Lincoln Continental Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Brake System Warning Lamp

Parking brake is applied with ignition on, or the vehicle has a brake fault or low brake fluid level.
What to do: Make sure the parking brake is off. Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible if the lamp stays on. PDF page 117

Adaptive Steering Loss

The adaptive steering system integrity cannot be verified.
What to do: Do not drive the vehicle and contact an authorized dealer immediately. PDF page 116

Amber: check soon

Adaptive Steering Off

The adaptive steering system is off; the steering wheel may not be straight when driving straight.
What to do: If the message persists, see an authorized dealer. PDF page 116

Adaptive Steering Initialization

Steering wheel angle differs from desired road wheel angle and self-corrects; this is normal operation. PDF page 116

Other warnings and indicators

Engine Coolant Temperature

The engine coolant temperature is high.
What to do: Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let it cool. PDF page 117

Battery

Comes on at ignition on; if lit with the engine running, it indicates a malfunction.
What to do: Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. PDF page 116

Anti-Lock Braking System

If lit while driving, the ABS has a malfunction. Normal braking continues without ABS unless the brake warning lamp is also on.
What to do: Have the system checked by your authorized dealer. PDF page 116

Service Engine Soon Indicator

The OBD-II system has detected an engine emission control malfunction, which may be temporary, such as from a loose fuel fill inlet or poor fuel.
What to do: If it stays on, have the vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity. PDF page 199

Low Tire Pressure Telltale

One or more tires are significantly under-inflated. If it flashes then stays on, the TPMS has a malfunction.
What to do: Stop and check your tires as soon as possible and inflate them to the proper pressure. PDF page 371

Electric Park Brake

The electric parking brake has a malfunction when the light illuminates or flashes. PDF page 117

Adaptive Steering

Comes on if the system detects a fault during its continuous diagnostic checks. PDF page 116

Door Ajar

Ignition is on and a door is not completely closed, or there is a lack of battery power to the electronic door system.
What to do: If it shows with all doors closed, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. PDF page 117

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator

The off lamp shows the front passenger frontal airbag is disabled; the on lamp shows it is enabled.
What to do: If the off lamp stays lit for an adult, have them sit upright and restart; otherwise they should ride in the rear seat. PDF page 56

Direction Indicator

A turn signal or hazard flasher is on. If it stays on or flashes faster, a bulb may be burned out.
What to do: Check for a burned out bulb. PDF page 117

Blind Spot Monitor

Lit when the feature is switched off or along with a message. PDF page 116

Autohold Unavailable

Auto Hold is on but unavailable to hold the vehicle stationary, e.g. seatbelt unfastened or door open. PDF page 220

Cruise Control

Cruise control is switched on. PDF page 117

Automatic Headlamp High Beam

The automatic high beam feature is on. PDF page 116

Green: system on

Autohold Active

Auto Hold is holding the vehicle stationary.
What to do: Press the brake pedal and the Auto Hold button to switch it off. PDF page 220

Summarized in our own words from the 2020 Lincoln Continental owner's manual (AI-assisted; every light name was matched against its cited page 2026-10-18). Your vehicle may not have every light, and other years can differ. A red warning that stays on usually means stop safely and check: your manual has the final word.