check engine light Mercury Grand Marquis 2005 Owner's Manuals

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Standard instrument cluster
Optional instrument cluster
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Check engine:TheCheck engine
indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the ON
position to check the bulb. Solid
illumination after the engine is
started indicates the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has
detected a malfunction. Refer toOn board diagnostics (OBD-II)in the
CHECK
ENGINE
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
10

Maintenance and Specificationschapter. If the light is blinking, engine
misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive
in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and
have your vehicle serviced immediately.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Electronic throttle control:
Illuminates when the engine has
defaulted to a ’limp-home’ operation.
Report the fault to a dealer at the
earliest opportunity.
Check fuel cap:Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Check
engine warning light to come on.
Refer toFuel filler capin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
Brake system warning light:
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
To confirm the brake system
warning light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position when the engine is not running, or
in a position between ON and START, or by applying the parking brake
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the brake system
warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek service immediately
from your dealership. Illumination after releasing the parking brake
indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected
immediately by your servicing dealership.
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
P!
BRAKE
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
11

Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer immediately.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately. Normal
braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is
illuminated.
Air bag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the
supplemental restraint system has been detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt, refer to theSeating and
Safety Restraintschapter.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure (if
equipped):Illuminates when the oil
pressure falls below the normal
range. Check the oil level and add
oil if needed. Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Engine coolant temperature:
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high. Stop the
vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer to
Engine coolantin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
ABS
AIR
BAG
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
12

Engine oil pressure gauge (if
equipped):Indicates engine oil
pressure. The needle should stay in
the normal operating range
(between “L” and “H”). If the needle
falls below the normal range, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and
check the engine oil level. Add oil if
needed. If the oil level is correct,
have your vehicle checked at your
dealership or by a qualified
technician.
Fuel gauge:Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel
tank (when the ignition is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary
slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade.
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
A minimum of four gallons must be
added or removed from the fuel
tank in order for the gauge to
instantaneously update. If less than
four gallons is added, the gauge will
take between five and ten minutes
to update.
Refer toFilling the tankin the
Maintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information.
OILH
L
E
FUELF
F
E
/2 1
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
19

Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmissionin theDriving chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance
Informationfor more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
161

5. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
•If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the
light may not illuminate.
0000000
0
0 0 0
E
CHECK
ENGINEOD
OFF
TEMP OIL VOLTS FUEL
MPH km/h10 203040506070
80
90
10 0
11 0
12 020 406080100
120
140
160
180
200
H H
L C F H
L
< FUEL FILL DOOR
LOW
FUELAIR
SUSPCHECK
FUEL
CAPAIR
BAGP
+ –
F
E
/2 1
N
O
R
M
H
Ckm/h
MPH
km SCHECK
ENGINE
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
SPEED CONTROL
P R N D 2 1
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
TRIP
ATRIP
BAVG
SPEED
km
MILES
/GAL
DISTANCE
TO EMPTYAVG FUEL
ECONOMY
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
165

If your vehicle is equipped with a
floor-shift transmission, overdrive
can be deactivated by pressing the
transmission control switch on the
gearshift handle.
The transmission control indicator light (TCIL) will illuminate on the
instrument cluster.
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
Drive (not shown)
Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control
switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
O/D
OFF
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
177

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

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We providescheduled maintenance informationwhich makes
tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guide/Owner
Information Guideto find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
211

coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the “COLD FILL RANGE” or the “FULL COLD” level on
the reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill
the radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34° F/–36° C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
2005 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
222