Page 123 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 123
of the switch. To deflate the pad, press the rear
portion of the switch.
[SS05800( GV)12/95]
one third page art:0010686-B
The power lumbar switch
%*
[SS10500( ALL)02/96]
Important Safety Belt Info Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 123
of the switch. To deflate the pad, press the rear
portion of the switch.
[SS05800( GV)12/95]
one third page art:0010686-B
The power lumbar switch
%*
[SS10500( ALL)02/96]
Important Safety Belt Info](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-122.png)
123
of the switch. To deflate the pad, press the rear
portion of the switch.
[SS05800( GV)12/95]
one third page art:0010686-B
The power lumbar switch
%*
[SS10500( ALL)02/96]
Important Safety Belt Information
*
[SS10600( ALL)05/96]
The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada, the law requires their use.
*
[SS10700( ALL)02/96]
Safety belts provide best restraint when:
*
[SS10800( ALL)02/96]
q
the seatback is upright
*
[SS10900( ALL)02/96]
q
the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)
*
[SS11000( ALL)02/96]
q
the lap belt is snug and low on the hips
*
[SS11100( ALL)02/96]
q
the shoulder belt is snug against the chest
*
[SS11200( ALL)02/96]
q
the knees are straight forward
*
[SS11400( ALL)02/96]
To help you remember to fasten your safety belt,
a warning light may come on and a chime may
sound. SeeSafety Belt Warning Light and Chimein
theInstrumentationchapter.
*
[SS11500( ALL)02/96]
See the following sections in this chapter for
directions on how to properly use these safety
belts. Also seeSafety Restraints for Childrenin this
chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.
File:06rcssg.ex
Update:Tue Apr 8 09:44:54 1997
Page 136 of 305

136combustion process that inflates the air bag.
Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may be
present which may irritate the skin and eyes, but
none of the residue is toxic. The Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint System will reduce, but
not eliminate all injuries in an accident.
*
[SS23601( ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Several air bag system components get hot
after inflation. Do not try to touch them
after inflation.
*
[SS23701( ALL)05/96]
WARNING
The air bag will inflate only once. The
system is designed to function on a
one-time-only basis. If the air bag is
inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT
FUNCTION AGAIN AND MUST BE
REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If the air
bag is not replaced, this will increase the
risk of injury in a subsequent collision.
*
[SS23801( ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
consists of:
*
[SS23901( ALL)05/96]
q
driver and passenger air bag modules (which
include the inflators and air bags),
*
[SS24001( ALL)05/96]
q
one or more impact and safing sensors,
*
[SS24101( ALL)05/96]
q
a system diagnostic module,
*
[SS24201( ALL)05/96]
q
a readiness light and tone,
*
[SS24301( ALL)05/96]
q
and the electrical wiring which connects the
components.
[SS24350( ALL)04/96]
The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits,
the air bag electrical system, the air bag
readiness light, the air bag power, and the air
bag inflators.
File:06rcssg.ex
Update:Tue Apr 8 09:44:54 1997
Page 137 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 137
*
[SS24401( ALL)05/96]
Determining if System Is Operational
*
[SS24501( ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses
a readiness light and a tone to indicate the
condition of the syst Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 137
*
[SS24401( ALL)05/96]
Determining if System Is Operational
*
[SS24501( ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses
a readiness light and a tone to indicate the
condition of the syst](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-136.png)
137
*
[SS24401( ALL)05/96]
Determining if System Is Operational
*
[SS24501( ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses
a readiness light and a tone to indicate the
condition of the system. The readiness light is in
the instrument cluster. When you turn the
ignition key to ON, this light will illuminate for
approximately six (6) seconds and then turn off.
This indicates that the system is operating
normally. NOTE: Routine maintenance of the air
bag system is not required.
%*
[SS24601( ALL)05/96]
A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following:
*
[SS24701( ALL)05/96]
q
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
*
[SS24801( ALL)05/96]
q
the readiness light will not light immediately
after ignition is turned on,
%*
[SS24901( ALL)05/96]
q
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone
pattern will repeat periodically until the
problem and light are repaired.
*
[SS25001( ALL)05/96]
If any of these things happen, even
intermittently, have the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly
in the event of a collision.
*
[SS25101( ALL)05/96]
Disposal of Air Bags and Air Bag
Equipped Vehicles
*
[SS25201( ALL)05/96]
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped
vehicles, see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by
qualified personnel.
File:06rcssg.ex
Update:Tue Apr 8 09:44:54 1997
Page 152 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 152
*
[TO01300( ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO01400( ALL) Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 152
*
[TO01300( ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO01400( ALL)](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-151.png)
152
*
[TO01300( ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO01400( ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
*
[TO01500( ALL)01/96]
To start your engine:
*
[TO01600( ALL)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
*
[TO01700( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[TO01800( ALL)01/96]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
*
[TO01900( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
*
[TO02000( ALL)05/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
%*
[TO02100( ALL)01/96]
For a cold engine:
*
[TO02200( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
*
[TO02300( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
File:08rctog.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 13:57:50 1996
Page 154 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 154
*
[TO03600( ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engines idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engines
idle speed normally runs higher than when its
warmed up. These faster engine s Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 154
*
[TO03600( ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engines idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engines
idle speed normally runs higher than when its
warmed up. These faster engine s](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-153.png)
154
*
[TO03600( ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
*
[TO03700( ALL)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[TO03800( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[TO03900( 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.
*
[TO04000( ALL)01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[TO04100( ALL)01/96]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[TO04200( ALL)01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
File:08rctog.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 13:57:50 1996
Page 158 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 158
*
[GF01600( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicles stopping distance. Brake rotor
damage may also eventually o Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 158
*
[GF01600( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicles stopping distance. Brake rotor
damage may also eventually o](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-157.png)
158
*
[GF01600( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicle's stopping distance. Brake rotor
damage may also eventually occur.
*
[GF01700( ALL)02/96]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
%*
[GF01800( ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
[GF01900( ALL)12/95]
Ford Motor Company has not found any
detrimental effects of popular mobile radio
transmitting equipment installed on vehicles
with the anti-lock brake system, if the equipment
is installed according to the manufacturer's
instructions. However, if mobile radio
transmitting equipment is installed in your
vehicle and, if either the anti-lock brake system
cycles or the check anti-lock light comes on at
any time other than right after you turn the key
to ON or during a sudden stop, have your
mobile radio dealer inspect the installation.
File:09rcgfg.ex
Update:Thu Sep 19 12:26:42 1996
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 160 of 305
![Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 160when you shift into R (Reverse). To release the
parking brake manually, pull the brake release
handle [marked (P)] located on the lower left
corner of the instrument panel. The pedal is now
release Mercury Grand Marquis 1997 Owners Manuals 160when you shift into R (Reverse). To release the
parking brake manually, pull the brake release
handle [marked (P)] located on the lower left
corner of the instrument panel. The pedal is now
release](/manual-img/33/10921/w960_10921-159.png)
160when you shift into R (Reverse). To release the
parking brake manually, pull the brake release
handle [marked (P)] located on the lower left
corner of the instrument panel. The pedal is now
released and will reset the next time you press
the pedal. The Brake System Warning Light will
glow if the parking brake is not fully released
when the engine is running.
*
[GF03500( GV)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
*
[GF03600( ALL)01/96]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
*
[GF03700( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
[GF03800( ALL)12/95]
The parking brake system is designed for static
parking only and is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
File:09rcgfg.ex
Update:Thu Sep 19 12:26:42 1996