wiper blades Mercury Grand Marquis 2001 Owner's Manuals

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specification . Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling
system components.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and water, which
equates to a freeze point of -36É C (-34É F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014±R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the ªcold fullº of ªcold fill rangeº level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding Engine Coolantsection.
Maintenance and care
175

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
189

To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and lock into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward
the windshield to remove it from the
arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
²Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Maintenance and care
190

Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird droppings
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which appear
coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
Maintenance and care
211

Cleaning the windshield, wiper blades and rear window
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield or rear window such as tree sap and some
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of
the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive cleaner such as Ford
Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, (E4AZ-19C507±AA), available from your
Ford Dealer.Do notuse abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause
scratches. The windshield or rear window is clean if beads do not form
when you rinse it with water. The windshield, rear window and wiper
blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and blades or rubber
elements replaced when worn.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high
pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Do not spray with cold water to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
²Never apply anything to the drive belt (including belt dressing).
Maintenance and care
213

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