1996 Lincoln Continental Owner's Manual - Page 255

The low-maintenance battery has removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and adding water. The electrolyte level should be checked at least every 24 months or 24,000 miles (40,000 km) in temperatures up to 90'F (32'C) and more often in temperatures above 90'F (32'C). Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the level indicator. Do not overfill. If the level gets low, refill the battery with distilled water. If necessary, you can add tap water to the battery, provided the water is not hard or does not have a high mineral or alkali content. If the battery needs water quite often, have the charging system checked for a possible malfunction. Battery recycling symbol Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or install a new battery, you must allow the computer to "relearn" its idle conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To let the engine do this, put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all the accessories, and start the vehicle. Let the engine idle for at least one minute. (Engine must be warm in order to "learn.") Also, allow approximately 10 miles (16 km) of stop and go traffic for your vehicle's engine to completely girelearn" its idle. Help Us Protect Our Environment Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for disposal. 253