1998 Mercury Grand Marquis service indicator

²if your vehicle is equipped with digital gauges, the engine coolant
temperature gauge will illuminate all eight bars and a tone will sound
every five seconds for a minute
²the
symbol will illuminate
²theCheck Engineindicator light will illuminate.
The vehicle will still operate, however:
²the engine power will be limited
²the air conditioning system will be disabled
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
²the
symbol will begin to flash
²if your vehicle is equipped with digital gauges, the gauge bars will
flash and a tone will sound continuously for thirty seconds
²the engine will completely shut down
²steering and braking effort will increase
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Maintenance and care
117

Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid at
least twice a year. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
118

However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level at least once every two months. Refer to the
ªService Guideº for the service interval schedules
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminal(s) and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when
you are done cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the
top of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Maintenance and care
121

Aiming headlamps ....................135
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................67
and child safety seats ..............68
description ................................67
disposal ......................................71
indicator light ...........................70
passenger air bag .....................69
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system ............25,26
Air suspension
description ................................86
Anti-lock brake system
(ABS)#$description
Battery .......................................120
voltage gauge ............................16
Brake fluid
checking and adding ..............112
Brakes ..........................................82
anti-lock .....................................82
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .................83
fluid, checking and adding ....112
traction control .........................84
Brake-shift interlock ...................87
Break-in period .............................2
Bulbs, replacing ........................133
specifications ..........................136
Changing a tire .........................100
Child safety seats ........................72
Childproof locks ..........................48
Chime
headlamps on ............................11
Cleaning your vehicle ...............137
engine compartment .......138,139
exterior ....................................140
headlamps ...............................139
plastic parts ............................139
washing ....................................137
waxing .....................................137
wheels ......................................138windows ..................................141
wiper blades ............................139
Climate control system
automatic temperature
control ...................27,28,29,30,32
Clock ............................................33
Compass, electronic ....................43
calibration .................................44
set zone adjustment .................44
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
temperature gauge ...................15
Defrost
rear window ..............................24
Emission control system ..........131
Engine
service points ..........................109
Engine block heater ...................80
Engine coolant
checking and adding ..............114
disposal ....................................115
refill capacities ........................115
Engine oil ...........................110,111
changing oil and oil filter .......112
checking and adding .......110,111
Exhaust fumes ............................81
Floor mats ...................................49
Fuel
calculating fuel economy .......130
improving fuel economy ..........93
octane rating ...........................129
quality ......................................130
running out of fuel .................130
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................127
Fuel pump shut-off switch .........94
Fuse panels
instrument panel ......................96
power distribution box .............98
Fuses .......................................95,96
Gauges, Mechanical ....................12
fuel gauge ..................................12
Hazard flashers ...........................94
Index
149