1997 Mercury Grand Marquis brakes

161
% [GF03900( ALL)12/95]
Traction-Lok Axle (If equipped)
[GF04000( ALL)12/95]
This axle provides added traction on slippery
surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a
poor traction surface. Under normal conditions
the Traction-Lok axle functions as a standard
rear axle.
*
[GF04100( ALL)03/96]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
*
[GF04200( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
%
*
[GF04300( BCGV)03/96]
Traction Assist
TM
(If equipped)
*
[GF04400( BCGV)03/96]
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional
Traction Assist
TM
system. This system helps
prevent wheel spin in order to improve tire
traction and is an especially useful feature when
you drive in hilly areas or on slippery, icy or
snowy roads.
[GF04500( BCGV)05/96]
Traction Assist
TM
works automatically by rapidly
applying and releasing the brakes to prevent one
or both of the rear drive wheels from spinning
during acceleration.
[GF04800( BCGV)12/95]
During the Traction Assist
TM
function, which
most often occurs during low speed acceleration
on slippery surfaces, a noise may be heard
coming from the engine compartment. This noise
is created by the ABS pump and is normal and
may last for a few seconds during the
acceleration of the vehicle.
File:09rcgfg.ex
Update:Thu Sep 19 12:26:42 1996

162 [GF04900( BCGV)05/96]In general, this system improves your vehicle's
stability and acceleration performance when road
conditions warrant. Traction Assist
TM
is fully
effective up to approximately 25 mph
(40 km/h). At 25 mph (40 km/h) the function
begins to taper off until it no longer operates
above 34 mph (55 km/h).
[GF05000( BCGV)12/95]
If the Traction Assist
TM
system is cycled
excessively, the system will shut down to
prevent the rear brakes from overheating.
During this shutdown period, the word OFF in
the traction assist switch will be illuminated
showing that the traction assist system is
inoperative. A cooling down period is required
to prevent damage to the rear brakes. This time
period varies and depends on brake usage
during the cooling down period. Anti-Lock
braking is not affected and will function
normally during the cool down period.
[GF05100( BCGV)12/95]
NOTE: Traction-Lok axles are not an available
option on vehicles equipped with
traction assist.
%
*
[GF05200( ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05400( ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
File:09rcgfg.ex
Update:Thu Sep 19 12:26:42 1996

172
%*
[GF23600( ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF23700( ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[GF23800( ALL)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[GF23900( ALL)01/96]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
%*
[GF24000( ALL)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[GF24100( ALL)01/96]
Slippery roads
*
[GF24200( ALL)01/96]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[GF24300( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[GF24400( ALL)01/96]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[GF24500( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not use speed control.
*
[GF24600( ALL)01/96]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[GF24700( ALL)04/96]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your wheels. (Does not apply
to vehicles with anti-lock brakes.)
*
[GF24800( ALL)01/96]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[GF25000( BCGV)01/96]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on
slippery roads, do not downshift into 1
(First) when you are moving faster than
20 mph (30 km/h).
File:09rcgfg.ex
Update:Thu Sep 19 12:26:42 1996

173
*
[GF25100( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not use the speed control in heavy
traffic or on roads that are winding,
slippery, or unpaved.
[GF25200( GV)12/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may try to ªrockº it out of the
spot. Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward
(2 [Second] gear is the recommended forward
gear) and reverse gears. At the same time, press
lightly on the accelerator.
*
[GF25400( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
[GF25500( ALL)12/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transmission, or damage the
tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two
of rocking, call for a tow truck.
%*
[GF25600( ALL)01/96]
High water
*
[GF25700( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel rims.
*
[GF25800( ALL)01/96]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[GF25900( ALL)01/96]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
File:09rcgfg.ex
Update:Thu Sep 19 12:26:42 1996

215
*
[MC09500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[MC09600( ALL)01/96]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
[MC09700( GV)05/96]
one third page art:0010385-B
The brake fluid reservoir
*
[MC10100( ALL)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[MC10200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
File:11rcmcg.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:04:35 1996

258 [CS05800( ALL)12/95]NOTE: If battery cables are disconnected, it
will be necessary to reset memory
features.
%*
[CS05900( ALL)01/96]
Brakes
*
[CS06000( ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[CS06100( ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[CS06200( ALL)01/96]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[CS06300( ALL)01/96]
Miscellaneous
*
[CS06400( ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[CS06500( ALL)01/96]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts and prevent
corrosion.
File:12rccsg.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 14:01:33 1996

Index 297
Brakelamp............... 246
bulb replacement.........246, 248
high-mount brakelamp........ 246
Brakes................. 157
adjustment.............. 157
anti-lock............... 157
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light.......... 11,41
applying the brakes.......... 157
brake warning light......... 10,42
fluid, checking and adding...... 214
fluid, refill capacities.......214, 254
fluid, specifications........214, 255
front disc.............. 157
if brakes do not grip well....... 157
master cylinder............ 214
new brake linings............ 6
noise................ 157
parking............... 159
power braking............ 157
servicing............... 214
when storing your vehicle....... 258
Brake-shift interlock........... 165
Break-in period.............. 6
Brights (high beams)......... 15,25
Bulbs, replacing............. 244
halogen............... 245
headlamps.............. 245
high-mount brakelamp........ 246
specifications............. 248
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 269
Canada, warranty information....... 4
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 269
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 254
Carbon monoxide in exhaust....... 155
File:rcixg.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 14:48:02 1996

Index 307
Lamps (continued)
dome lamps.............. 84
flashing the lamps........... 90
hazard flashers............. 93
headlamps............... 82
high beams.............. 90
high-mount brakelamp........ 246
illuminated entry system....... 104
illuminated mirrors.......... 102
instrument panel, dimming....... 84
interior lamps............. 81
replacing bulbs............ 244
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal)............ 89
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag............... 13,25
air suspension............. 15
anti-lock brakes (ABS)........ 11,41
brake............... 10,42
charging system.......... 13,26
check engine............ 16,25
door ajar................ 39
engine oil pressure......... 20,27
hazard warning light.......... 93
high beam............. 15,25
low fuel................ 15
low washer fluid............ 39
oil pressure............ 20,27
overdrive off............ 14,38
safety belt............. 12,24
trunk ajar............... 40
turn signal indicator........ 16,28
Load limits............... 169
GAWR................ 169
GVWR................ 169
trailer towing............. 171
Lubricant specifications......... 255
File:rcixg.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 14:48:02 1996