traction control Mercury Grand Marquis 2003 s User Guide

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.
SERVICING YOUR TIRES
Checking the tire pressure
•Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
•Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been
parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km
(30 miles).
•Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the
Certification label and inside fuel door.
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Tire rotation
Because your vehicle’s tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. If you notice that
the tires wear unevenly, have them checked.
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
225

When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification or Tire Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size,
speed rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., “All Terrain”,
“Touring”, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
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:
•Either cable type chains or SAE class S chains can be used.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive 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.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
227

Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................46, 48
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage
door opener) ...................70, 82, 85
Hood ..........................................197
I
Ignition ...............................142, 231
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................134
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................219
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................193
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................54
J
Jack ............................................170
positioning ...............................170
storage .....................................170
Jump-starting your vehicle ......175
K
Keyless entry system .................99
autolock .....................................98
keypad .......................................99
programming entry code .......100
Keys .............................92, 101–103
key in ignition chime ...............16
positions of the ignition .........142L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................53
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................57
cargo lamps ...............................54
daytime running light ...............53
headlamps .................................53
headlamps, flash to pass ..........54
instrument panel, dimming .....54
interior lamps .....................57–58
replacing bulbs ...................57–62
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................56
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................13
air suspension ...........................14
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 147
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................13
check engine .............................10
fuel cap light .............................11
high beam .................................15
low fuel ......................................14
oil pressure ...............................13
overdrive off ..............................14
safety belt .................................13
speed control ............................80
traction control active ..............13
turn signal indicator .................14
Limited slip axle
(see Traction Loc) ....................155
Load limits .................................156
GAWR ......................................156
GVWR ......................................156
trailer towing ..........................156
Locks
autolock .....................................98
childproof ..................................93
doors ..........................................92
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
241

safety belt maintenance .........123
warning light and
chime ...................13, 16, 118–119
Safety seats for children ..........134
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............109
Seats ..........................................105
child safety seats ....................134
cleaning ...................................193
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............101–103
Servicing your vehicle ..............196
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................170
Spark plugs, specifications ......228,
231
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................230–231
Speed control ..............................77
Speedometer ...............................20
Starting your
vehicle ........................142–143, 145
jump starting ..........................175
Steering
speed sensitive .......................151
Steering wheel
controls ..........................64, 77, 81
tilting .........................................64
T
Tires ...........................170, 224–225
changing ..........................170–171
checking the pressure ............225
replacing ..................................226
rotating ....................................225
snow tires and chains ............227
tire grades ...............................225treadwear ................................224
Towing .......................................157
recreational towing .................160
trailer towing ..........................157
wrecker ....................................180
Traction control ........................149
active light ................................13
Traction-lok rear axle ...............155
Transmission .............................151
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................220
fluid, refill capacities ..............228
lubricant specifications ..230–231
Trip odometer .............................21
Trunk ...........................................93
remote release ....................90, 96
Turn signal ............................14, 56
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................231
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................233
Vehicle loading ..........................156
Ventilating your vehicle ...........146
W
Warning chimes ...........................16
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................198
Water, Driving through .............155
Windows
power .........................................74
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....198
2003 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
243