96 Continental (any help appriciated)

[CorvetteguyZ06]

I just picked up a 96 Lincoln Continental. It has a few issues hopefully you guys could help me with here.

1) The stereo does not turn on, it has the JBL system and a 6 disc changer in the center console (the changer does have power). I don't have a manual for the car so I do not know what fuses are what, if anyone could provide me with a fuse diagram for the car or any other ideas for this it would be appriciated.

2) Sometimes it seems the pump isnt hable to pump up my front driver side strut. I have to leave the car on acessory and then it does it fine, and the pump doesn't seem to really have to run anytime after that to keep it up. I was told there might be a leak in the line from the pump to the strut, it also gives me a check ride control warning.

3) And the last thing is, there is a slight clunking while going over bumps that comes from the back end, any ideas?

[Purpleteeth]

Hey, I can answer your 3rd question.There are urethane bushings in your rear link bars that are shot. I replace mine as they go. They make a clunk cluck sound going over sharp bumps or potholes and such. Radio issues sound like a fuse as you said. Look up to the left of the brake petal to see a small plastic cover for fuses. get a fuse puller and check'em all individually. Air ride leaks are usually detectable by someone you trust mechanically. Don't let someone talk you into replacing the works because they can't diagnose it.
Good luck

[CorvetteguyZ06]

Well I checked all the fuses a few hours ago, found 1 to be bad (I'm thinking its for the heated seats). But no luck on any other bad fuses being for the radio.

I didn't even think of end links on the swaybar, should have figured, but thanks .

Also it seems the strut holds air, just after the car is turned off and all the air leaves the strut (I assume thats normal). I have to turn on the car let the pump run, turn off the car, turn on the car let the pump run, turn off the car, turn on the car and let the pump run then it's all good to go. It seems there is an audible leak somewhere when the pump is running.

[Towncar]

You can get a PDF of your owners manual >>> here <<<

The Factory Service Manual can be had from fordcds.com

That strut may just need new O-rings on the air lines. Another problem might be a sticking valve. These are inexpensive parts and easy to replace. You can check your FSM after you download it.

OH, I forgot to mention, Welcome

[CorvetteguyZ06]

Ty for the PDF towncar, the bad fuse I had found the other day is:

#29 - Luxury RCU station signal, Navigation module signal

I don't know exactly what thats for, I assume something to do with the radio. I have checked every other underhood and in car fuse, none are bad. So I'm still lost about the radio. It has all the green back lighting, it just never turns on, anyone got any ideas?

Also there is one other problem I forgot to mention. If I lock all the doors then unlock the car the security system will go off, so I have to disconnect the battery ASAP to stop the noise. All the help so far has been appriciated, ty guys, and ty for the welcome.

[Towncar]

Ok - Fuse #29 is for the Radio Control Unit in the trunk on the package shelf. maybe there's a pinched wire near there, or worse -- a bad RCU.

The Alarm issue can get complicated. Do you use the remote entry code for Unlock, the Remote control (keyfob) or the key?

Do you have the factory code for the remote entry system (door keypad code)? It's normally on a sticker on the rt-side trunk support arm.

Most of the time, alarm anomalies are traced back to the sensor pins. There's one in each door, one on the hood, and one in the trunk latch assembly.

[CorvetteguyZ06]

I have only opened it with the key and thats what makes the alarm go off. I do have the keyless entry code, I'll have to give that a try.

How much does a bad RCU run, I'll check that all out pretty soon. **EDIT** I just pulled the cover out of the trunk for all that, completely different setup than what my SHO's had. Is the RCU right inbetween the rear speaks all shrouded in plastic?

Also I traced down the leak, there seems to be one right by the air pump, I'm going to tear into it sometime this weekend and see if I can pin point it's exact location.

Ty for all the help so far

[Towncar]

Originally Posted by CorvetteguyZ06

...Also I traced down the leak, there seems to be one right by the air pump, I'm going to tear into it sometime this weekend and see if I can pin point it's exact location...

Check these guys >>>> Suspension-alternatives.com <<<< for pricing on different components. Their rebuilders and list all their parts as re-manufactured, better than new. Their actually Strutmasters doing business under another name.

Scroll to the bottom for Air Parts...

PS; I'm looking up your trunk setup now... my TC's a bit different. That plastic box between the speakers is most likely the Sub-woofer.

[Towncar]

«1996 Continental Table of Contents»
«Group 15: AUDIO SYSTEMS»
«Section 15-00: Audio Systems--Service»
«DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING»


Retrieving Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)


Using Audio System On-Board Diagnostics

The audio system has on-board diagnostic capabilities and is equipped to check for every component available in the system even if this specific vehicle is not equipped with all components. This will set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for the missing components. DTCs for specific component communication errors can be ignored if a System Configuration Self-test is performed first and determined that the vehicle is not equipped with the component corresponding to the DTC.

The battery must be fully charged for proper audio system operation. The ignition switch must be in the RUN or ACC position. Turn the system on and tune in a strong AM station and verify good reception. After an AM station is checked, tune in a strong FM station. The system is now ready to enter the diagnostic mode.


Diagnostic Mode:

Note:
Battery must be fully charged for proper audio system operation and self-test.

Enter Diagnostics mode by pressing pre-set button 3 and the SEEK DOWN button simultaneously for five seconds. This will suspend all normal radio functions and display DIAG.

