flat tire Mercury Grand Marquis 2008 s Owner's Guide

•the customer has disabled the system using the traction control switch
located on the left side of the instrument panel.
The Traction Control™ system 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.
STEERING
Ford Motor Company recommends that an authorized dealer
inspect all steering column assemblies in use in vehicles involved
in a collision. Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the steering
column assembly could result in severe injury or death in the event of
a collision.
Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the steering column,
its adaptive module, or its fuses. See your authorized dealer.
To help prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the
steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than
a few seconds when the engine is running.
It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the
power steering fluid reservoir:
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
183

TRACTION-LOK™ AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok™ axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on a
Traction-Lok™ rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving
and should not be noticeable to the driver.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock – column-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 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, it is possible that a fuse
has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer
toFuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to 2 (ACC).
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.
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
185

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner Guide portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been
supplied with a tire inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel
delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a
12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an
authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement
location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in
excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
Canadian customers refer to your Customer Information Guide
for information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
191

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
601 20A Circuit
breakerPower seats, Lumbar
602 20A Circuit
breakerPower windows relay feed (RUN/ACC)
* Mini fuse ** Cartridge fuse
Relays
Relays are located in the power distribution box and should be replaced
by an authorized dealer.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a conventional spare tire that is
different in one or more of the following: type, brand, size, speed rating
and tread design. If this is the case, this dissimilar spare tire is still rated
for your vehicle loads (GAWR and GVWR). This temporary spare tire is
not equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensor.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare is in use. To restore the full functionality of
the TPMS system, all road wheels equipped with the tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
Have a flat tire serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent
damage to the TPMS sensor, refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)in theTires, Wheels, and Loadingchapter. Replace the spare
tire with a road tire as soon as possible. During repairing or replacing of
the flat tire, have the authorized dealer inspect the TPMS sensor for
damage.
The use of tire sealants may damage your Tire Pressure
Monitoring System and should not be used.
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
201

To lessen risk of personal
injury, do not put any part
of your body under the vehicle
while changing a tire. Do not start
the engine when your vehicle is
on the jack. The jack is ONLY
meant for changing the tire.
•Never use the rear differential
as a jacking point.
5. Remove the metal lug nuts with the lug wrench.
6. Replace the flat tire/wheel assembly with the spare tire/wheel
assembly, making sure the valve stem is facing outward. Reinstall lug
nuts until the wheel is snug against the hub. Do not fully tighten the lug
nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
7. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
8. Remove the jack and fully tighten
the lug nuts in the order shown.
Refer toWheel lug nut torque
specificationslater in this chapter
for the proper lug nut torque
specification.
9. For full size spare aluminum
wheel, firmly install the center
ornament. If equipped with a full
size spare tire/wheel assembly and
lug nut retained full wheelcover, install the wheelcover by tightening the
five black plastic nuts in the order shown on the wheelcover using the
lug wrench with about 80 lb. in. (9 N•m) torque. Then firmly install the
wheelcover center ornament.
10. Put flat tire, jack and lug wrench away.
11. Turn on the air suspension switch (if equipped).
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque within 100 miles (160 km)
after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel
removal, etc.).
1
4 3
2 5
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
254

Remote entry system ...........88, 92
illuminated entry ......................91
locking/unlocking doors ...........88
opening the trunk .....................89
panic alarm ...............................89
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................90
replacing the batteries .............89
Roadside assistance ..................191
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........114
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................105, 109–114
Safety defects,
reporting ............................221–222
Safety restraints ........105, 109–114
Belt-Minder...........................115
extension assembly ................113
for adults .........................110–113
for children .............................132
lap belt ....................................111
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................107
safety belt maintenance .........114
warning light and chime ........115
Safety seats for children ..........136
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................267
Seats ..........................................100
child safety seats ....................136
front seats ...............................100
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ....................................94, 97
Servicing your vehicle ..............230
Setting the clock
AM/FM single CD .....................22
AM/FM stereo ...........................19AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................31
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................26
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................262, 266
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................263
Speed control ..............................65
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......175
Starting your vehicle ........173–175
jump starting ..........................208
Steering
speed sensitive .......................184
Steering wheel
controls ......................................68
tilting .........................................51
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................51
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....158
Tires ...................................143–144
alignment ................................151
care ..........................................147
changing ..................................205
checking the pressure ............147
inflating ...................................145
label .........................................157
replacing ..................................149
rotating ....................................151
safety practices .......................150
sidewall information ...............152
snow tires and chains ............163
spare tire .........................202–203
terminology .............................144
tire grades ...............................144
treadwear ........................143, 148
Towing .......................................169
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
275