check transmission fluid Mercury Grand Marquis 2001 Owner's Manuals

O/D off
²Standard instrument cluster
²Optional instrument cluster
Illuminates when the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS), refer to
Overdrive controlin theControls
and Featureschapter, has been
pushed turning the transmission
overdrive function OFF. When the
light is on, the transmission does not operate in the overdrive mode,
refer to theDrivingchapter for transmission function and operation.
The light may also flash steadily if a transmission malfunction is
detected. If the light does not come on when the Transmission Control
Switch is depressed or if the light flashes steadily, have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, damage to the transmission could occur.
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
in the instrument panel.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
O/D
OFF
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
TRAC
CNTL
Instrumentation
14

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
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.
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.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
183

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
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 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) 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 10ÉC (50ÉF). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and care
184

If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible
damage.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and care
186

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................116
and child safety seats ............118
description ..............................116
disposal ....................................120
driver air bag ..........................118
indicator light ...................10, 120
operation .................................118
passenger air bag ...................118
Air cleaner filter ...............188, 216
Air conditioning ..........................29
automatic temperature
control system ..........................32
Air suspension ...........................138
description ..............................138
warning light .............................13
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................175
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................134±135
Audio system (see Radio) .........38
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................140
fluid, adding ............................183
fluid, checking ........................183
fluid, refill capacities ..............216
fluid, specification ..................219
Auxiliary power point ...........65, 83
Axle
lubricant specifications ..218±219
refill capacities ........................216
traction lok ..............................143B
Battery .......................................186
acid, treating emergencies .....186
charging system warning light..13
jumping a disabled battery ....162
maintenance-free ....................186
replacement, specifications ...216
servicing ..................................186
voltage gauge ............................21
Belt minder ...............................112
Brakes ........................................134
anti-lock ...........................134±135
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 135
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....174
fluid, refill capacities ..............216
fluid, specifications .........218±219
lubricant specifications ..218±219
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................64
shift interlock ..........................139
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....216
Cassette tape player ...................50
CD changer .................................60
Certification Label ....................221
Child safety restraints ..............121
child safety belts ....................121
Child safety seats ......................122
attaching with tether straps ..127
in front seat ............................124
in rear seat ......................124, 126
Cleaning your vehicle ...............210
Index
234

engine compartment ..............213
exterior ............................211±212
exterior lamps .........................212
instrument cluster lens ..........215
instrument panel ....................214
interior .....................................215
mirrors .....................................212
plastic parts ............................212
safety belts ..............................215
washing ....................................211
waxing .....................................211
wheels ......................................212
windows ..................................215
wiper blades ............................213
woodtone trim ........................215
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............29
Clock ............................................64
Compass, electronic ....................78
calibration .................................79
set zone adjustment .................79
Console ........................................83
Controls
power seat .......................100±101
steering column ........................73
Coolant
checking and adding ..............175
coolant temperature light ........11
refill capacities ................179, 216
specifications ..................218±219
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................69
Customer Assistance ................149
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................229
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................222
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................228Getting roadside assistance ...149
Getting the service
you need .................................222
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................231
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................224
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................227
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................27
Defrost
rear window ..............................38
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................183
engine oil .................................171
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........218
Driving under special conditions
through water .........................148
E
Electronic message center .........22
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................162
Emission control system ..........203
Engine ................................219±220
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................9
cleaning ...................................213
coolant .....................................175
fail-safe coolant ......................180
idle speed control ...................186
Index
235

Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................................102
Seats ............................................98
child safety seats ....................122
cleaning ...................................215
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ....................................90±92
Servicing your vehicle ..............168
Spark plugs,
specifications .............216, 219±220
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................218±219
Speed control ..............................69
Speedometer ...............................18
Starting your vehicle..129±130, 132
jump starting ..........................162
Steering
speed sensitive .......................138
Steering wheel
controls ......................................73
tilting .........................................67
T
Tires ...........................157, 190±192
changing ..........................157±158
checking the pressure ............192
replacing ..................................193
rotating ....................................192
snow tires and chains ............194
tire grades ...............................191
treadwear ................................191
Towing .......................................145
recreational towing .................147
trailer towing ..........................145
wrecker ....................................167
Traction control ..................65, 136off light ......................................14
Traction-lok rear axle ...............143
Transmission .............................139
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................183
fluid, refill capacities ..............216
lubricant specifications ..218±219
Trip odometer .............................20
Trunk ...........................................96
remote release ....................81, 87
Turn signal ............................12, 65
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................220
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................221
Vehicle loading ..........................143
Ventilating your vehicle ...........133
W
Warning chimes ...........................16
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................175
Water, Driving through .............148
Windows
power .........................................81
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....175
checking and cleaning ............189
operation ...................................66
replacing wiper blades ...........189
Wrecker towing .........................167
Index
239