Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Sedan (Luxury/Near-Luxury segment within Ford Motor Company's lineup).
Target Audience:
Drivers seeking comfortable, spacious, and traditionally styled American sedans, often for cruising and family transport.
Key Competitors 1999:
Chevrolet Impala/Lumina, Buick LeSabre/Park Avenue, Chrysler Concorde/LHS, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Avalon, Oldsmobile Aurora.
Historical Brand Perception:
Mercury was positioned as a slightly more upscale brand than Ford, offering a balance of comfort, style, and value.
Owner Manual Scope:
Comprehensive owner's manual covering vehicle operation, features, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 150-250 pages (typical for a 1999 owner's manual, specific count not provided in product info).
Manual Classification:
Owner's Manual
Physical Format:
Printed Booklet
Safety Systems:
Seat Belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System - Airbags), Child Protection (LATCH/child seat anchorages, child safety locks).
Driver Interface:
Instruments and Controls (Indicators, Gauges, Information Display, Dashboard Layout, Steering Column Controls).
Comfort Convenience:
Features (Climate Control System, Audio System Operation, Steering Wheel Adjustments, Security System, Cruise Control System).
Pre Drive Checks:
Before Driving (Fueling Procedures, Vehicle Break-in Recommendations, Cargo Loading Guidelines).
Driving Operation:
Driving (Engine Operation, Transmission Operation - including gear selection and modes).
Maintenance Basic:
Maintenance (Maintenance Minder System explanation, Fluid Level Checking Procedures, Minor User-Performable Services, Vehicle Storage Recommendations).
Emergency Procedures:
Taking Care of the Unexpected (Flat Tire Changing Procedure, Jump Starting a Dead Battery, Addressing Overheating, Fuse Replacement).
Technical Information Level:
Technical Information (Vehicle Specifications Summary, Tire Information - sizes, pressures, and rotation, Emissions Control Systems overview).
Warranty Customer Relations:
Warranty and Customer Relations (Overview of warranty coverage, contact information for customer assistance).
Digital Format Availability:
While the product is listed as a printed manual, digital versions (PDF) are often available for this era of vehicle.
Print Quality Standard:
Typically standard OEM print quality for the era, with clear text and illustrations.
Binding Method:
Typically saddle-stitched or perfect bound for owner's manuals.
Paper Quality:
Standard uncoated or lightly coated paper suitable for everyday use.
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV) V8
Engine Displacement:
4.6 L (281 cu in)
Engine Code:
4.6L 2V SOHC Modular V8 (Though often referred to as OHV, it's technically SOHC for the 2-valve version used here).
Horsepower Estimate:
Approximately 215-225 hp @ 4800 rpm (variant dependent).
Torque Estimate:
Approximately 285-295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (variant dependent).
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane or higher.
Transmission Type:
Automatic
Transmission Model:
4R70W (4-speed automatic overdrive).
Transmission Features:
Electronic controls, overdrive gear, 'P', 'R', 'N', 'D', '2', '1' gear selector positions for varying levels of engine braking.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 114.4 inches (2906 mm).
Overall Length:
Approximately 212.5 inches (5398 mm).
Overall Width:
Approximately 78.6 inches (1996 mm).
Overall Height:
Approximately 56.1 inches (1425 mm).
Curb Weight Estimate:
Approximately 3,700 - 3,900 lbs (1678 - 1769 kg), depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Estimate:
Approximately 4,850 lbs (2200 kg).
NHTSA Front Impact Driver Rating Estimate:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (typical for vehicles of this era designed for frontal impact protection).
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger Rating Estimate:
Likely 4-star or 5-star.
ABS Availability:
Standard on most models, Antilock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control Availability:
Optional on some models, Traction Assist System.
Airbag System:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS).
Seat Belt System:
Three-point active belts with pretensioners for front occupants, three-point belts for rear occupants.
Child Safety Features:
Rear door child safety locks, LATCH child seat anchorage system compatibility (though LATCH standards evolved).
Audio System Description:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, and speaker configurations (e.g., 4 or 6 speakers).
Cruise Control Type:
Electronic cruise control, operated via steering wheel mounted buttons.
Antennas:
Power antenna or fixed mast antenna for radio reception.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil recommended for extended intervals.
Engine Coolant Change Interval:
Initial change at 50,000 miles or 5 years, then every 30,000 miles or 3 years thereafter (check specific coolant type).
Transmission Fluid Service Interval:
Recommended fluid and filter change every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, or under severe usage conditions.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or SH, or a suitable synthetic equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Coolant Specification:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, exhaust systems (due to age), suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), fuel pump, and brake components.
Powertrain Reliability:
The 4.6L modular V8 and 4R70W transmission are generally considered robust and reliable with proper maintenance.
Filter Part Numbers Example
Oil Filter Example:
Motorcraft FL-820-S or equivalent (e.g., Wix 51515, Fram PH3600).
Mercury Brand Positioning:
Founded in 1938 by Edsel Ford, Mercury was intended to bridge the gap between Ford and Lincoln, offering stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped vehicles.
Grand Marquis Lineage:
The Grand Marquis is a descendant of the Mercury Marquis and Grand Marquis models from earlier generations, evolving from the Panther platform.
Panther Platform:
The 1999 Grand Marquis is based on the Ford Panther platform, which was used for all rear-wheel-drive Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln sedans of this size.
Manufacturing Location Estimate:
Typically produced at Ford's St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada assembly plant.
