Look ontop the radiator front middle. there should be a diagram sticker there.
turn belt tensioner clockwise to loosen there is a special tool you can get as loaner tool
You don't. The 2001 Lincoln Continental does not have a timing belt it has a chain. The cam is driven by a chain that requires no maintenance.
On a 1997 Lincoln Continental : The Gates website only lists one part number for the serpentine belt
Best bet is to go to parts house and see if they can pull up a diagram of the serpentine belt pathway. Possibly NAPA parts may have this.
There is a diagram on the hood, to remove the belt look to the left behind the strut tower. There is a tentioner there and you release the tention by moving it with a wrench or socket.
Chain.
The 1998 Lincoln Continental belt tensioner assembly is held in place by three retaining bolts. Remove the retaining bolts. The belt tensioner will come off.
serpentine belt routing diagram for 1994 dodge spirit
Here is the link with the answer: http://www.oemwire.com/Help_Pages/Replace_Serpentine_Belt_2001_Lincoln_Continental
The belt tensioner should have a single mounting bolt. After removing the serpentine belt, the bolt can be removed to take the tensioner off.
They have a tensioner that automatically tightens the belt, maybe yours needs to be changed or you need a new belt.
Draw a scetch of the belt path first first. Remove the 4 bolt pully that will not allow the removal of the belt. Install new belt and replace pully.