1998 Lincoln Continental Engine Light

I recently acquired a 1998 Lincoln Continental almost 3 weeks ago. Within a week, the check engine light came on while I was driving home from work. That was 2 weeks ago. The light has come on everyday since and has stayed fully lit the whole time the car is running. I have not had any problems with starting/running until today. I drove home from work and stopped at a gas station. I got back into my car and turned the key, lights and radio came on fine, when i fully turned the key I heard a click and then nothing. Tried a few more times to fully turn the key but no noise. Opened the hood and wiggled the battery cables and tried again and it started fine. Not sure if this not starting issue has anything to do with the engine light being on? From reading other threads could this not starting issue be from a bad starter relay switch? The battery is not even a year old. I have yet to get the error codes from the engine light but just wanted to see if these issues could be related.

Thank you

The light has come on everyday since and has stayed fully lit the whole time the car is running.

Battery cables shouldn't wiggle, fix that first then drive over to an Autozone or the equivalent for your area, they'll read the codes for you free.

Note:
Battery cables need to be disconnected, inspected, cleaned and installed clean and tight. Folks that like their cars to stay reliable also install corrosion inhibitors on the terminals too.

I have the same model/year and engine light on. I have had it checked and cylinder 8 is misfiring and needs a new coil. What kind of coil is it (specific name?), and where can I find a well priced one? Thanks.

I have the same model/year and engine light on. I have had it checked and cylinder 8 is misfiring and needs a new coil. What kind of coil is it (specific name?), and where can I find a well priced one? Thanks.

It's a Coil Pack.. shop around, the prices vary ALLOT!

Here's what they look like, you have two:
http://k-mansparts.com/items/misc~fords/motorcraft-coil-pack-dg-523-ford-4-6-sohc-dohc-dg523-detail.htm

BTW:
With ONLY ONE misfire, I would suspect the Spark Plug Wire, not the Coil.
Pull the #8 Wire, inspect it well.. blow out the plug well and pull the plug, replace if needed, clean it otherwise, put it all back together and check running condition.




http://k-mansparts.com/images/DG457.JPG
compliments of k.mansparts.com

Thank you, while I solved the problem with that, the light went on again and my code reader says:

"P1744": Torque Converter Clutch System Stuck in Off Position

What does that mean I need to fix? ...Learning as I go, thanks.



Also, regarding my first problem, if I have new spark plugs, coils, and that same diagnosis occurs (cylinder misfire), would it only have to be the wires as the problem?

I am having exactly the same problem, cylinder 8 missfire, and torque converter in off position,as far as the tranny i think it need a rebuild,but wha about the missfire???
I change the spark plugs,and cleaned the coils,still misfires! is it just one coil that i need for that cylinder or is it not?
And can someone tell em which is the #8 cylinder?:headshake:headshake:headshake

Hello All,

I also have a 1998 with a p1744. It started out as a hesitation. I replaced my fuel pump, Coil ( 1 coil per cylinder . i rotated 1 out per day) Fuel pump, O2 SENSORS, tps, fps,mass air flow and many other parts along with a tranny flush. When I was fianlly finished, The p1744 code showed up. its been on for 8k in Atlanta traffic and has problem has not gotten worst. i was told that there is a TB for this issue for surging /hesitation with the AX4N tranny. I have a factory service guide if you need anything

Chuck