Check DCL keeps lighting up on dash - 1992 Lincoln Continental

This lamp is yellow it is the check engine light for your emissions control ther is plug under the dash in drivers seating area 16 pin connector called a DCL Data Communications Link with a scanner you can retrieve trouble codes for repair.

DCL is Data Communincations Link... the communication connection between the computers in the instrument cluster and the rest of the car. its usually caused (99% of the time) by a bad connection.

The Data Communications Link (DCL) is a wiring system that allows the sharing of information between the Electronic Engine Control System (EEC-IV) , the Electronic Instrument Cluster (EIC) and external equipment.

The EEC-IV system transmits the following information through the DCL to the EIC:
Engine RPM.
Engine coolant temperature.
EEC-IV malfunction indication.
Fuel used.

The DCL system transmits Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) information to the EIC. The EIC uses MIL information to generate a CHECK ENGINE warning in the event of an engine sensor failure.

The EIC will display the message "CHECK DCL" on its Message Center Display if it is not receiving data from the EEC-IV. This warning is turned off whenever data communication is restored.

The EEC-IV monitors the Data Communication Link for faults. If a fault occurs in data communication a continuous Memory Code is set in the EEC-IV. The DCL Codes (529 for EEC-IV and 533 for EIC) can occur separately or together. These codes are not immediately cleared when data communication is restored.

The existance of a DCL code does NOT mean that a module has failed. also I would check for an oil leak or coolant leak that would be the cause of the smoking under the car.

Check this link for some help on fixing it: http://www.lincolnsonline.com/tech/00086.html

Hope helps.

GO TO THIS LINK FOR A CODE TEST, DCL STANDS FOR "DATA LINK CONNECTOR" THE SYSTEM IS CALLED EEC IV, THIS STANDS FOR "ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL, FOURTH GENERATION". HERE IS A LINK TO TEST OUT THIS SYSTEM.

http://check-engine-light-codes.blogspot.com/2006/04/ford-1985-95-obd1-code-self-retrieval.html

it is a very common electrical problem with digital displays on lincolns, and unless you have extensive wiring experience, I'm afraid that your only option is to replace the display itself, I had to do it on my own 1990 continental twice before the problem went away, my brother's 94 continental still has that issue...luckily most auto salvage yards have these parts available, some even let you pull them out yourself, which makes things even cheaper, I hope this helps.
P.S. if you need instructions on how to take out the display let me know (or go and buy Chiltons)

uve entered the computer universe-my condolences--today everyting is connected in almost an imposible logic-u have an OBD 1 system-before 96-go hav car scanned to obtain a data stream to translate the codes that may appear-repair manuals explain these

the vehicle module sees a problem and without a scanner to retrieve the proper codes, it will be hard to correctly diag your problem....best to have a dealer/shop check that first.... GL

Look for a missing ground in the circuit. Almost sounds like your missing ground is being sought through other accessories. You will need a ground/power test light - This type lights Green for ground/and Red for power to find the problem.

Start with a schematic

Please take the car for a scan.

DCL stands for Data Control Link.

Basically The Engine computer sees some error with the communication to the instrument cluster. Sometimes the connections are loose, sometimes the cluster is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.

I think you'll have to end up going to the dealer for a proper diagnosis.

DCL stands for Data Communcations Link. You need someone hook up a STAR tester (Self Test Automatci Readout) to the test connector under the hood on the right rear of engine compartment. See if it has codes stored. The connector actally is 2 connectors, one with 5? pins and one with 1 pin. It is plugged into a plastic shell on the engine computer. My 1988 Ford Wiring Diagram Book says to refer to section 3-7 and 33-61 of the shop manual.

WIsh I had the shop manual for 88 Cont'l but I just have the 88 Cont'l Wiring Diagram which I am going to sell on Ebay for $7 plus postage.