Product Changes
Article No98-17-13
09/01/98
^ BODY - PRODUCT CHANGES FOR 1999
CONTINENTAL AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES
^ ELECTRICAL - PRODUCT CHANGES FOR 1999
CONTINENTAL AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES
^ MISCELLANEOUS - PRODUCT CHANGES FOR 1999
CONTINENTAL AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1999 CONTINENTAL, TOWN CAR
ISSUE
There have been significant product changes to the 1999 Continental and Town Car. Awareness of these changes should increase the dealer's ability to "Fix It Right The First Time On Time," help avoid submitting inappropriate misbuilt vehicle claims, and improve customer awareness of the features on their vehicles.
ACTION
Refer to the following 1999 Product Changes for Continental and Town Car
1999 PRODUCT CHANGES
BODY
1. Valet Key
^ A valet key will be standard on all vehicles.
NOTE
ON EARLY BUILT TOWN CARS THE KEY WILL BE SHIPPED DIRECTLY TO THE CUSTOMER IN THE CUSTOMER COMMITMENT PACKAGE.
^ This key operates only the driver's door lock cylinder and the ignition. It is thicker than standard keys and will not fit into the glove compartment, trunk lock, or trunk remote release cylinders.
^ The valet key must be programmed into the Securi-Lock anti-theft system during pre-delivery. You will need both ignition keys (that will start the vehicle) to program the valet key. Refer to the following procedure:
a. Insert one of the ignition keys into the ignition switch and turn ignition from OFF to RUN for at least 1 second.
b. Turn ignition OFF and remove key.
c. Within 5 seconds of turning ignition OFF, insert the second key and turn ignition to RUN for at least 1 second, but no more than 5 seconds.
d. Turn ignition OFF and remove key.
e. Within 10 seconds of turning ignition OFF, insert valet key and turn ignition to RUN for at least 1 second. This will program the valet key.
f. Turn ignition OFF and verify valet key will start the vehicle.
NOTE
IF THE PROGRAMMING WAS UNSUCCESSFUL, WAIT AT LEAST 30 SECONDS AND REPEAT THE PROCEDURE.
2. Passenger Door Lock Cylinder
^ Customer studies indicate that with Remote Keyless Entry being standard equipment, the passenger door lock cylinder is seldom (if ever) used. As a result, the door lock cylinder is now present only on the driver's door.
^ Continentals shipped to Asian markets will continue to have the passenger door lock cylinder.
3. Side Air Bags
^ Side air bags are standard on most models and are integrated into the side bolsters of the front seat backs.
^ Side air bags are not available on the following Town Cars:
^ limousines
^ livery packages
^ vehicles destined for Mexico
Refer to the 1999 Continental or Town Car Workshop Manual for service details.
ELECTRICAL
1. Cell Phone Handset
^ A new handset (similar to the Taurus/Sable) is now provided with the cell phone option.
^ Refer to the 1999 Workshop Manual for service details.
2. Power Seat Controls (Town Car)
^ The power seat controls on the Executive Series have been moved from the side of the seat to the driver's door panel.
ENGINE
Deletion of Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) System (Continental)
- A new "tumbleport" cylinder head design provides similar horsepower and torque as in previous model years but without the need for the IMRC system.
DRIVEABILITY
Calibration Label
^ The emission system calibration label is no longer on the driver's door.
^ Calibration identification is available through OASIS.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASES CODES: 101000,102000,103000, 105000, 106000,108000, 112000, 201000,
201100, 201200, 203000, 205000, 207000, 302000, 499000