2003 Mercury Grand Marquis Start

Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded
gasoline. “Premium” unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers issued the World-wide Fuel Charter that
recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved performance
and emission control system protection for your vehicle. Gasolines that
meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when available. Ask
your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel
Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•Your “Check Engine” indicator may come on. For more information on
the “Check Engine” indicator, refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
214

It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
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.
Illumination of the “Check Engine” light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
218

permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your “Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon” light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the “Check Engine/Service Engine Soon” light on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT 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).
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
219

weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
DON’T ADD
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
221

If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible
damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft Part Numbers.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
Changing the air filter element
1. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.
2. Carefully separate the two halves of the air filter housing.
3. Remove the air filter element from the air filter housing.
4. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be
careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter
housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unfiltered
air to enter the engine if not
properly seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing cover and secure the clamps.
7. Replace the air inlet tube and secure the clamp.
DON’T ADD
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
223

Comfort and convenience
Cargo net
Cargo organizer
Electrochromic compass mirror
Electrochromic compass mirror with temperature display
Engine block heaters
Remote start system
Travel equipment
Daytime running lights (DRL)
Protection and appearance equipment
All-weather floor mats
Carpeted floor mats
Door edge guards
First aid kit
Flat splash guards
Front end covers
Full-vehicle cover
Highway safety kit
Molded splash guards
Side window deflectors
Styled hood deflector
Universal floor mats
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Accessories
236

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
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
239

Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................46, 48
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage
door opener) ...................70, 82, 85
Hood ..........................................197
I
Ignition ...............................142, 231
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................134
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................219
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................193
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................54
J
Jack ............................................170
positioning ...............................170
storage .....................................170
Jump-starting your vehicle ......175
K
Keyless entry system .................99
autolock .....................................98
keypad .......................................99
programming entry code .......100
Keys .............................92, 101–103
key in ignition chime ...............16
positions of the ignition .........142L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................53
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................57
cargo lamps ...............................54
daytime running light ...............53
headlamps .................................53
headlamps, flash to pass ..........54
instrument panel, dimming .....54
interior lamps .....................57–58
replacing bulbs ...................57–62
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................56
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................13
air suspension ...........................14
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 147
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................13
check engine .............................10
fuel cap light .............................11
high beam .................................15
low fuel ......................................14
oil pressure ...............................13
overdrive off ..............................14
safety belt .................................13
speed control ............................80
traction control active ..............13
turn signal indicator .................14
Limited slip axle
(see Traction Loc) ....................155
Load limits .................................156
GAWR ......................................156
GVWR ......................................156
trailer towing ..........................156
Locks
autolock .....................................98
childproof ..................................93
doors ..........................................92
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
241