1996 Mercury Grand Marquis Owner's Manuals

190
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[DR20900( ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
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[DR21000( ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR21100( ALL)01/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the load.
*
[DR21125( ALL)01/95]
Always check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires when preparing to tow (see inflation
recommendation on the tire label).
%*
[DR21150( ALL)01/95]
Using the hitch
*
[DR21300( G )05/95]
Your vehicle uses one of two types of hitches,
depending on how much your trailer weighs.
The Class I hitch will allow you to tow a trailer
weighing up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg.). Because this
type of hitch places the tongue load of a trailer
on the rear wheels of your vehicle, you must
distribute the load in your trailer so that only 10
to 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the
tongue.
*
[DR21400( G )05/95]
A Class III hitch and the optional trailer tow III
package will allow you to tow a trailer weighing
up to 5,000 lbs. (2,270 kg.). This type of hitch
distributes the tongue load of a trailer evenly
between the front and rear wheels of your
vehicle and the trailer wheels.
*
[DR21600( ALL)01/95]
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and
change the weight on the hitch. This will
prevent damage to your vehicle and make your
vehicle easier to handle.
File:rcdrg.ex
Update:Tue Jan 30 08:04:02 1996

191
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[DR21605( G )05/95]
Hook-Up and Adjustment Procedure Ð
Load Equalizing Hitch
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[DR21610( GV)01/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a rear air
suspension system. When hooking up a trailer
using a load equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
*
[DR21615( GV)01/95]
1. Place the unloaded vehicle on a level
surface. With the ignition on and all doors
closed, allow the vehicle to level
automatically (approximately one to two
minutes).
*
[DR21620( GV)01/95]
2. Turn the air suspension switch on the right
side of the trunk to OFF.
*
[DR21625( GV)01/95]
3. Measure the height of a reference point on
the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
*
[DR21630( GV)01/95]
4. Attach trailer to vehicle and adjust the hitch
equalizer(s) so that the front bumper height
is 0 to 1/2 inch below the unloaded height.
After adjustment, the rear bumper should be
no higher than in step 3.
*
[DR21635( GV)01/95]
5. Turn the air suspension switch ON.
*
[DR21640( GV)01/95]
RWARNING
Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear
bumper of the vehicle is lower or higher
than it was unloaded will defeat the
function of the load equalizing hitch and
may cause unpredictable handling.
File:rcdrg.ex
Update:Tue Jan 30 08:04:02 1996

192 %
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[DR21650( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the safety chains
*
[DR21700( ALL)01/95]
Always attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the
hitch breaks.
*
[DR21800( ALL)01/95]
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
*
[DR21900( ALL)01/95]
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue
and attach them to your vehicle's frame or
hook retainers. Never attach the safety
chains to your vehicle's bumper. The bumper
is not designed to bear the weight of a
trailer.
*
[DR22000( ALL)01/95]
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in
the chains to allow you to turn corners.
*
[DR22100( ALL)01/95]
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives you.
%*
[DR22150( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[DR22200( ALL)01/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that
your trailer's brakes meet local and federal
regulations.
[DR22250( ALL)03/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, provisions have been made
under the instrument panel for installation of an
electronic brake controller.
File:rcdrg.ex
Update:Tue Jan 30 08:04:02 1996

193
*
[DR22300( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
%*
[DR22350( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[DR22400( ALL)01/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
[DR22450( ALL)03/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, the proper lamp wiring and
equipment has been installed at the factory. The
trailer feed wire (supplied in a box in the
luggage compartment) needs a connector
compatible with your trailer prior to installation.
*
[DR22500( ALL)01/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting
system.
File:rcdrg.ex
Update:Tue Jan 30 08:04:02 1996

194 %
*
[DR22600( ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
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[DR22650( ALL)01/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
*
[DR22800( GV)01/95]
When you tow down steep grades, move the
gearshift to 1 (Low). It gives more engine
braking to slow your vehicle than Drive on the
downgrades.
*
[DR22900( GV)01/95]
If you tow in D (Overdrive) while riding
through hilly country, your vehicle may
frequently shift between Overdrive and Third
gears. To prevent your vehicle from shifting too
much, press the Transmission Control Switch
located on the shift lever. This will also give the
engine more power going up hills and better
engine braking going down hills.
%*
[DR23000( ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
*
[DR23100( ALL)01/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[DR23200( ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
File:rcdrg.ex
Update:Tue Jan 30 08:04:02 1996

195
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[RE00400( ALL)03/95]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
*
[RE00450( ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the
lights on or any electrical equipment on after
you turn the engine off. If this happens, you
may be able to jump-start from a booster battery
to start your vehicle.
*
[RE00500( ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
*
[RE00600( ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
%*
[RE00700( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[RE00800( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[RE00900( ALL)05/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
File:rcreg.ex
Update:Thu Feb 1 08:33:27 1996

196first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[RE01000( ALL)03/95]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in
the order they are given. If in doubt, call for
road service.
*
[RE01100( ALL)03/95]
Preparing Your Vehicle
[RE01150( ALL)11/90]
NOTE: also see label on battery.
*
[RE01200( ALL)03/95]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
*
[RE01300( ALL)03/95]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[RE01400( ALL)04/95]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[RE01500( ALL)03/95]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
*
[RE01600( ALL)02/95]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles.
Turning on the fan helps protect the
electrical system from voltage surges. Turn
off all other switches and lights in both
vehicles to prevent possible damage to either
vehicle's electrical systems.
File:rcreg.ex
Update:Thu Feb 1 08:33:27 1996

197 %
*
[RE01700( ALL)05/95]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[RE01800( ALL)03/95]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect either jumper cable
to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you
use the same cable for both positive
terminals.) Most jumper cables have a red
cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and
the black for the negative ones.
*
[RE01900( ALL)04/95]
2. Connect the other end of the first cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
*
[RE02000( ALL)03/95]
3. Connect one end of the second cable to the
negative (s) terminal of the booster battery
Ð NOT to the discharged battery.
[RE02100( ALL)01/95]
4. Connect the other end of that cable to a
good metallic surface on the engine or frame
of the disabled vehicle making sure it is
clear of any rotating engine components. The
following illustrations show where you can
find a metallic surface.
*
[RE02200( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect the end of the second
cable to the negative (s) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark may cause
an explosion of the gases that surround
the battery.
File:rcreg.ex
Update:Thu Feb 1 08:33:27 1996