1. Note: To perform diagnostics, press the appropriate buttons as instructed.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION SELF-TEST:

Press pre-set button 1. This will check for connection of all possible devices and log the diagnostic trouble codes for any device that does not respond. The display will flash SELF while gathering the diagnostic trouble codes, then stop flashing when complete. To exit System Configuration Self-test, press pre-set button 1 again. To retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, press the TUNE UP button. This will display the diagnostic trouble codes if any exist. Continued pressing of the TUNE UP button will display the next diagnostic trouble code. Record codes and refer to the following table. To exit the Retrieval Mode, press pre-set button 1




Remember, system configuration will test for all possible equipment connections. Inspect the vehicle to determine actual equipment installed.

2. Front control unit display test:

To enter the front control unit display test, press pre-set button 5. This check will light all segments in the front control unit display and all light emitting diodes. The system will automatically exit this test after five seconds.

3. Front control unit and rear chassis unit identification

To enter this test, press pre-set button 3. This test identifies the software level of the front control unit and rear chassis unit. The front control unit is tested first, followed by the rear chassis unit. The completed test will exit automatically. For code identification, refer to the following table. The display will have two sequences of five codes each. The first sequence is for the front control unit, the second sequence is for the rear chassis unit.




4. Rear chassis unit self test:

To enter this test, press pre-set button 4. This test will check the rear chassis unit read only memory, and electrically erasable read only memory (EEPROM) memory chips. The completed test will exit automatically. For code identification, refer to the following table.




5. Compact disc player:

The compact disc player will automatically display diagnostic trouble codes for unacceptable operating conditions that hinder normal performance. For code identification refer to the following table.

The system will automatically exit the test upon completion of the test.



Speaker Walk-Around Test

To enter this test, press pre-set button 2 or press and hold buttons 3 and 6 for five seconds.

Included in the audio system on-board diagnostic capabilities is the SPEAKER WALK-AROUND test. This test will automatically adjust the volume to mid-level and display SPKR on the front control unit. The fade and balance will then select each speaker as follows: right front, left front, right rear, left rear.

The system will then exit the test automatically upon completion of the test.



The diagnosis charts and tests should be used with schematics, the electrical and vacuum troubleshooting manual and appropriate test equipment to accurately diagnose and quickly service most radio system concerns.

1. Verify the customer's concern by operating the electronic audio system to duplicate the condition.

2. Inspect to determine if one of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply:




3. If inspection reveals an obvious concern that is readily serviced, correct the concern before continuing with Inspection and Verification.

4. If a concern remains after the inspection, use the New Generation STAR (NGS) Tester, Rotunda Number 007-00500, connected to the data link connector (DLC) to retrieve continuous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and to execute Self Test Diagnostics for the front control unit as outlined.

5. If self test is passed and no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are retrieved, GO to the Symptom Chart to continue diagnostics.

6. If diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are retrieved, GO to the DTC Reference Chart to continue diagnostics.

7. If the front control unit can not be accessed by the New Generation STAR (NGS) tester, GO to Pinpoint Test Chapter A.

[Towncar]

Here's your systems schematic:

[Towncar]

«1996 Continental Table of Contents»
«Group 15: AUDIO SYSTEMS»
«Section 15-01: Radio, Tape Chassis and Digital Audio Compact Disc Player»
«REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»



Radio Chassis--Rear Chassis Unit

Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.

2. Remove luggage compartment front cover from luggage compartment.




3. Disengage pushpins and lower module tray.

4. Disconnect wiring connectors and radio antenna isolator to rear chassis unit cable from rear chassis unit.

5. Remove ground screw and ground strap from rear chassis unit.


Rear Chassis Unit Installation



6. Remove rear chassis unit from module tray.




Installation

1. Install rear chassis unit into module tray.

2. Install ground strap to rear chassis unit with ground screw.

3. Connect radio antenna isolator to rear chassis unit cable and wiring connectors to rear chassis unit.

4. Secure module tray with pushpins and install luggage compartment front cover.

5. Connect battery ground cable.

[CorvetteguyZ06]

Wow, your awesome I pulled off the back cover the other night and didn't know where to start. I'll have to pull that panel out and remove the RCU and see what I can find. Hopefully it's something in back, I don't feel like getting into the dash to find a bad ground. I dont think I can run the diagnostics seeing as my stereo doesn't turn on.

Also thanks for the suspension link, I think I'm going to pick up the full spring kit and keep the electronic struts. The cars already a boat so free up a little weight getting ride of the air system to. Last night on my way home the car was bouncy I pull over and the back end was all the way down, now today it's fine... so I don't really feel like dealing with the air bags much longer.

Also just today and yesterday its been having a surging problem. about 1/6th of the time i start it, it will idle rough and die till the 3rd start, or unless i give it a little gas. If it does that it seems to drive funny, the whole car seems bouncy and my steering wheel shakes back and forth, almost feels like snow inside the rim, but it;s only at lower speeds, freeways speeds its gone.

[Towncar]

Sounds like all these bugs were coming up, and the PO (previous owner) didn't want to deal with it any longer.

You can slide your HU (head unit) right out with the DIN Tools to check the connectors there too.

The DIN Tools can be had anywhere for under $4.00

[CorvetteguyZ06]

Well the car does have 235k on it. But it in very good shape, I picked it up for only $1300 so I was assuming it was gonna need some work. I seen the holes, but couldnt remember the tools to use on the radio, I'll have to swing by napa and pick up a pair.

[CorvetteguyZ06]

Ok I took it out last night and figured how to mkae the vibrations happen, but it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. If I drive the car around normally it acts just fine. But if I lay into the gas then slow down the vibrations happen. Feels like the front pass tire, but could be the driver side too. And I can't really think of anything that would cause something like this. Almost feels like a CV shaft pivot locks and is going around lock causing the front end to be very bouncy. I can't really think of what else would cause it, maybe a bad motor mount. I took a look underneath, but everything looks normal (without tearing into things).