
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.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
M
A
X
M
I
N
M
A
X
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
220

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
SERVICING YOUR TIRES
Checking the tire pressure
•Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
•Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been
parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km
(30 miles).
•Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the
Certification label and inside fuel door.
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Tire rotation
Because your vehicle’s tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. If you notice that
the tires wear unevenly, have them checked.
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Maintenance and Specifications
225

•Four tire rotation (for vehicles
with aluminum wheels)
•Five tire rotation (for vehicles
with steel wheels and full size
spare tires)
Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
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USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
226

Vehicle dimensions mm (in)
(3) Overall height 1 443 (56.8)
(4) Wheelbase 2 913 (114.7)
(5) Track - Front 1 611 (63.4)
(5) Track - Rear 1 666 (65.6)
1
4
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
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USA English(fus)
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232

FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of genuine Ford accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local authorized Ford, Lincoln, Mercury or Ford of
Canada dealer. These quality accessories have been specifically
engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to
complement the style and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In
addition, each accessory is made from high quality materials and meets
or exceeds Ford’s rigorous engineering and safety specifications. Ford
Motor Company will repair or replace any properly dealer-installed Ford
accessory found to be defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period, as well as any component
damaged by the defective accessory. The accessory will be warranted for
whichever provides you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 20,000 km (12,000 miles) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
This means that genuine Ford accessories purchased along with your
new vehicle and installed by the dealer are covered for the full length of
your New Vehicle’s Limited Warranty — 3 years or 60,000 km (36,000
miles) (whichever occurs first). Contact your dealer for details and a
copy of the warranty.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Following is a list of several Ford Genuine Accessory products. Not all
accessories are available for all models. To find out what accessories are
available for your vehicle, please contact your dealer or visit our online
store at: www.mercuryaccessories.com.
Vehicle Security
Air bag anti-theft locks
Locking gas cap
Remote keyless entry
Styled wheel locks
Underbody security lighting
Vehicle security systems
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Accessories
Accessories
235

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............191
instrument panel ....................193
interior .............................193–194
interior trim ............................193
plastic parts ............................192
safety belts ..............................194
washing ....................................190
waxing .....................................190
wheels ......................................191
wiper blades ............................192
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......46, 48
Clock ......................................27, 36
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................67
Console ........................................91
overhead ..............................64, 66
Controls
power seat ...............................108
steering column ........................81
Coolant
checking and adding ..............204
refill capacities ................207, 228
specifications ..................230–231
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................77
Customer Assistance ................161
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................195
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................183
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................187
Getting roadside assistance ...161
Getting the service you
need .........................................181
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................188The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................183
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................186
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................53
Defrost
rear window ..............................52
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................220
engine oil .................................198
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........230
Driving under special
conditions ..................................155
through water .........................155
E
Electronic message center .........86
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................175
Emission control system ..........218
Engine ........................................231
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................191
coolant .....................................204
fail-safe coolant ......................208
idle speed control ...................202
lubrication
specifications ..................230–231
refill capacities ........................228
service points ..........................197
starting after a collision .........162
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
239

safety belt maintenance .........123
warning light and
chime ...................13, 16, 118–119
Safety seats for children ..........134
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............109
Seats ..........................................105
child safety seats ....................134
cleaning ...................................193
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............101–103
Servicing your vehicle ..............196
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................170
Spark plugs, specifications ......228,
231
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................230–231
Speed control ..............................77
Speedometer ...............................20
Starting your
vehicle ........................142–143, 145
jump starting ..........................175
Steering
speed sensitive .......................151
Steering wheel
controls ..........................64, 77, 81
tilting .........................................64
T
Tires ...........................170, 224–225
changing ..........................170–171
checking the pressure ............225
replacing ..................................226
rotating ....................................225
snow tires and chains ............227
tire grades ...............................225treadwear ................................224
Towing .......................................157
recreational towing .................160
trailer towing ..........................157
wrecker ....................................180
Traction control ........................149
active light ................................13
Traction-lok rear axle ...............155
Transmission .............................151
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................220
fluid, refill capacities ..............228
lubricant specifications ..230–231
Trip odometer .............................21
Trunk ...........................................93
remote release ....................90, 96
Turn signal ............................14, 56
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................231
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................233
Vehicle loading ..........................156
Ventilating your vehicle ...........146
W
Warning chimes ...........................16
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................198
Water, Driving through .............155
Windows
power .........................................74
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....198
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
243