check engine Mercury Grand Marquis 2000 s Owner's Guide

6. Install a new air filter element. Be
careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter
housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unfiltered
air to enter the engine if not
properly seated.
7. Replace the air filter housing cover and secure the clamps.
8. Replace the air inlet tube and secure the clamp.
Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be voided for any
damage to the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less
effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
To make changing the wiper blades easy, turn the ignition to ACC, then
turn the wipers on. When the wipers reach the vertical position, turn the
ignition to LOCK.
Maintenance and care
170

When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the ªService Engine Soon/Check Engineº indicator comes on and stays
on when you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly
installed. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap
properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel system to work improperly in a collision, which may result in
possible personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Maintenance and care
178

If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²Your ªCheck Engineº indicator may come on. For more information on
the ªCheck Engineº indicator, refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Fuel Filter
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.
Replace the fuel filter 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).
Filling the tank
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 theRefill Capacities
section of theCapacities and specificationschapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of usable fuel remaining in the
fuel tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of empty reserve varies and should not be relied
upon to increase driving range. When refueling your vehicle after
the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be able to refuel
the full amount of the advertised capacity of the fuel tank due to
the empty reserve still present in the tank.
Maintenance and care
180

Habits
²Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
²Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
²Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
²Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
²Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
²Slow down gradually.
²Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
²Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
²Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
²You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
²Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
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.
Maintenance and care
182

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 ªCheck Engineº light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, 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.
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.
Maintenance and care
184

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.
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.
Replacing headlamp bulbs
To remove the headlamp bulb:
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in OFF position, then open the hood.
2. Remove the protective cover by turning the three knobs to the unlock
position.
Maintenance and care
185

²Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use or are not properly installed. When operated, such systems may
cause the engine to stumble or stall. In addition, such systems may be
damaged or their performance may be affected by operating your
vehicle. (Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers and
other transmitters with outputs of five watts or less will not ordinarily
affect your vehicle's operation.)
²Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or damage
that may result from the use of such equipment.
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER'S LITERATURE
To order the publications in this portfolio:
Make checks payable to:
HELM, INCORPORATED
P.O. Box 07150
Detroit, Michigan 48207
For a free publication catalog, order toll free: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. EST,
for credit card holders only
Obtaining a French owner's guide
French Owner's Guides can be obtained from your dealer or by writing to
Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box
1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.
Customer assistance
213

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........................101
and child safety seats ............103
description ..............................101
disposal ....................................105
driver air bag ..........................103
indicator light ....................10,105
operation .................................103
passenger air bag ...................103
Air cleaner filter ................169,197
Air conditioning ..........................26
automatic temperature
control system ..........................28
Air suspension ...........................122
description ..............................122
warning light .............................12
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................157
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................118,119
Audio system (see Radio) .........35
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................124
fluid, adding ............................164
fluid, checking ........................164
fluid, refill capacities ..............197
fluid, specification ..................200
Axle
lubricant specifications ...198,200
refill capacities ........................197
traction lok ..............................126
Battery .......................................167
acid, treating emergencies .....167
charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....144
maintenance-free ....................167
replacement, specifications ...197
servicing ..................................167
voltage gauge ............................19
Belt minder .................................97Brakes ........................................118
anti-lock ............................118,119
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..........11,119
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....156
fluid, refill capacities ..............197
fluid, specifications ..........198,200
lubricant specifications ...198,200
shift interlock ..........................123
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....197
Cassette tape player ...................46
CD changer .................................55
Certification Label ....................202
Child safety restraints ..............106
child safety belts ....................106
Child safety seats ......................107
attaching with tether straps ..111
in front seat ............................108
in rear seat .......................108,111
Cleaning your vehicle ...............190
engine compartment ..............193
exterior ....................................192
exterior lamps .........................192
instrument panel ....................194
instrument panel lens ............194
interior ..............................195,196
mirrors .....................................192
plastic parts ............................192
safety belts ..............................195
washing ....................................191
waxing .....................................191
wheels ......................................192
windows ..................................195
wiper blades ............................193
woodtone trim ........................195
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............26
Clock ............................................34
Compass, electronic ....................69
calibration .................................71
Index
215

set zone adjustment .................70
Controls
power seat ............................89,90
Coolant
checking and adding ..............157
coolant temperature light ........10
refill capacities .................160,197
specifications ...................198,200
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................62
Customer Assistance ................133
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................210
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................203
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............209
Getting roadside assistance ...133
Getting the service
you need .................................203
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................213
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................206
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............209
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................24
Defrost
rear window ..............................25
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................164
engine oil .................................153
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........198
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................132
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................144
Emission control system ..........183Engine ........................................200
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........9
cleaning ...................................193
coolant .....................................157
fail-safe coolant ......................161
idle speed control ...................167
lubrication
specifications ...................198,200
refill capacities ........................197
service points ..........................152
starting after a collision .........134
Engine block heater .................116
Engine oil ..................................153
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................153
checking and adding ..............153
dipstick ....................................153
filter, specifications .........155,197
recommendations ...................155
refill capacities ........................197
specifications ...................198,200
Exhaust fumes ..........................116
Fail safe cooling ........................161
Floor mats ...................................74
Fluid capacities .........................197
Fuel ............................................175
calculating fuel economy .......180
cap ...........................................177
capacity ...................................197
choosing the right fuel ...........178
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................183
detergent in fuel .....................179
filling your
vehicle with fuel .......175,177,180
filter, specifications .........180,197
fuel pump shut-off switch .....134
gauge .........................................15
improving fuel economy ........180
low fuel warning light ................8
octane rating ....................179,200
Index
216

anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....11,119
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12
check engine ...............................9
high beam .................................11
low coolant ................................10
low fuel ........................................8
oil pressure ...............................12
overdrive off ..............................13
safety belt .................................10
speed control ............................65
traction control active ..............13
turn signal indicator .................11
Load limits .................................127
GAWR ......................................127
GVWR ......................................127
trailer towing ..........................127
Locks
autolock .....................................76
childproof ..................................74
doors ..........................................73
Lubricant specifications ....198,200
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................143
Lumbar support, seats ...............91
Message center ...........................20
reset button ..............................20
select button .............................21
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................69
cleaning ...................................192
side view mirrors (power) .......73
Motorcraft parts .................180,197
Octane rating ............................179
Odometer .....................................17
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................153
Overdrive ..............................61,125
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry system ..................78
Parking brake ............................119
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....197Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................138
Power door locks ...................73,76
Power steering ..........................122
fluid, checking and adding ....164
fluid, refill capacity ................197
fluid, specifications ..........198,200
Radio ............................................35
Relays .................................135,140
Remote entry system ............75,78
illuminated entry ......................79
locking/unlocking doors ...........75
opening the trunk .....................78
panic alarm ...............................78
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................80
replacing the batteries .............79
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ...........14,91,92,93,94,95
Safety defects, reporting ..........214
Safety restraints ......91,92,93,94,95
belt minder ...............................97
cleaning the
safety belts .......................100,195
extension assembly ..................96
for adults .........................92,93,94
for children ......................105,106
lap belt ......................................95
warning light
and chime ...................10,14,96,97
Safety seats for children ..........107
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............91
Seats ............................................87
child safety seats ....................107
cleaning ............................195,196
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ....................80,81
Servicing your vehicle ..............150
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................197,200
Index
218