Won't cool needs coolant

Need more information to assist.

Check your coolant level.

Did you try your radiator fan relay ? if thats not it i would try the coolant temp switch for the engine control computer . lastly if those dont solve the problem you have ecu issues or the cooling fan module.

Try checking the fuse box under the hood. It should have a fuse marked cooling fan or cooling system. If the car does start, that means the computer isn't out, but maybe there is a bad relay by the fan or in the circuit or even the temp sensor may be bad. The fan won't run until the temp is high enough; usually by the time the thermostat opens.

This is controlled by a cooling fan sensor/temperature sensor, as well as fuses, and a relay. These will have to be checked.

Make sure your coolant level is full, the coolant temperature switch won't work if the level is too low. If coolant is low, you need to find out where it went to by pressure testing the cooling system.

If it's not low and the fuses are good, the relay is working:

The fan should be tested, bypassing any sensors to make sure it is functioning properly.

The sensors can be tested to be sure they are working properly at the correct temperature with a voltmeter/ohm meter.

Reverse troubleshooting the wiring and ignition is the next step if you haven't found the problem.

Good luck !

The electric cooling fan is not needed while the car is driving down the road. Air is being forced through the radiator and provides enough air flow to cool the system properly. The only time the cooling fan is required is when the A/C is in use or the coolant system temperature has reached 225F.

Hello jmuse3...If the coolant reservior is damaged or cracked causing the leak it will need to be replaced. If it is from the overflow due to the overheating, it won't need to be. There are several componets that make up the cooling system on your Lincoln, they all need to work together to keep your engine from overheating. Thermostat sticking, or not fully opening. Radiator clogged, preventing circulation of the coolant. Electric cooling fans not working. Defective water pump.
These are things that need to be checked. If you need more assistance, reply back.
I hope this helps.

You need to repair the low coolant condition before any more diagnosis. If the coolant in the radiator is low that's what the light is telling you. You may have a coolant leak. fix that first then make sure the cooling system is full. Use coolant (50/50) not water.

Overheating. The raditor coolant or the cooling fan is'nt working corectly the engine should be as hot as it's going to get in 5 minutes then the therostae opens to start keeping it at the same temperture if the coolant or the fan can't keepit at this temperture it'll not restsate till it's cool enough to be in the safe range agin. Some times not changind the oil often enough can case this problem too low coolant and the fan not working all can cause this after finding the coolant system problem and fixing it change the oil as it'll be ruiened from the overheat. Low speed hotrodding and stop and go traffic can trash the oil and just a few hot runs acan make it need and oil change as the oil fails at high tempertures and the oil is an important part of the cooling system as it's cooler beng clean and in the air flow. As the oil cooler doesn't have the benifit of a fan sitting running and hotrodding at low speeds will heat and kill the oil then after the oils killed then it'll overheat case the oils bad.

Sounds like a problem with the cooling system - when it has enough coolant it won't run too hot so won't trip ''reduced power mode". If coolant is at max already it's either the water pump or the thermostat having a problem.

Check your coolant levels and make sure the hose between the coolant reservoir and the radiator aren't clogged. The cooling fan on the radiator may not be directly driven by the serpentine belt and may be on a clutch. If the clutch is broken the fan won't cool the radiator and the radiator won't cool the car. Get the car good and hot and see if the fan kicks on. To temporarily relieve the overheating in the engine, turn the heat on in your car.