brakes Mercury Grand Marquis 2005 s User Guide

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 CONTROL(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional Traction Control

system. This system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of
your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces.
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 Control
portion 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 “search” for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of an Traction Control

event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
The Traction Control
system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces while you are trying to
accelerate or while your foot is on the accelerator pedal. The system is a
driver aid which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow
and ice covered roads.
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
170

2. Locate the access plug on the
underside of the steering column
cover.
3. Remove the access plug using a flat head screwdriver. Insert the
screwdriver into the access hole nearest the steering wheel. Then push
and hold the override button using a flat head screwdriver. Apply the
brake pedal and shift the transmission into N (Neutral) while continuing
to depress the override button.
4. Reinstall the access plug cover, start the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position
and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Brake-shift interlock – floor-shift transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
174

2. Insert the key and turn it to ACC.Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
When the key is in the ignition and in the ACC position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
175

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
179

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.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor 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.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
MAX
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
236

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................167
Air cleaner filter ...............239–240
Air conditioning ..........................35
Air suspension ...........................172
description ..............................172
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................110–111, 118
and child safety seats ............113
description ......................111, 118
disposal ....................................121
driver airbag ....................113, 119
indicator light .................118, 120
operation .........................113, 119
passenger airbag .............113, 119
side airbag ...............................118
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................219
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ..............................167–168
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................20, 23, 28
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................175
fluid, adding ............................236
fluid, checking ........................236
fluid, refill capacities ..............241
fluid, specification ..................244
Auxiliary power point .................60
Axle
lubricant specifications ..242, 244
refill capacities ........................241
traction lok ..............................178
B
Battery .......................................217acid, treating emergencies .....217
jumping a disabled battery ....190
maintenance-free ....................217
replacement, specifications ...240
servicing ..................................217
BeltMinder .................................105
Brakes ........................................167
anti-lock ...........................167–168
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................168
fluid, checking and adding ....236
fluid, refill capacities ..............241
fluid, specifications .........242, 244
lubricant specifications ..242, 244
shift interlock ..................173–174
Bulbs ............................................43
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....241
Cell phone use ............................76
Changing a tire .........................137
Child safety restraints ..............121
child safety belts ....................121
Child safety seats ......................124
attaching with tether straps ..128
in front seat ............................125
in rear seat ..............................125
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............206
instrument panel ....................208
interior .....................................208
interior trim ............................208
plastic parts ............................207
washing ....................................205
waxing .....................................205
wheels ......................................206
wiper blades ............................207
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
250

Keys .......................................78, 90
positions of the ignition .........163
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................38
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................43
daytime running light ...............38
headlamps .................................38
headlamps, flash to pass ..........39
instrument panel, dimming .....39
interior lamps ...............42–44, 48
replacing bulbs ....... 43–44, 46–48
Lane change indicator (see
Turn signal) .................................41
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........168
Limited slip axle (see Traction
Loc) ............................................178
Load limits .................................153
Locks
autolock .....................................85
childproof ..................................79
doors ..........................................78
Lubricant specifications ...242, 244
Lug nuts ....................................143
Lumbar support, seats ...............93
M
Message center ...........................72
reset button ..............................72
select button .............................73
Mirrors .........................................50
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................62
fold away ...................................62heated ........................................62
side view mirrors (power) .......62
Moon roof ....................................67
Motorcraft parts ................230, 240
O
Octane rating ............................229
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................213
P
Parking brake ............................169
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....240
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................97
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................63
Power adjustable foot pedals .....63
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................186
Power door locks ..................78, 85
Power mirrors .............................62
Power point .................................60
Power steering ..................171–172
fluid, checking and adding ....235
fluid, refill capacity ................241
fluid, specifications .................242
Power Windows ...........................61
R
Radio ................................20, 23, 28
Rear window defroster ...............37
Relays ................................182, 189
Remote entry system .................80
illuminated entry ......................84
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
253