traction control Mercury Grand Marquis 2001 Owner's Manuals

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner's Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Tether
Anchorage
Brake SystemAnti-Lock Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedTraction Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
Power Windows
Front/RearPower Window Lockout
Introduction
4

Headlamp control
(pg. 27)Instrument panel
dimmer control
(pg. 27)
Driver air bag
(pg. 116)Instrument cluster
(pg. 8)
Speed control*
(pg. 69) Turn signal control
(pg. 65)Wiper/washer
control
(pg. 66) Traction control switch*
(pg. 136)
Power adjustable foot
pedals*
(pg. 64)
* if equipped
Instrumentation
6

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

Never adjust the accelerator and brake pedal with feet on pedals
or while the vehicle is moving.
AUXILIARY POWER POINT
The auxiliary power point is located under the instrument panel on the
left hand side of the front passenger foot well. This outlet should be
used in place of the cigarette lighter for optional electrical accessories.
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the plug.
Improper use of the power outlet can cause damage not covered
by your warranty.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
This control can be used to turn the
Traction Controlyon or off. Refer
to theTraction Controlysection of
theDrivingchapter for more
information.
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL
²Push down to activate the left
turn signal.
²Push up to activate the right turn
signal.
The flash rate of the turn signal will speed up considerably if the
Lighting Control Module detects a left or right turn lamp bulb (front or
rear) is burned out.
HI
LO
F
S
OFF
Controls and features
65

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is fully released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Your vehicle has an automatic parking brake release (except for
police/fleet vehicles which have the manual release). To release the
parking brake:
1. Turn the ignition to the ON position.
2. Press the brake pedal.
3. Move the gearshift from the P (Park) position to one of the forward
gears (the parking brake will not release automatically when you shift
into reverse). The brake pedal must remain pressed while the gearshift is
moved.
If the parking brake fails to release
after completing this procedure, use
the manual parking brake release
lever.
Pull the lever to manually release
the parking brake.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional Traction Controly
system. This system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of
your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces.
P!
BRAKE
HOOD
Driving
136

The system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system
borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements already present
in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is
realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
rear wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads.
During Traction Controlyoperation you may hear an electric motor type
of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction
Controlysystem off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to ªdigº the
vehicle out and enable a successful
ªrockingº maneuver.
The traction control indicator
flashes during a Traction Controly
system event.
If the traction control indicator
comes on and stays lit, either:
²the Traction Controlysystem requires service, or
²the customer has disabled the system using the traction control switch
located on the left side of the instrument panel.
The Traction Controlysystem 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.
TRAC
CNTL
Driving
137

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
8 25A Power Train Control Module (PCM) Power
Relay, Coil-on -Plugs, Radio Noise
Capacitator, Passive Anti-theft System
(PATS)
9 Ð Not Used
10 10A Rear Window Defrost
11 Ð Not Used
12 Ð Not Used
13 5A Radio
14 10A Traction Control Switch, Anti-lock Brakes
(ABS), Instrument Cluster
15 15A Speed Control Servo, Main Light Switch
Illumination, Lighting Control Module
(LCM), Clock
16 15A Reversing lamps, Turn Signals, Shift Lock,
DRL Module, EVO Steering, Electronic
Day/Night Mirror
17 30A Wiper Motor, Wiper Control Module
18 30A Heater Blower Motor
19 20A Auxiliary Power Point
20 Ð Not Used
21 15A Multifunction Switch, Lighting Control
Module (LCM), Passive Anti-theft System
(PATS) Indicator, Parking Lamps,
Instrument Panel Light
22 15A Speed Control Servo, Hazard Lights
23 15A Power Windows/Door Locks, PATS,
Exterior Rear View Mirrors, EATC Module,
Instrument Cluster, Clock, Lighting Control
Module (LCM), Interior Lamps
24 10A Left Hand Low Beam
25 20A Power Point, Cigar Lighter
Roadside emergencies
154

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Maintenance and care
191

Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Use only cable type chains offered by Ford as an accessory or
equivalent on vehicles with aluminum wheels. Using SAE class S or
other conventional link type chains may cause damage to the vehicle's
wheel house and/or body. Either cable type chains or SAE class S
chains can be used on vehicles with original equipment steel wheels.
²Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
Maintenance and care
194

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