Vehicle - Product Changes

Article No.
96-21-2

10/07/96

^ BODY - PRODUCT CHANGES FOR 1997 LINCOLN VEHICLES

^ ELECTRICAL - PRODUCT CHANGES FOR 1997 LINCOLN VEHICLES

^ MISCELLANEOUS - PRODUCT CHANGES FOR 1997 LINCOLN VEHICLES

^ TRANSMISSION - PRODUCT CHANGES FOR 1997 LINCOLN VEHICLES

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1997 CONTINENTAL, MARK VIII, TOWN OAR

ISSUE:
There have been significant product changes to all three Lincoln models for 1997. Awareness of these changes will increase the dealer's ability to "Fix It Right The First Time On Time," help avoid submitting inappropriate misbuilt vehicle claims, as well as explain to customers the features on their vehicles.

ACTION:
Refer to the following 1997 Product Changes for Continental, Town Car and Mark VIII.

1997 PRODUCT CHANGES - CONTINENTAL

1. Traction control is now standard.

NOTE:
A VALET KEY IS PROVIDED. THIS KEY OPENS THE DOORS AND OPERATES THE IGNITION, BUT DOES NOT UNLOCK THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT OR TRUNK.

2. A single key system is now used.

3. The complimentary key ring has been deleted.

NOTE:
THE OPERATION OF THE ADJUSTABLE RIDE CONTROL SYSTEM HAS NOT CHANGED.

4. The front suspension uses steel springs instead of air springs.

5. The passenger side lumbar adjustment is now inflate/deflate only. The vertical adjustment has been deleted.

6. The illuminated entry system is no longer activated by lifting the door handles.

NOTE:
THE AUTOMATIC DIMMING DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR IS NOW AN OPTION.

7. The automatic dimming interior mirror/compass is now standard.

8. All premium JBL sound systems will have a "CD" button on the radio face, even if not equipped with a CD changer. This allows the customer to add a CD changer at a later date, it desired, at a greatly reduced cost.

9. The cellular phone pre-wire has been deleted.

10. The paint accent stripes are now optional.

11. The cassette tray in the passenger armrest (6-passenger vehicles) has been deleted.

12. The courtesy lamps have been deleted from the rear doors.

1997 PRODUCT CHANGES - MARK VIII

NOTE:
A VALET KEY IS AVAILABLE UPON CUSTOMER REQUEST. THIS KEY OPENS THE DOORS AND OPERATES THE IGNITION, BUT DOES NOT UNLOCK THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT OR TRUNK.

1. A single key system is now used.

2. The Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) is standard.

3. Electronic automatic parking brake release is standard.

4. The radio antenna is integrated into the backglass.

5. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps are standard.

6. Outside mirrors have integrated turn signal indicators, along with ground illumination as part of the illuminated entry system.

7. Power tilt/telescoping steering column, with memory feature, is standard. This is controlled by the Steering Column Ignition and Lighting (SCIL) module.

8. The cellular phone pre-wiring has been deleted.

9. The illuminated entry system is no longer activated by lifting the door handles. The illuminated halo around the lock cylinder is also deleted.

10. The moonroof has a one-touch open feature.

11. All premium JBL sound systems will have a "CD" button on the radio face, even if not equipped with a CD changer. This allows the customer to add a CD changer at a later date, if desired, at a greatly reduced cost.

12. Multiplex wiring (similar to the Continental) is now used on selected systems. It includes a Memory Profile feature.

13. Coil-On-Plug ignition system is standard.

14. The engine appearance cover is no longer used.

1997 PRODUCT CHANGES - TOWN CAR

NOTE:
A VALET KEY IS PROVIDED. THIS KEY OPENS THE DOORS AND OPERATES THE IGNITION, BUT DOES NOT UNLOCK THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT OR TRUNK.

1. A single key system is now used.

2. The complimentary key ring has been deleted.

3. The engine appearance cover is no longer used.

4. The cellular phone pre-wiring has been deleted.

5. The illuminated entry system is no longer activated by lifting the door handles.

6. Underhood lighting is deleted.

7. Rear ashtray lights have been deleted.

8. Driver and passenger secondary visors have been deleted.

9. All premium JBL sound systems will have a "CD" button on the radio face, even if not equipped with a CD changer. This allows the customer to add a CD changer at a later date, if desired, at a greatly reduced cost.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY

OASIS CODES: 101000, 102000, 103000, 105000, 106000, 108000, 112000, 201000, 201100, 201200, 203000, 205000, 207000, 302000, 499000