competing with domestic and imported rivals.

Key Competitors:

Cadillac DeVille, Buick Park Avenue, Chrysler LHS, Oldsmobile Aurora, Cadillac Seville, Lexus LS400, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series.

Vehicle Strengths:

Spacious interior, comfortable ride, powerful V8 engine, quiet cabin, advanced features for its time.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-level technical expertise, enabling owners and independent mechanics to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs accurately and efficiently.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Trims:

Yes

All Repairs A Z:

Yes

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive factory manuals)

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Digital Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip

Digital Compatibility:

Windows, Mac

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Control System, Fuel Service, Emission Control, Intake/Exhaust/Cooling, Lube, Ignition/Starting/Charging, Automatic Transmission

Chassis:

Mechanical, Transfer/Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle/Suspension, Tire/Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering

Body Electrical:

Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper/Washer, Door Lock, Meter/Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/Door, Exterior/Interior, Electrical, Multiplex/CAN Communication

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, inspections.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-to-cause analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring schematic interpretation.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major and minor components, including disassembly, reassembly, and adjustments.

Technical Data Specs:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, component data.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text, all pages printable.

Feature:

Print selected pages/diagrams, enlarge images for clarity.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality For Print:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

24-valve 4.6L V8 (Northstar L37)

Engine Type:

DOHC V8, Aluminum Block and Heads

Horsepower Est:

Approx. 275-280 hp @ 6000 rpm (L37)

Torque Est:

Approx. 290-300 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (L37)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

4T80-E

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, driver-adaptive shifting, performance mode.

📐 Dimensions

Length In:

206.2

Width In:

74.6

Height In:

55.4

Wheelbase In:

114.7

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 3,950 - 4,050 lbs (depending on trim and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Est:

Likely 4-star (based on contemporary testing and features)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Est:

Likely 4-star (based on contemporary testing and features)

ABS:

Standard

Traction Control:

Standard (often integrated with ABS)

Airbags:

Driver, Passenger, Side-Impact (often optional or standard on higher trims)

Seat Belts:

Front Pretensioners, Load Limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound systems (e.g., Bose), cassette and CD player, AM/FM stereo.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control, dual-zone climate control (often available).

Cruise Control:

Standard

Parking Assist:

Ultrasonic rear parking assist (optional on some trims)

Onstar Availability:

May be equipped with early OnStar system (check specific vehicle)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific recommendations)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 50,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific recommendations)

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API Certified)

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Coolant:

Dex-Cool (Orange) 50/50 mix with distilled water

Common Wear Items:

Ignition system (coil packs, spark plugs), fuel injectors, suspension components (bushings, struts), HVAC system (blower motor, climate control module).

Northstar Specific Concerns:

Head gasket leaks (early Northstars, though improved in later iterations), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks from head bolts. The manual will detail specific diagnostic and repair procedures for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand History:

Lincoln, established in 1917, is the luxury division of Ford Motor Company, known for its opulent and technologically advanced vehicles.

Continental Legacy:

The Continental nameplate has a storied history within Lincoln, representing the pinnacle of American luxury and design for decades.

Manufacturing Plant:

Wixom Assembly Plant, Wixom, Michigan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Northstar engine and Continental platform were often lauded by automotive publications, though specific '10Best' awards for the 1999 model year might be scarce, the platform itself was well-regarded.

Consumer Reports Reliability Est:

Variable, often average to below average for its class in contemporary reports, but comprehensive maintenance is key to longevity.