1998 Mercury Grand Marquis ABS

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash
or remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
Brake system warning (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. If brake
warning lamp does not illuminate at
this time, seek service immediately.
Also illuminates when the parking brake is engaged. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. If the light does not illuminate
momentarily at start up, remains on
or continues to flash, the ABS needs
to be serviced. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is
disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning
light also remains illuminated with parking brake released.
AIR
BAG
!
BRAKE
ABS
Instrumentation
8

Low washer fluid
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to ON and will
stay on when the windshield washer
fluid is low.
Trunk ajar
If the trunk is not completely
closed, this light comes on when
you turn the ignition to ON. With
the ignition ON, this light will flash
five times and sound a tone for one
second, then remain on (if the trunk
is open).
INDICATOR LAMP MODULE
The indicator lamp module contains the following lamps:
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. If the light does not illuminate
momentarily at start up, remains on
or continues to flash, the ABS needs
to be serviced. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is
disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning
light also remains illuminated with parking brake released.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. If brake
warning lamp does not illuminate at
this time, seek service immediately.
Also illuminates when the parking brake is engaged. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately.
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
ABS
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
22

BRAKES
Your brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the ªService Guideº for scheduled
maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensating for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during
hard braking with loss of front braking traction.
Driving
82

ABS warning lamp
The
ABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates for about
five seconds when starting the vehicle. If an ABS fault is detected, the
light will remain on, the ABS system is disabled with normal braking still
effective, and your vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible.
Normal braking is still effective
unless the BRAKE warning lamp is
also illuminated.
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous full force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Parking brake with auto-release
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked.
To set the parking brake:
1. Move the gearshift to P (Park).
2. Push pedal downward.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is fully released.
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.
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle. However, if
the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your
vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear
P!
BRAKE
HOOD
Driving
83

brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Your vehicle has an automatic parking brake release. To release the
parking brake:
1. Turn the ignition to the RUN position.
2. Press the brake pedal.
3. Move the gearshift from the P (Park) position to one of the forward
gears (the parking brake will not release automatically when you shift
into reverse). The brake pedal must remain pressed while the gearshift is
moved.
If the parking brake fails to release
after completing this procedure, use
the manual parking brake release
lever.
Pull the lever to manually release
the parking brake.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional Traction Controly
system. This system helps maintain the stability and steerability of your
vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces. The
system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system
borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements already present
in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is
realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
rear wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustment are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
HOOD
Driving
84

Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
²Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.
²Always turn off the vehicle before
fueling.
²Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as
gasoline is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or
permanent injury. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are
immediately apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for
hours.
²Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind
can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.
²Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.
²Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
²Be particularly careful if you are taking ªAntabuseº or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors,
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse
reaction.
Maintenance and care
128

5. Remove the bulb retaining ring by
rotating it counterclockwise (when
viewed from the rear) about 1/8
turn to free it from the bulb socket,
and slide the ring off the plastic
base. Keep the ring to retain the
new bulb.
6. Remove the old bulb from its socket by gently pulling it straight back
out of the socket. Do not turn the bulb while removing it.
To install the new bulb:
1. With the flat side of the bulb's
plastic base facing upward, insert
the glass end of the bulb into the
socket. Turn the bulb left or right to
align the grooves in the plastic base
with the tabs in the socket. When
the grooves are aligned, push the
bulb into the socket until the plastic base contacts the rear of the socket.
2. Install the bulb retaining ring over the plastic base until it contacts the
rear of the socket by rotating it clockwise until you feel a ªstop.º
3. Connect the electrical connector into the rear of the plastic base until
it snaps, locking it into position.
4. Turn the headlamps on and make sure they work properly. If the
headlamp was correctly aligned before you changed the bulb, you should
not need to align it again.
Replacing parking lamp/turn signal bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp control is in the OFF position.
2. Open the hood.
Maintenance and care
134

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