1998 Lincoln Mark VIII Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 9

Instrumentation engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require towing. What you should do if the check engine light illuminates Light turns on solid: This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction. Have your vehicle serviced at your first opportunity. Temporary malfunctions may also cause your check engine light to illuminate. Examples follow: • The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly.) • Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel. • The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened. These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the gas cap. After three drive cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the check engine light should turn off. No vehicle service is required. Light is blinking: Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity. Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire. Air bag readiness Briefly illuminates when the ignition is turned on. If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately. 10