I believe the Lincoln used a Ford C6 transmission and had a drain plug on the rear of the pan. But with a car that old I would think you should at least change the filter. In which case you would need to remove the oil pan to get to the filter. Unless it was recently rebuilt it probably leaks fluid so I would go to NAPA auto parts and ask for a small repair kit for that model trans and replace the seals on the dip stick, tail shaft and shift shaft. On second thought, unless you are a mechanic, take it to reputable tranny shop. It will be cheaper in the long run.
A 1997 Lincoln Continental will use Mercon transmission fluid- AX4N Transmission
You have to drop the whole transmission pan, then refill from the transmission dipstick
According to the 1996 Lincoln Continental Owner Guide : Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid * the type used should be engraved in the automatic transmission fluid dipstick
On a 1997 Lincoln Continental : The automatic transaxle ( transmission ) fluid level dipstick is in the engine compartment , near the brake fluid reservoir ( when looking from the front of the vehicle it is to the left )
Mercron 5
Use Ford Type F fluid.
Mercon v atf
directly into the whole where you pulled the dipstick out of.
On a 1997 Lincoln Continental : The automatic transaxle ( transmission ) fluid level dipstick is near the firewall , towards the drivers side of the engine compartment , where the transaxle ( transmission ) is bolted to the engine
take it to jiffy lube or equivalent and have it done for you.
theres not really a type of fluid, theres just different names brands but its all the same transmission fluid, that i know of anyway.
The transmission fluid on a 2003 Lincoln Aviator is changed by placing a drain pan under the transmission and removing the drain plug. Once empty, the plug can then be re-installed and filled with new transmission fluid.