If the fluid is dark your transmission is probably in bad shape. Burned fluid is an indication of serious "slipping", that's when the clutches aren't making a solid connection. Slipping causes heat which burns the fluid and causes the clutch surface to wear rapidly. Smell the fluid, if it smells burnt or has a black or brown color to it, the transmission is done. If there was much over a tablespoon of debris in the bottom of the pan, it's clutch material and the transmission is also done. Most vehicles do not have a plug for draining the torque converter.
The catalytic convertor might be at fault.
A 1997 Lincoln Continental will use Mercon transmission fluid- AX4N Transmission
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
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
where is the transmission control modual located on a 1996 lincolncontinental
transmission problem
Mercron 5
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 )
It means check your transmission, why not start with the oil.
Mercon v atf
directly into the whole where you pulled the dipstick out of.