2003 Mercury Grand Marquis batteries

JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; also, the
catalytic converter may become damaged.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
175

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
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.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
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 terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
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.
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
202

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.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with
the A/C on, put the vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
203

•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36° C (-34° F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the “cold full” of “cold fill range” level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36° C (-34° F).
•Boiling protection up to 129° C (265° F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
204

Lubricant specifications ...230–231
Lumbar support, seats .............107
M
Message center ...........................86
reset button ..............................86
select button .............................87
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................76
fold away ...................................76
heated ........................................75
side view mirrors (power) .......75
Moon roof ....................................81
Motorcraft parts ................214, 228
O
Octane rating ............................213
Odometer .....................................20
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................198
Overdrive .............................89, 153
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................96
Parking brake ............................148
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....228
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................111
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................76
Power adjustable foot pedals .....76
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................167
Power door locks ..................92, 98Power mirrors .............................75
Power point .................................73
Power steering ..................150–151
fluid, checking and adding ....219
fluid, refill capacity ................228
fluid, specifications .................230
Power Windows ...........................74
R
Radio ............................................22
Radio reception .....................44–45
Rear window defroster ...............52
Relays ................................163, 170
Remote entry system ...........94, 96
illuminated entry ......................98
locking/unlocking doors ...........95
opening the trunk .....................96
panic alarm ...............................96
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................97
replacing the batteries .............96
Roadside assistance ..................161
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........123
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ............16, 109, 113–117
Safety defects, reporting ..........189
Safety restraints ........109, 113–117
belt minder .............................119
extension assembly ................123
for adults .........................114–116
for children .............................131
lap belt ....................................117
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................111
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
242