warning Mercury Grand Marquis 1998 Owner's Manuals

ICONS
Indicates a warning. Read the
following section onWarningsfor a
full explanation.
Indicates vehicle information related
to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards
protecting the environment.
WARNINGS
Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal
injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its
equipment.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the
first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.
If possible, you should avoid full use of the brakes for the first 1 600 km
(1 000 miles).
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing.
Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring
obligation.
Introduction
2

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Standard instrument cluster
Optional instrument cluster
Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel level is
low. The lamp will also illuminate
when the ignition is turned to ON
and the engine is off.
Check engine
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine's
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System (OBD
E
LOW
FUELCHECK
ENGINEAIR
SUSPOD
OFF
BRAKEAIR
BAG
TEMP OIL VOLTS FUEL
MPH km/h10 203040506070
80
90
10 0
11 0
12 020 406080100
120
140
160
180
200
H H
L C F H
L
< FUEL FILL DOOR TRAC
CNTL
0000000
0
0 0 0
+ –
F
E
/2 1
N
O
R
M
H
C
LT R
GAL
TO
EMPTY
km/h
MPH
km SCHECK
ENGINE
AIR
BAGSPEED CONTROL
P R N D 2 1
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
DIST TO
EMPTY
TRIP
AAVG
ECON
TRIP
BINST
ECON
AVG
SPEED
km
MILES
/GAL
LOW
FUEL
CHECK
ENGINE
Instrumentation
6

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash
or remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
Brake system warning (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. If brake
warning lamp does not illuminate at
this time, seek service immediately.
Also illuminates when the parking brake is engaged. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. 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.
AIR
BAG
!
BRAKE
ABS
Instrumentation
8

Traction ControlYactive (if equipped)
Flashes when the Traction Controly
system begins applying and
releasing the brakes and adjusting
the engine characteristics to limit a
wheelspin condition. It will be lit for
a minimum of four seconds or for
the duration of the Traction
Controlyevent.
If the Traction Controlyindicator
comes on or stays lit, either:
²the Traction Controlysystem needs service, or
²the customer has disabled the system using the traction control
switch.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Safety belt warning chime
Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime
For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to theSeating and
safety restraintschapter.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position and either front door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off
(and the key is not in the ignition) and either front door is opened.
Turn signal chime
Sounds when the turn signal lever has been activated to signal a turn.
TRAC
CNTL
Instrumentation
11

Low washer fluid
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to ON and will
stay on when the windshield washer
fluid is low.
Trunk ajar
If the trunk is not completely
closed, this light comes on when
you turn the ignition to ON. With
the ignition ON, this light will flash
five times and sound a tone for one
second, then remain on (if the trunk
is open).
INDICATOR LAMP MODULE
The indicator lamp module contains the following lamps:
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. 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.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. If brake
warning lamp does not illuminate at
this time, seek service immediately.
Also illuminates when the parking brake is engaged. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately.
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
ABS
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
22

POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
TILT STEERING
Pull the tilt steering control toward
you to move the steering wheel up
or down. Hold the control while
adjusting the wheel to the desired
position, then release the control.
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
3
1
2
5
4
Controls and features
35

Insert the tongue into the correct
buckle. To lengthen the belt, turn
the tongue at a right angle to the
belt and pull across your lap until it
reaches the buckle. To tighten the
belt, pull the loose end of the belt
through the tongue until it fits
snugly across the hips.
Shorten and fasten the belt when
not in use.
Safety belt extension assembly
If the safety belt assembly is too short, even when fully extended, 20 cm
(8 inches) can be added to the safety belt assembly by adding a safety
belt extension assembly (part number 611C22). Safety belt extension
assemblies can be obtained from your dealer at no cost.
Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety
belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on
the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too
short for you when fully extended. Do not use extensions to change the
fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime
The seat belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a
chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.
Seating and safety restraints
65

Conditions of operation
If... Then...
The driver's safety belt is not
buckled before the ignition
switch is turned to the ON
position...The safety belt warning light
illuminates for one to two minutes and
the warning chime sounds for four to
eight seconds.
The driver's safety belt is
buckled while the indicator
light is illuminated and the
warning chime is sounding...The safety belt warning light and
warning chime turn off.
The driver's safety belt is
buckled before the ignition
switch is turned to the ON
position...The safety belt warning light and
indicator chime remain off.
Safety belt maintenance
Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work
properly and are not damaged. Check the safety belts to make sure there
are no nicks, wears or cuts. All safety belt assemblies, including
retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle assemblies (slide bar)(if
equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), child safety seat
tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching hardware, should
be inspected after a collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However,
if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts
do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need
to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should
also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is
noted.
Failure to replace the safety belt assembly under the above
conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of
a collision.
Refer toCleaning and maintaining the safety beltsin the
Maintenance and caresection.
Seating and safety restraints
66

injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who are not
properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of air bag
deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be properly
restrained as far away from the air bag module as possible while
maintaining vehicle control.
Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not
touch them after inflation.
If the air bag is inflated,the air bag will not function again
and must be replaced immediately. If the air bag is not
replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
The SRS consists of:
²driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and
air bags),
²one or more impact and safing sensors,
²a readiness light and tone
²and the electrical wiring which connects the components.
The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the
supplemental air bag electrical system warning (including the impact
sensors), the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air
bag back up power and the air bag ignitors.
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer to theAir bag readiness
section in theInstrumentationchapter. Routine maintenance of the air
bag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
²The readiness light will either
flash or stay lit.
²The readiness light will not
illuminate immediately after
ignition is turned on.
AIR
BAG
Seating and safety restraints
70

²A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat
periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.
Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local
dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by
qualified personnel.
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN
Important child restraint precautions
You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S.
and Canada. If small children ride in your vehicle (generally children who
are four years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less), you
must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Check your
local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the
safety of children in your vehicle.
Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the
vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from
injury in a collision.
Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or
child restraint you might use.
When possible, place children in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident
statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating position.
Children and safety belts
Children who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by your
child safety seat manufacturer) should always wear safety belts.
Follow all the important safety restraint and air bag precautions that
apply to adult passengers in your vehicle.
If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can
be positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child's face or
Seating and safety restraints
71