1996 Lincoln Continental Owner's Manual - Page 187

/!\ WARNING Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running. You can tell a column-mounted gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if the lever is adjacent to the P (Park) and you cannot move it without pulling it toward you and rotating it downward. You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if the lever is adjacent to the P (Park) and you cannot move it without pushing in the thumb button. The gearshift will lock when you turn the key to the LOCK position. When the gearshift is in any position except P (Park), the ignition key cannot be turned to the LOCK position or removed from the steering column. To remove the key, the gearshift lever must be in P (Park). Traction Control™ (If equipped) ™ Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional Traction Control™, system. This system helps prevent wheel spin in order to improve tire traction and is an especially useful feature when you drive in hilly areas or on slippery, icy or snowy roads. When the Traction Control system is controlling wheelspin, an electric motor sound may be heard from the engine compartment and engine acceleration may seem slower. This is normal. Traction Control™ works automatically by rapidly applying and releasing the brakes and reducing engine torque to prevent one or both of the front drive wheels from spinning during acceleration. During the Traction Control™ function, which most often occurs during low speed acceleration on slippery surfaces, a noise may be heard coming from the engine compartment. This is normal and may last for a few seconds during the acceleration of the vehicle. 184