2008 Mercury Grand Marquis steering

Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear.
Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with
emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations
can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by
weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can
be removed with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A).
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
This vehicle is 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
an authorized dealer.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates 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.
P!
BRAKE
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
179

Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain 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.
•The anti-lock system does not reduce stopping distance. Always leave
enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to
stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster momentarily
illuminates when the ignition is
turned on. 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. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.)
Parking brake with auto-release (if equipped)
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.
ABS
P!
BRAKE
HOOD
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
180

•the customer has disabled the system using the traction control switch
located on the left side of the instrument panel.
The Traction Control™ system will be on every time you turn the
ignition key from OFF to ON until you deactivate the system using the
traction control switch on the instrument panel left of the steering
column.
STEERING
Ford Motor Company recommends that an authorized dealer
inspect all steering column assemblies in use in vehicles involved
in a collision. Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the steering
column assembly could result in severe injury or death in the event of
a collision.
Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the steering column,
its adaptive module, or its fuses. See your authorized dealer.
To help prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the
steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than
a few seconds when the engine is running.
It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the
power steering fluid reservoir:
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while
driving at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system
checked by your authorized dealer.
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The air suspension system is designed to improve ride, handling and
general vehicle performance during:
•Certain road conditions
•Steering maneuvers
•Braking
•Accelerations
This system keeps the rear of your vehicle at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the springs.
If you exceed the load limit, the rear air suspension may not operate.
The air suspension shut-off switch is
located on the left side of the trunk.
If this switch is in the OFF position,
the rear air suspension will not
operate.
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation does not
require any action by the driver.
AIR SUSPENSION
SWITCH
INTERRUPTEUR DE
LA SUSPENSION
PNEUMATIQUE
WARNING
AVERTISSEMENTOFF-ARRET
To prevent sudden
vehicle movement,
turn off air suspen-
sion switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or
towing vehicle.
Pour prévenir tout mouvement soudain du véhi-
cule, placer à l'arrêt l'interrupteur de la suspension
pneumatique avant de lever le véhicule (cric ou
pont élévateur) ou de le remorquer.
OFF
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
184

TRACTION-LOK™ AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok™ axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on a
Traction-Lok™ rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving
and should not be noticeable to the driver.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock – column-shift transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed, it is possible that a fuse
has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer
toFuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to 2 (ACC).
2. Locate the access plug on the
underside of the steering column
cover.
3. Remove the access plug using a flat head screwdriver. Insert the
screwdriver into the access hole nearest the steering wheel. Then push
and hold the override button using a flat head screwdriver. Apply the
brake pedal and shift the transmission into N (Neutral) while continuing
to depress the override button.
4. Reinstall the access plug cover, start the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
185

•The hazard lights control is
located on top of the steering
column.
•Depress hazard lights control to
activate all hazard flashers
simultaneously.
•Depress control again to turn the
flashers off.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
FUEL
RESET
The fuel pump shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the electric
fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated.
The fuel pump shut-off switch is
located on the left side of the trunk
behind the left rear tail light and the
trunk liner.
Use the following procedure to reset the fuel pump shut-off switch.
1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
193

COLOR
Fuse
ratingMini
fusesStandard
fusesMaxi
fusesCartridge
maxi
fusesFuse link
cartridge
50A — — Red Red Red
60A — — Blue Yellow Yellow
70A — — Tan — Brown
80A — — Natural Black Black
Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
The fuses are coded as follows.
27 25
26 2423 21
2219
20
18 16
17 1514 12
1310
33
31
2932
30
28 11
97
8653
41
2Relay
1
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
195

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
1 10A Ignition (START) - Starter relay coil,
DTRS
2 7.5A Power mirrors, Door lock switches,
Mirror switch, Keypad switch, Decklid
switch, Adjustable pedal switch, DDM,
Cluster
3 5A Ignition (START) - Audio mute
4 10A LCM (switch illumination), Autolamp
sensor
5 7.5A Ignition (ON/ACC) - LCM
6 7.5A LCM
7 10A Ignition (ON/ACC) - Wiper module
8 10A Electronic Automatic Temperature
Control (EATC) module (vehicles
equipped with EATC only)
9 7.5A Ignition (ON/ACC) - Door lock switch
illumination, Heated seat switch
illumination, Moon roof, Overhead
console, Radio, Antenna,
Electrochromatic mirror, Window relay
coil
10 15A Hazards
11 15A Ignition (ON) - Turn signals
12 15A Audio
13 10A Ignition (ON) - Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) module, Rear Air Suspension
Module (RASM), Variable Assist Power
Steering (VAPS), Cluster
14 15A Adjustable pedals
15 10A Ignition (ON) - EATC module, A/C mode
switch (vehicles equipped with manual
A/C only), A/C blower relay coil
16 20A Cigar lighter, OBD II
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
196