1997 Mercury Grand Marquis power steering

162 [GF04900( BCGV)05/96]In general, this system improves your vehicle's
stability and acceleration performance when road
conditions warrant. Traction Assist
TM
is fully
effective up to approximately 25 mph
(40 km/h). At 25 mph (40 km/h) the function
begins to taper off until it no longer operates
above 34 mph (55 km/h).
[GF05000( BCGV)12/95]
If the Traction Assist
TM
system is cycled
excessively, the system will shut down to
prevent the rear brakes from overheating.
During this shutdown period, the word OFF in
the traction assist switch will be illuminated
showing that the traction assist system is
inoperative. A cooling down period is required
to prevent damage to the rear brakes. This time
period varies and depends on brake usage
during the cooling down period. Anti-Lock
braking is not affected and will function
normally during the cool down period.
[GF05100( BCGV)12/95]
NOTE: Traction-Lok axles are not an available
option on vehicles equipped with
traction assist.
%
*
[GF05200( ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05400( ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
File:09rcgfg.ex
Update:Thu Sep 19 12:26:42 1996

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

167 %
*
[GF08800( ALL)05/96]
R (Reverse)
*
[GF08900( ALL)05/96]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
*
[GF09000( ALL)01/96]
N (Neutral)
[GF09100( ALL)12/95]
As in P (Park), there is no power transferred
through the transmission. However, the final
drive is not locked so the wheels are free to
rotate. The vehicle may be started in the N
position, but the ignition key cannot be
removed.
%*
[GF09200( ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF09300( GV)12/95]
Your vehicle's gearshift is on the steering
column. The Transmission Control Switch (TCS)
is located on the end of the gearshift lever. The
Transmission Control Indicator Light (O/D OFF)
is located on the instrument panel. You can put
the gearshift lever in any of the several
positions.
[GF09600( GV)12/95]
The O/D OFF light is off (not illuminated)
during normal vehicle operation. This allows the
transmission to upshift and downshift from 1st
through 4th gears. When the TCS is pressed, the
Transmission Control Indicator Light will
illuminate (O/D OFF) on the instrument panel.
When this O/D OFF is illuminated the
transmission will upshift and downshift from 1st
through 3rd gears.
[GF09800( ALL)12/95]
If the O/D OFF light does not come ªonº when
the TCS is depressed or if the light ªFLASHESº
when you are driving, have your vehicle
serviced at the first opportunity. If this condition
persists, damage could occur to the transmission.
File:09rcgfg.ex
Update:Thu Sep 19 12:26:42 1996

222
*
[MC17800( ALL)12/95]
q
Start and idle the engine until the radiator
upper hose is warm (this indicates the
thermostat is open and coolant is flowing
through the entire system).
*
[MC17900( ALL)12/95]
q
Immediately shut off the engine and let cool.
Cautiously remove the pressure relief cap and
add a 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and
water until the coolant is at the COLD FILL
level in the coolant reservoir.
*
[MC18000( ALL)12/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap securely.
*
[MC18100( ALL)12/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock.
*
[MC18200( ALL)12/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
occasions of vehicle use.
%
*
[MC18300( ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC18400( ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC18500( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[MC18700( ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC18800( ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC18900( ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
File:11rcmcg.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:04:35 1996

223 [MC19100( GV)04/96]
4. Check the fluid level in the power steering
fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be
between the MIN and MAX lines on the side
of the reservoir.
[MC19300( GV)04/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is below the MIN
mark, add fluid in small amounts until the
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on
the side of the reservoir.
[MC19500( GV)12/95]
6. When you are finished, put the cap assembly
back on the reservoir.
[MC19700( GV)12/95]
half page art:0010657-C
Fluid level for power steering
[MC19900( ALL)05/96]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford
Specification MerconHATF XT-2-QDX or an
equivalent.
*
[MC20000( ALL)01/96]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
File:11rcmcg.ex
Update:Thu Jun 20 11:04:35 1996

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

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

Index 309
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system . . . 243
Overdrive............... 168
Overseas offices............. 270
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system............. 115
Parking brake.............. 159
operation.............. 159
warning light............ 10,42
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)....... 253
PCV valve, specifications........ 253
Power distribution box (see Fuses).... 175
Power door locks............ 104
Power features
door locks.............. 104
lumbar support............ 122
mirrors............... 106
seats................. 122
windows............... 105
Power steering
dipstick............... 222
driving with power steering...... 162
fluid, checking and adding...... 222
fluid, refill capacity.......... 254
fluid, specifications.......... 255
servicing............... 162
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems).... 45
Rear air suspension system....... 163
Rear axle
refill capacity............. 254
Rearview mirror............ 100
Rear window
defroster................ 80
File:rcixg.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 14:48:02 1996