Page 241 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 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 th Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 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 th](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-240.png)
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
Page 255 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 256
%*
[CS03000( ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[CS03100( ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[CS03200( ALL)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
t Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 256
%*
[CS03000( ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[CS03100( ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[CS03200( ALL)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
t](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-254.png)
256
%*
[CS03000( ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[CS03100( ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[CS03200( ALL)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[CS03300( ALL)01/96]
General
*
[CS03400( ALL)01/96]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[CS03500( ALL)01/96]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[CS03600( ALL)01/96]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
*
[CS03700( ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[CS03800( ALL)01/96]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[CS03900( ALL)01/96]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[CS04000( ALL)01/96]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[CS04100( ALL)01/96]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
*
[CS04200( ALL)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[CS04300( ALL)01/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[CS04400( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
File:12rccsg.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 14:01:33 1996
Page 256 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 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 Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 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](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-255.png)
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
Page 272 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 275 [AC01500( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) or in Canada the
Canadian Radio Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC) regulates the use
of mobile communications systems Ð
su Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 275 [AC01500( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) or in Canada the
Canadian Radio Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC) regulates the use
of mobile communications systems Ð
su](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-271.png)
275 [AC01500( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) or in Canada the
Canadian Radio Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC) regulates the use
of mobile communications systems Ð
such as two-way radios, telephones,
and theft alarms Ð that are equipped
with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle
should comply with FCC regulation
and should be installed only by a
qualified technician.
*
[AC01600( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Mobile communications systems may
harm the operation of your vehicle,
particularly if they are not properly
designed for automotive use or are not
properly installed. For example, when
operated, such systems may cause the
engine to stumble or stall. In addition,
such systems may themselves be
damaged or their operation affected by
operating your vehicle. (Citizens band
[CB] transceivers, garage door openers,
and other transmitters whose power
output is 5 watts or less will not
ordinarily affect your vehicle's
operation.)
*
[AC01700( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Because we have no control over the
installation, design, or manufacture of
such systems, Ford cannot assume
responsibility for any adverse effects or
damage that may result if you use this
equipment.
File:15rcacg.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 14:46:55 1996
Page 284 of 305

Index 295
Index
A
ABS warning light (see Anti-lock
brake system)........... 11,41
Accessory position on the ignition..... 87
Additives, engine oil.......... 211
Air bag supplemental
restraint system............ 133
and child safety seats......... 139
description.............. 133
driver air bag............ 133
indicator light........... 13,25
operation.............. 135
passenger air bag........... 135
service and information labels..... 135
tone generator............ 137
Air cleaner filter
location............... 209
specifications............. 253
Air conditioning
electronic automatic temperature control
system............... 69
manual heating and air
conditioning system......... 67
Air suspension
description.............. 163
see also Rear air suspension system . . 163
Alarm, activating remote personal.... 115
Aluminum wheels............ 196
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 50
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 217
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 157
see also Brake............ 157
warning light............ 11,41
File:rcixg.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 14:48:02 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 288 of 305

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