Air Bag Readiness; Light Turns On Solid; Light Is Blinking - Lincoln 1998 Mark VIII Owner's Manual

Instrumentation
engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the check engine light illuminates

Light turns on solid:

This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction. Have
your vehicle serviced at your first opportunity.
Temporary malfunctions may also cause your check engine light to
illuminate. Examples follow:
• The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
• Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
• The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the gas cap. After three
drive cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present,
the check engine light should turn off. No vehicle service is required.

Light is blinking:

Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

Air bag readiness

Briefly illuminates when the ignition
is turned on. If the light fails to
illuminate, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
10