2003 Mercury Grand Marquis check transmission fluid

Air suspension (if equipped)
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
Illuminates when the air suspension
switch is turned OFF, the load limit
is exceeded or the air suspension
system requires servicing.
Low fuel (if equipped)
Illuminates when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is at, or near empty
(refer toFuel gaugein this chapter
for more information).
O/D off
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
Illuminates when the overdrive
function has been turned OFF using
the transmission control switch
(TCS). If the light does not come on
or the light flashes steadily, have
your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, damage to the transmission could occur.
Turn signals
Illuminates when the turn signals or
the hazard lights are turned on. If
the lights stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out bulb.
AIR
SUSP
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
LOW
FUEL
O/D
OFF
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
14

Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
•Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
•Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
•GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum permissible total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum permissible
combined weight of the towing vehicle (including occupants and
cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
•Maximum Trailer Weight:Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including occupants and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
156

When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles:
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel
drive capability.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph)
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
160

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

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

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................147
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ................124, 128
and child safety seats ............126
description ......................124, 128
disposal ....................................131
driver air bag ..................126, 129
indicator light ...........13, 128, 130
operation .........................126, 129
passenger air bag ...........126, 129
side air bag ..............................128
Air cleaner filter ...............223, 228
Air conditioning ..........................48
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................46
Air suspension ...........................151
description ..............................151
warning light .............................14
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................204
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................147
Audio system (see Radio) .........22
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................152
fluid, adding ............................220
fluid, checking ........................220
fluid, refill capacities ..............228
fluid, specification ..................231
Auxiliary power point .................73
Axle
lubricant specifications ..230–231
refill capacities ........................228
traction lok ..............................155
B
Battery .......................................202acid, treating emergencies .....202
charging system warning
light ............................................13
jumping a disabled battery ....175
maintenance-free ....................202
replacement, specifications ...228
servicing ..................................202
voltage gauge ............................19
BeltMinder .................................119
Brakes ................................146–147
anti-lock ...................................147
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 147
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....220
fluid, refill capacities ..............228
fluid, specifications .........230–231
lubricant specifications ..230–231
parking ....................................148
shift interlock ..........................151
Bulbs ............................................57
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....228
Cassette tape player ...................31
CD changer .................................40
CD-single premium .....................22
Cell phone use ............................90
Certification Label ....................233
Changing a tire .........................170
Child safety restraints ..............131
child safety belts ....................131
Child safety seats ......................134
attaching with tether straps ..138
in front seat ............................136
in rear seat ..............................136
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
238

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

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