Segment:
Full-size American sedan, luxury/premium segment for its time.
Target Audience:
Buyers seeking comfortable, spacious, and reliable transportation, often for families or longer commutes, emphasizing traditional American automotive values.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Buick LeSabre, Chrysler LHS/300M, Dodge Intrepid.
Distinctive Selling Points:
Rear-wheel drive platform (body-on-frame construction inherited from Ford Crown Victoria/Police Interceptor), spacious interior, comfortable ride quality, V8 engine power, traditional styling.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Manual for the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
Secondary Coverage:
Driver and passenger safety, instruments and controls, vehicle features, driving procedures, maintenance, troubleshooting, technical information, warranty, and customer relations.
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 150-200 pages (typical for this era's owner manuals)
Safety Systems:
Seat belts (operation, adjustment, child seat anchoring), SRS (Supplemental Restraint System - Airbags) operation and precautions, child protection features.
Instrumentation And Controls:
Indicator lights, gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, coolant temperature), information display, dashboard layout, steering column controls (wipers, lights, turn signals).
Vehicle Features:
Climate control system (manual/automatic), audio system operation, steering wheel functions, security system (anti-theft), cruise control operation.
Powertrain Operation:
Engine operation (starting, stopping, normal running), transmission operation (gear selection, overdrive, torque converter lock-up).
Maintenance And Care:
Oil change indicator (Minder system), checking and topping up essential fluids (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), basic owner-performed maintenance (e.g., air filter replacement instructions), vehicle storage procedures.
Troubleshooting And Emergencies:
Procedures for flat tire changes, jump-starting a dead battery, addressing overheating, identifying and replacing fuses.
Technical Information:
Vehicle specifications (dimensions, weight), tire information (sizes, inflation pressures), emissions control system overview.
Customer Relations:
Warranty information, customer assistance contact details.
Driving Preparation:
Fueling procedures, recommended vehicle break-in period and practices, cargo loading guidelines and weight distribution.
Operational Procedures:
Proper use of climate control, audio system controls, cruise control, and security features.
Basic Maintenance Tasks:
Step-by-step guidance for checking fluid levels, tire pressure checks, and potentially changing wiper blades or light bulbs (though specific bulb replacement often requires a more detailed service manual).
Emergency Response:
Detailed instructions on safely changing a flat tire using the provided jack and tools, procedures for jump-starting, and basic actions to take during vehicle overheating.
Depth Level:
Owner-level understanding and operation. Focuses on what the driver needs to know for safe operation, routine checks, and basic troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostic procedures.
Digital Format Availability:
While this product is a printed manual, similar content is typically available digitally as a PDF.
Typical Print Quality:
Good to excellent, with clear text and diagrams suitable for reading.
Binding:
Perfect Bound or Saddle-stitched booklet.
Paper Quality:
Durable paper stock, often with a semi-gloss finish, designed for regular use in a vehicle's glove compartment.
Engine Type:
4.6L SOHC V8 (Modular V8)
Engine Displacement:
4.6 liters (281 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.55 in x 3.54 in (90.2 mm x 90.0 mm)
Horsepower:
220 hp @ 4000 rpm
Torque:
275 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
Coolant Type:
Motorcraft Yellow Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 17.0 quarts (16.1 liters)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred for most conditions)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) technology
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic overdrive
Transmission Model:
4R70W
Overdrive:
Yes (4th gear)
Tow Haul Mode:
Often equipped on models with towing packages (enhances shift points for towing).
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (Ford specification XT-5-QM or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) for a dry fill; 4-5 quarts for a fluid change and filter.
Length:
Approx. 214.4 inches (5445.7 mm)
Width:
Approx. 78.2 inches (1986.3 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.7 inches (1465.6 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 114.7 inches (2913.4 mm)
Front Track:
Approx. 61.2 inches (1554 mm)
Rear Track:
Approx. 61.2 inches (1554 mm)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 40.0 inches (1016 mm)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 38.4 inches (975 mm)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 42.5 inches (1080 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 40.0 inches (1016 mm)
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 20.6 cubic feet (583 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,800 - 4,000 lbs (1724 - 1814 kg) depending on trim and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4,800 - 5,000 lbs (2177 - 2268 kg)
NHTSA Front Driver Impact Rating:
5-star (for models tested, typically late 90s/early 2000s)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact Rating:
5-star (for models tested)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable or Good (for models tested, often improved with later updates)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Assist system available on some models.
Airbags:
Dual front airbags (driver and passenger), optional front side-impact airbags available on some trims.
Seat Belts:
Front seat belt pretensioners, rear seat belt anchor points.
Child Safety:
Rear door child safety locks, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child seat installation.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo radio with cassette tape player and optional CD player. Some models may feature upgraded premium audio systems or an external CD changer.
Display Technology:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Basic digital display for odometer and trip meter, with some indicator warnings.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control, operated via steering wheel or stalk controls.
Auxiliary Inputs:
None standard; aftermarket solutions required for auxiliary audio input or Bluetooth.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control with A/C and heater, or optional automatic climate control system.
Anti Theft:
Factory-installed anti-theft alarm system with immobilizer.
Engine Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, or as indicated by the 'Change Oil' light on the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes.
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles or 48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or 24,000-48,000 km).
Transmission Fluid And Filter Change:
Check fluid level regularly. Recommended replacement interval is typically every 50,000-100,000 miles (80,000-160,000 km) depending on usage and manufacturer recommendations, though some older vehicles may recommend shorter intervals. Consult dealer or a qualified mechanic for precise interval.
Coolant Flush And Replacement:
Initial flush at 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 3 years thereafter, or as specified by Ford.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for the 4.6L 2-valve SOHC V8 (using long-life spark plugs).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (Ford specification DOT 3 or equivalent).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Power Steering Fluid (Ford specification ESW-M2C128-C or equivalent).
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Water/washer fluid mixture, with a winter additive if operating in freezing temperatures.
Common Wear Items:
Spark plugs (can be seized or break during removal in some early 4.6L engines, though the 2-valve SOHC is less prone than the 4-valve), ignition coils, fuel injectors, fuel pump, rear axle seal leaks, exhaust manifold leaks, brake components, front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings), coolant reservoir leaks.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional hard shifting or delayed engagement, potential for torque converter shudder. Regular fluid and filter changes are crucial.
Electrical Gremlins:
While generally robust, some owners report issues with window regulators, door lock actuators, or intermittent warning lights. Regular battery and alternator checks are advised.
Brand Philosophy:
Mercury positioned as a mid-tier brand within Ford Motor Company, offering a blend of style, comfort, and value, often with a touch of flair compared to mainstream Ford models.
First Generation:
Introduced in 1975 as a luxury trim level of the Mercury Monarch. Became a standalone model in 1975.
Second Generation:
1980-1982, smaller and more fuel-efficient design.
Third Generation:
1983-1987, significant redesign.
Fourth Generation:
1988-1991, another redesign.
Fifth Generation:
1992-1997, first major platform change to the Panther platform, introducing the 4.6L V8.
Sixth Generation:
1998-2011, the generation to which the 2002 model belongs. Minor styling updates and feature enhancements over this period, but retaining the core Panther platform and powertrain.
Manufacturing Plant:
St. Thomas Assembly Plant, Talbotville, Ontario, Canada.
Production Period For This Generation:
1998-2011 (with facelifts and updates).