1997 Mercury Grand Marquis check engine

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

242any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[MC37500( ALL)01/96]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine
Ford replacement parts. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for the service of components
affecting emission control, such non-Ford parts
should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It
is the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
*
[MC37600( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[MC37700( ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[MC37800( ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
File:11rcmcg.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:04:35 1996

243
*
[MC37900( ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC38000( ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[MC38100( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[MC38200( ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
%*
[MC38300( ALL)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC38400( ALL)05/96]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies that
additional city and highway driving is necessary
to complete the check of the OBD II system.
File:11rcmcg.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:04:35 1996

244
*
[MC38601( ALL)05/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes of
city and highway driving as described below:
*
[MC38701( ALL)05/96]
q
At least twenty minutes driving in stop and
go, city type traffic with at least four idle
periods.
*
[MC38801( ALL)05/96]
q
At least ten minutes of driving on an
expressway or highway.
[MC38901( ALL)04/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the
engine must be warmed up and at operating
temperature. Once started, the vehicle must not
be turned off during these driving modes.
%
*
[MC41200( ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC41300( ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
*
[MC41400( ALL)01/96]
q
headlamps
*
[MC41500( ALL)01/96]
q
tail lamps
*
[MC41600( ALL)01/96]
q
brakelamps
*
[MC41700( ALL)01/96]
q
hazard flasher
*
[MC41800( ALL)01/96]
q
high-mount brakelamp
*
[MC41900( ALL)01/96]
q
turn signals
*
[MC42000( GV)01/96]
q
side markers
*
[MC42100( ALL)05/96]
q
license plate lamps
%*
[MC42300( ALL)01/96]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[MC42400( ALL)01/96]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicle's high beams when you
do not have the high beams on
*
[MC42500( ALL)01/96]
q
the headlamps do not seem to give you
enough light to see clearly at night
File:11rcmcg.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:04:35 1996

257 %
*
[CS04500( ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[CS04600( ALL)01/96]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[CS04700( ALL)01/96]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[CS04800( ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[CS04900( ALL)01/96]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[CS05000( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more), fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
*
[CS05100( ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
%*
[CS05200( ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[CS05300( ALL)01/96]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[CS05400( ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[CS05500( ALL)01/96]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[CS05600( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
*
[CS05700( ALL)12/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, it may be
advisable to disconnect the battery cables to
ensure battery charge is maintained for quick
starting.
File:12rccsg.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 14:01:33 1996

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

Index 299
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
rustproofing............. 250
safety belts.............. 250
tail lamps.............. 250
upholstery and interior trim...... 251
washing............... 249
waxing............... 249
wheels................ 252
Climate control system.......... 67
air conditioning.......... 67,69
electronic automatic
temperature control.......... 69
heating.............. 67,69
Clock.................. 85
Cold engine starting........... 152
Combination lap and shoulder belts . . . 125
Controls
mirrors................ 99
power seat.............. 122
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 217
checking and adding......... 217
drain and flush............ 221
preparing for storage......... 257
refill capacities............ 254
specifications............. 255
temperature gauge......... 17,23
Cooling fan............... 206
Cupholder(s)............... 85
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.). . 263
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........263, 269
File:rcixg.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 14:48:02 1996

Index 301
Emergencies, roadside (continued)
fuel................. 238
jump-starting............. 198
towing................ 203
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 159
Emission control system......... 241
catalytic converter.......... 241
emissions warranty......... 4,241
Engine
check engine warning light..... 16,25
does not start..........153, 185
fuel injected engine, starting...... 151
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 185
preparing to start........... 151
refill capacities............ 254
service points............ 209
starting............... 152
starting after a collision........ 185
storing your vehicle.......... 256
Engine block heater........... 154
Engine coolant............. 217
checking and adding......... 217
checking hoses............ 218
disposal............... 220
drain and flush............ 221
preparing for storage......... 257
proper solution............ 206
recovery reservoir.......... 209
refill capacities............ 254
specifications............. 255
temperature gauge......... 17,23
Engine coolant temperature gauge . . . 17, 23
description............. 17,23
electronic............... 23
mechanical............... 17
Engine fan............... 206
File:rcixg.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 14:48:02 1996