Page 230 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 231 %
*
[MC27400( ALL)01/96]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[MC27500( ALL)01/96]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their
Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded
into the tires Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 231 %
*
[MC27400( ALL)01/96]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[MC27500( ALL)01/96]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their
Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded
into the tires](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-229.png)
231 %
*
[MC27400( ALL)01/96]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[MC27500( ALL)01/96]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their
Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded
into the tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has
set.
*
[MC27600( ALL)01/96]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic
tires for use on passenger cars. They do not
apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires
with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49
Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
*
[MC27700( ALL)01/96]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire
quality grades:The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly
as the government has written it.
%*
[MC27800( ALL)01/96]
Treadwear
*
[MC27900( ALL)01/96]
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
File:11rcmcg.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:04:35 1996
Page 231 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 232
*
[MC28000( ALL)01/96]
Traction A B C
*
[MC28100( ALL)05/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tires ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 232
*
[MC28000( ALL)01/96]
Traction A B C
*
[MC28100( ALL)05/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tires ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-230.png)
232
*
[MC28000( ALL)01/96]
Traction A B C
*
[MC28100( ALL)05/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
*
[MC28150( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straightahead) traction
tests and does not include cornering
(turning) traction.
*
[MC28200( ALL)01/96]
Temperature A B C
*
[MC28300( ALL)05/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
File:11rcmcg.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:04:35 1996
Page 232 of 305
233
*
[MC28325( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
*
[MC28350( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
%*
[MC28400( ALL)01/96]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[MC28500( BCGV)03/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[MC28700( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
File:11rcmcg.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:04:35 1996
Page 233 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 234
*
[MC28900( ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicles tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[M Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 234
*
[MC28900( ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicles tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[M](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-232.png)
234
*
[MC28900( ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[MC29000( ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
*
[MC29200( ALL)01/96]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC29300( ALL)01/96]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[MC29400( ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC29500( ALL)01/96]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%
*
[MC29600( ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
*
[MC29700( GV)02/96]
The fuel filler door is outside the vehicle on the
driver's side near the back. To fill the fuel tank:
*
[MC29900( ALL)01/96]
1. After opening the fuel filler door, remove
the cap carefully and slowly by turning it
counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
*
[MC30000( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
File:11rcmcg.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:04:35 1996
Page 239 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 240
*
[MC35300( ALL)01/96]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[MC35400( ALL)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[MC35500( ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC3560 Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 240
*
[MC35300( ALL)01/96]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[MC35400( ALL)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[MC35500( ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC3560](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-238.png)
240
*
[MC35300( ALL)01/96]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[MC35400( ALL)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[MC35500( ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC35600( ALL)01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
*
[MC35700( ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[MC35800( ALL)12/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
additional money and contribute to the driving
efficiency of your vehicle.
*
[MC35900( ALL)12/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
*
[MC36000( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[MC36100( ALL)12/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
*
[MC36200( ALL)12/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[MC36300( ALL)12/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[MC36400( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
File:11rcmcg.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:04:35 1996
Page 257 of 305
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
Page 287 of 305

298 Index
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)........ 139
Cassette tape player (see Electronic
sound system)........... 50,59
Catalytic converter............ 241
Chains, tires.............. 233
Changing a tire............. 187
Charging system warning light..... 13,26
Childproof locks............. 103
Child safety restraints.......... 138
child safety belts........... 149
child safety seats........... 139
Child safety seats............ 139
and air bags............. 139
automatic locking
mode (retractor)........127, 139
in front seat............. 139
in rear outboard seat......... 139
in rear seat.............. 139
tether anchorage hardware....... 149
Chime
key in ignition............. 88
safety belt............. 12,24
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 184
see also fuses............. 175
Cleaning your vehicle.......... 249
chrome and aluminum parts...... 250
engine compartment.......... 251
exterior............... 249
exterior lamps............ 250
fabric................ 251
headlamps.............. 250
instrument panel......... 67,250
instrument panel lens......... 251
interior................ 251
interior lamps............. 250
mirrors................ 106
plastic parts............. 250
polishing............... 249
File:rcixg.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 14:48:02 1996
Page 299 of 305

310 Index
Refill capacities for fluids........ 254
Relays................. 175
Remote control, trunk........... 87
Remote entry system........... 114
locking/unlocking doors........ 114
opening the trunk........... 114
panic alarm.............. 115
replacement/additional transmitters . . . 116
replacing the batteries......... 116
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult................. 123
child................. 138
head................. 119
infant................ 138
Reverse................. 167
Roadside assistance........... 261
Roadside emergencies.......... 175
Rotating the tires............ 229
S
Safe driving tips............. 172
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)..... 123
Safety information relating to
automotive fuels........... 237
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts....125, 128, 131
automatic locking mode........ 127
automatic locking mode (retractor) . . . 127
cleaning the safety belts........ 250
extension assembly.......... 132
for adults.............. 123
for children.............. 138
for infants.............. 138
for pregnant women.......... 123
head................. 119
lap and shoulder belts......... 125
maintenance............. 133
proper use.............. 123
File:rcixg.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 14:48:02 1996