engine Mercury Grand Marquis 2008 s Owner's Guide

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.
During Traction Control™ operation you may hear an electric motor type
of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
“rev-up” when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction
Control™ system off. This may
allow excess wheel spin to “dig” the
vehicle out and enable a successful
“rocking” maneuver.
The traction control indicator
flashes during a Traction Control™
system event.
If the traction control indicator
comes on and stays lit, either:
•the Traction Control™ system
requires service by an authorized dealer, or
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
182

•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

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 authorized dealer.
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
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
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.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
187

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
If your vehicle is equipped with a
column-shift transmission, overdrive
can be deactivated by pressing the
transmission control switch on the
gearshift lever.
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.
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
OFF
O/D
OFF
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
188

•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
2 (Second)
This position allows for second gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use to start-up on slippery roads.
•To return to
(Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the
(Overdrive) position.
•Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to
downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in
(Overdrive) or Drive.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
189

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
190

•The hazard lights control is
located on top of the steering
column.
•Depress hazard lights control to
activate all hazard flashers
simultaneously.
•Depress control again to turn the
flashers off.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
FUEL
RESET
The fuel pump shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the electric
fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated.
The fuel pump shut-off switch is
located on the left side of the trunk
behind the left rear tail light and the
trunk liner.
Use the following procedure to reset the fuel pump shut-off switch.
1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
193

Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.
To reduce risk of electrical shock, always replace the cover to
the Power Distribution Box before reconnecting the battery or
refilling fluid reservoirs.
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
The high-current fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
1 30A* Ignition switch
2 20A* Moon roof
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
198

(113 km/h). It is intended for temporary use only. This means if you
need to use it, you should replace it as soon as possible.
Stopping and securing the vehicle
1. Park on a level surface, set the
parking brake and activate hazard
flashers.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park)
and turn engine off.
Removing the spare tire and jack
1. Remove the spare tire and the
jack. The jack could be located:
•A — behind the mini spare tire or
•B — behind the full size spare
tire
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Refer toAir suspension systemin
theDrivingchapter of theOwner’s
Guidefor more information.
HOOD
OFF
2008 Grand Marquis(grn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
204

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
207