check engine light on ! 100" stretch uk

bought my first towncar limolast week,
the check engine light has come on,
the car drives great with no problems,
how do I get rid of this message ??
anyone got any idea what it could mean ??
thanks in advance for any help, suggestions.

First...
Welcome to the forums :)

Your not saying what year, but your profile shows 1996 -- which means you're fully OBDII compliant.

You need to get yourself an OBDII code reader, plug it into the port just above the gas pedal, under the dash.
Looks like this one:
http://www.scantool.net/images/diagrams/obdii_female.png

Let it read the code(s), most scanners can also reset the CEL (check engine light) if that's what your after.

The middle of the line Scan Tool looks like this one: About $100 USA
http://www.toolweb.com/pics/KEQCP9145.jpg

After you get the code(s) from the system, you can choose to clear them to see if they return right away -- If so, use a diagnosis table such as THIS ONE (http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/index.php) to give you an idea of whats causing the CEL to come on.

If you can't find a proper diagnosis for the code(s) you get off your Limo, you can always come back here and post your code numbers -- Lot's of OBDII guys here.

BTW:
There's another Limo man on your side of the lake (I'm in California) that moderates over here. (http://www.lincolnsonline.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=3) Pop in there and say hi to Dereck....

Hello, I have the same problem with my 91 town car the check engine light comeing on. Is there a way to clear the code with out the scan tool. Thanks Mike

Hello, I have the same problem with my 91 town car the check engine light comeing on. Is there a way to clear the code with out the scan tool. Thanks Mike

Hey Mike,
1991 is a completely different animal. Yours is an OBD1 system, the data connection port in under the hood, and its a different shape that all OBDII's.

Up until 1996, On Board Diagnostics was thought to be a great idea, until everyone made a big mess of it. There was no standard where a single code would mean the same thing for every make car.

So, big brother stepped in and mandated that for 1996 + vehicles, there will be a new standard (OBDii), and all cars will be the same. Some makers jumped on board in 1995 with OBDii, Lincoln was one of those.

Your OBD1 scanner (code reader) is only about $30 at Wall Mart or the likes, eBay has them too.

To clear your codes without a scanner, simply disconnect your battery for more than five minutes. When it's reconnected, the codes will have been cleared.

If the problem persists, that means the system is detecting new problems and you'll need read the codes for diagnosis.

There's a method of reading the codes without a scanner, using a jumper wire across specific terminals of your OBD1 connection port, then turning your key on, not running the engine, and the CEL blinks the number of times corresponding to the codes it's displaying.

Flash,Flash,Flash,Flash,Flash: pause
Flash,Flash,Flash: pause

Would indicate fault 53. Match that number with a code reference chart specific to your vehicle and you'll get the code description.
It'll be in simple terms like 53 = VSS (vehicle speed sensor) and you'll then need to figure out what to do about it.

BTW, I have no idea what Lincoln's code 53 actually is :)

One thing to note:
After your battery is offline for more than five minutes, all memory is lost including the data that kept your car running smoothly in your climate, altitude, driving habits, etc. You should expect your car to run like shit for the next 10 miles or so, while it re-learns normal running conditions.

PS;
Mike, this is right up your alley:
another 1991 in trouble (http://www.lincolnsonline.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=005393)

Thanks again for all the help. I thought dis connecting the bat would clear the codes, but wasen't sure. The bat I have in car keeps geting drained so I've been leaving it dis connected. While I've been working on it, leaving the doors and hood open it drains the bat. I probally need to just pull the fuse on the interior lights and pull the bulb on the hood light and reconnect the bat.

I got this car for free over the summer and it has come a long way from trailer queen to moving under it's own power. So far I have swaped engines, fixed all the windows that weren't working, fixed all four rim leaks, replaced the stereo, hood orniment and gave it a good cleaning inside and out. Probally have 600 bucks into it so far, not to bad. The car really looks respectable at this point.

Since I'm resurrecting this basket case from the grave and have many issues to work out still, it might not be a bad item to have that obd1 scanner. Will have to keep my eyes open on E-bay I got that TV cable adjusted just perfect from the link you posted, thanks again.

Mike

Mike, that's really great you've takin' a basket case and made it a respectable ride :)

Maybe you can post some pictures before and after :)