Page 159 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 159 %
*
[GF02000( ALL)05/96]
Parking Brake
*
[GF02100( ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[GF02300( BCGV)12/95]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 159 %
*
[GF02000( ALL)05/96]
Parking Brake
*
[GF02100( ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[GF02300( BCGV)12/95]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-158.png)
159 %
*
[GF02000( ALL)05/96]
Parking Brake
*
[GF02100( ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[GF02300( BCGV)12/95]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below
the bottom of the instrument panel to the left of
the brake pedal.
[GF02600( GV)12/95]
To manually set the parking brake after parking
your vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your
right foot and hold it while you push the
parking brake down firmly and fully with your
left foot. The brake system warning light will
glow. The parking brake will not set with the
transmission in any forward gear position.
[GF02900( GV)12/95]
one third page art:0010319-E
The parking brake
*
[GF03100( BCGV)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
*
[GF03400( GV)12/95]
Your vehicle has an automatic parking brake
release. As you move the gearshift selector to
any forward gear with the engine running, the
parking brake automatically releases. Your
parking brake will not release automatically
File:09rcgfg.ex
Update:Thu Sep 19 12:26:42 1996
Page 163 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 163
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[GF05590( GV)05/96]
Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 163
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[GF05590( GV)05/96]](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-162.png)
163
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[GF05590( GV)05/96]
Speed Sensitive Power Steering
*
[GF05700( GV)12/95]
The steering system in your vehicle is speed
sensitive. This means that the steering effort is
light for parking and heavier for highway
driving. However, if you have to swerve around
an object or another vehicle, your steering will
have full power assist.
% [GF05900( GV)12/95]Rear Air Suspension System
(If equipped)
[GF06000( GV)12/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
load leveling rear air suspension system, it will
maintain the rear vehicle height at a constant
level by automatically adding air or releasing air
from the rear air springs to offset changes in
vehicle loads.
[GF06100( GV)12/95]
A shutoff switch is located in the trunk on the
right hand vertical trim panel. If this switch is in
the OFF position, the automatic leveling system
will not operate. The switch should be OFF
whenever jacking up or towing the vehicle. If
you have the mechanical cluster, ªAIR SUSPº
will appear in the cluster, if you have an
electronic cluster, ªCHECK AIR SUSPENSIONº
will appear in the message center when the
ignition switch is in the ON position, and either
the shutoff switch is in the OFF position, or a
system fault has been detected.
*
[GF06200( GV)12/95]
Normal vehicle operation does not require any
action by the driver.
File:09rcgfg.ex
Update:Thu Sep 19 12:26:42 1996
Page 223 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 224 [MC20200( GV)12/95]If you must check the power steering fluid when
it is cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the
MIN mark on the reservoir.
%
*
[MC21300( ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 224 [MC20200( GV)12/95]If you must check the power steering fluid when
it is cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the
MIN mark on the reservoir.
%
*
[MC21300( ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-222.png)
224 [MC20200( GV)12/95]If you must check the power steering fluid when
it is cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the
MIN mark on the reservoir.
%
*
[MC21300( ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[MC21400( ALL)03/96]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since
your vehicle does not use up transmission fluid.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the
transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
%*
[MC21500( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
*
[MC21600( ALL)01/96]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20
miles (30 km) of driving. However, if necessary,
you can check the fluid level without having to
drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal
operating temperature if outside temperatures
are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
[MC21700( ALL)12/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and, while fully applying the brake
pedal, move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage.Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
[MC21800( GV)12/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven if
the fluid level is below the bottom
hole on the dipstick.
File:11rcmcg.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:04:35 1996
Page 259 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 261
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205( ALL)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210( ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 261
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205( ALL)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210( ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-258.png)
261
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205( ALL)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210( ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first.
To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto
Club in the United States or Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada), contact
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Additional
Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00215( ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220( ALL)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225( ALL)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230( ALL)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235( ALL)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240( ALL)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
File:14rchsg.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 14:01:53 1996
Page 285 of 305

296 Index
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 264
Ashtray(s)................ 85
Assistance (see Customer assistance).... 261
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............. 45
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 81
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive..... 164
fluid, adding............. 225
fluid, checking............ 224
fluid, refill capacities......... 254
fluid, specification........... 255
Axle
refill capacities............ 254
traction lok.............. 161
B
Basic vehicle warranty........... 4
Battery................. 226
acid, treating emergencies....... 198
battery saver............. 113
charging system warning light.... 13,26
disconnecting...........202, 227
how to service............ 226
jumping a disabled battery....... 198
maintenance-free........... 226
proper disposal, recycling....... 227
replacement, specifications....... 253
servicing............... 226
voltage gauge.............. 13
when storing your vehicle....... 257
Brake fluid............... 214
brake warning light......... 10,42
checking and adding......... 214
description.............. 214
specifications...........214, 255
File:rcixg.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 14:48:02 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 289 of 305

300 Index
D
Daytime running light system....... 81
Defrost
rear window.............. 80
windshield............. 68,77
Dipstick................ 212
automatic transmission fluid...... 224
engine oil.............. 212
power steering fluid.......... 222
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 203
Dispute Settlement Board........ 264
Doors................. 103
door ajar warning message........ 39
lubricant specifications......... 255
Driving under special conditions..... 172
bad weather............. 172
heavy load.............. 169
high water.............. 173
slippery roads............ 172
tips for safe driving.......... 172
towing a trailer............ 171
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 184
fuses...............175, 182
Electronic message center
(see Message center)........... 31
Electronic sound system
antenna................ 50
tuning the radio.......... 46,56
warranty and service information..... 65
Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 46
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 46
Emergencies, roadside
assistance............... 261
battery acid spills........... 198
File:rcixg.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 14:48:02 1996
Page 292 of 305

Index 303
Fuel (continued)
filter, specifications.......... 253
fuel filler door release lever...... 234
fuel gauge............. 17,29
octane rating............. 236
quality................ 236
running out of fuel.......... 238
safety information relating to
automotive fuels.......... 237
storing your vehicle.......... 257
treating emergencies......... 237
Fuel and distance computer
average economy............ 35
english/metric button.......... 32
fuel remaining............. 30
instant economy............ 36
reset button.............. 32
select button.............. 32
to empty indicator........... 33
trip distance.............. 36
trip/reset button............ 36
Fuel cap................ 234
removing.............. 234
replacing............... 234
Fuel filler door............. 234
Fuel filter, specifications......... 253
Fuel gauge.............. 17,29
Fuel pump shut-off switch
engine does not start......... 185
starting after a collision........ 185
Fuse panels
engine compartment......... 179
high current fuse panel........ 180
instrument panel........... 182
Fuses
charts..............177, 182
checking and replacing........ 182
circuit breakers............ 184
File:rcixg.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 14:48:02 1996