check engine light Mercury Grand Marquis 1999 s User Guide

What you should know about fail-safe cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The ªfail-safeº distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
²Standard cluster
²Optional cluster
If the engine begins to overheat:
²the engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the H (hot) area
(if your vehicle is equipped with analog gauges).
²the engine coolant temperature gauge will illuminate all eight bars and
a tone will sound every five seconds for one minute (if your vehicle is
equipped with digital gauges).
²the
symbol will illuminate.
²theCheck Engineindicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
TEMPH
C
N
O
R
M
H
C
Maintenance and care
145

Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air quality, including
reformulated gasolines that contain oxygenates up to 10% ethanol or
15% MTBE.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out fuel because this situation may have an adverse affect
on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to crank the engine several times before the system
starts to pump fuel from the tank to the engine.
²Your ªCheck Engineº light may come on. For more information on the
ªCheck Engineº light, refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Fuel Filter
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel filter that is mounted on the
underbody.
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.
If you replace the fuel filter, replace it 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.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in the Refill Capacities
chart in this ªOwner Guide.º The advertised capacity is the amount of
Maintenance and care
161

²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
2 km/h [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollover/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Use of fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving over hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of Km/L (MPG) expected on
the vehicle, depending upon the driver's 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:
Maintenance and care
164

²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have 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 charging system warning light,Check Engine
indicator light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange
odors, smoke or loss of oil pressure, 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
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 your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Maintenance and care
165

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 ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
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:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, 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.
EXTERIOR BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
²Headlamps
²Tail lamps
²Brakelamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Turn signals
²Backup lamps
²License plate lamp
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they will be replaced immediately. If a
bulb is removed for an extended period of time, contaminants may enter
the lamp housings and affect performance.
Maintenance and care
166

Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................90
and child safety seats ..............91
description ................................90
disposal ......................................94
indicator light ...........................93
passenger air bag .....................92
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ......28,29,30,31,33
Air suspension ...........................111
Anti-theft system ........................76
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................113,114,115
Axle
refill capacities ........................175
Brakes ........................................106
anti-lock ............................106,107
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............107
fluid, checking and adding ....141
shift interlock ..........................112
Break-in period .............................2
CD changer ..................51,53,54,55
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ..100
in rear seat ...........................97,99
tether anchorage hardware ...100
Cleaning your vehicle ...............170
engine compartment ..............172
exterior .............................171,174
exterior lamps .........................173
interior .....................................174
plastic parts ............................173
washing ....................................171
waxing .....................................171
wheels ......................................172
windows ..................................174
wiper blades ............................173
Clock ............................................34
Compass, electronic ....................65calibration .................................67
set zone adjustment .................66
Controls ........................61,62,63,64
power seat ............................82,83
Coolant ......................................144
checking and adding ..............143
refill capacities ........................144
Customer Assistance
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .......................187,188,189
Ford Extended Service Plan .181
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................186
Getting roadside assistance ...180
Getting the service you
need .........................................182
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................191
The Dispute Settlement
Board ..................183,184,185,186
Defrost
rear window ..............................25
Emission control system ..........164
Engine
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........7
coolant .....................................142
idle speed control ...................150
service points ..........................138
starting after a collision .........120
Engine block heater .................104
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............140
dipstick ....................................139
specifications ...................139,140
Exhaust fumes ..........................105
Fail safe cooling .................145,146
Floor mats ...................................70
Fuel
choosing the right fuel ...........159
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................164
Index
193

detergent in fuel .....................161
filling your vehicle
with fuel ...........................157,159
quality ......................................160
running out of fuel .................161
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................157
Fuses ...................................121,122
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ..............161,162,163,164
Gauges .........................................12
battery voltage gauge ...............16
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................15
engine oil pressure gauge ........16
fuel gauge ..................................12
odometer ...................................14
speedometer .............................13
trip odometer ............................15
Hazard flashers .........................120
Head restraints ......................80,81
Headlamps
aiming ......................................170
bulb specifications ..................170
high beam ..............................9,24
Heating ........................................26
heating and air
conditioning system ............26,27
Hood ..........................................137
Ignition .......................................177
Inspection/maintenanc e(I/M)
testing ........................................166
Instrument panel ..........................6
cleaning ...................................173
Keyless entry system
keypad .......................................77
programmin gentry
code .................................77,78,79
Keys
positions of the ignition ...........56
Lamps
autolamp system .......................25daytime running light ...............25
headlamps .................................24
headlamps, flash to pass ..........24
instrument panel, dimming .....24
interior lamps .........................169
replacing bulbs ..166,167,168,169
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ...................55,56
Lights, warning and indicator ......6
air bag ..........................................8
air suspension ...........................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .........9,22
brake .......................................8,23
charging system ..........................9
low coolant ................................10
low fuel ........................................6
oil pressure .................................9
overdrive off ..............................10
safety belt ...................................8
speed control ............................61
traction control active .........11,22
turn signal indicator ...................9
Locks
childproof ..................................70
Lumbar support, seats ...............84
Message center ...........................17
reset button .........................17,18
select button .............................18
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................65
side view mirrors (power) .......69
Motorcraft parts ........................161
Octane rating ............................160
Overdrive .....................................57
Parking brake ............................107
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................124
Power door locks ...................69,72
Power steering ...................110,111
fluid, checking and adding ....147
Index
194