🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercury

Model:

Grand Marquis

Year:

2004

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Production Code Reference:

Refer to Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for specific build details and options.

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan, often considered a flagship model.

Brand Strategy:

Positioned as a comfortable, spacious, and traditional American luxury car, often appealing to older demographics or those seeking a smooth ride and ample interior room.

Direct Competitors:

Buick LeSabre/Park Avenue, Chevrolet Impala/Lumina, Chrysler Concorde/LHS, Dodge Intrepid.

Defining Characteristics:

Rear-wheel drive platform, V8 engine standard, spacious interior, comfortable ride quality, solid build.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, safety, maintenance, features, and basic troubleshooting.

Specific Sections Listed:

Driver and Passenger Safety, Instruments and Controls, Features, Before Driving, Driving, Maintenance, Taking Care of the Unexpected, Technical Information, Warranty and Customer Relations.

Warranty Info:

Details regarding the vehicle's warranty and customer relations information.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 200-250 pages (typical for this era and model).

Document Purpose:

To inform the owner about the proper and safe use of their Mercury Grand Marquis.

Physical Format:

Printed booklet.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine operation basics, transmission operation basics.

Chassis Systems:

Brake system indicators, steering wheel controls.

Interior Systems:

Climate control, audio system operation, information display, dashboard layout.

Safety Systems:

Seat belt operation and adjustment, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicators and function, child protection (LATCH system, child seat installation guidance).

Driver Convenience:

Cruise control operation, security system features.

Lighting System:

Operation of headlights, taillights, interior lights, and basic bulb replacement guidance.

Instrument Panel:

Explanation of all gauges, warning lights, and the information display.

Pre Drive Checks:

Fueling procedures, checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), cargo loading guidelines, vehicle break-in recommendations.

Emergency Procedures:

Flat tire changing procedure, jump-starting a dead battery, addressing engine overheating, replacing fuses.

Maintenance Tasks:

Understanding the 'Minder' system (Ford's maintenance reminder), basic minor service checks.

Vehicle Storage:

Basic guidance for storing the vehicle for extended periods.

Depth Level:

Owner-level maintenance and operation. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes.

Diagnostic Focus:

Focuses on recognizing dashboard warning lights and indicators, not on performing diagnostics.

Technical Information Section:

Includes vehicle specifications (dimensions, weight, capacities), tire and wheel information, and emissions control system overview.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

Printed booklet (original equipment).

Quality Description:

High-quality paper and printing typical of OEM manuals for clarity and durability.

Binding Method:

Stapled or perfect bound booklet.

Paper Quality:

Durable, coated paper stock to withstand regular use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

4.6L V8 'InTech' (Modular V8)

Engine Code:

P5A (for 2004 models, common variant).

Horsepower:

235 hp @ 4750 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by specific configuration)

Torque:

272 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by specific configuration)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (Octane rating may be specified as Premium for optimal performance).

Bore X Stroke:

3.55 in x 3.15 in (90.2 mm x 80.0 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.1:1

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic overdrive.

Transmission Model:

4R70W (or similar variant based on RWD Ford platform).

Shift Modes:

Normal/Overdrive selection, possibly a 'Towing' or 'Comfort' mode.

Transmission Fluid Type:

MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

203.2 inches

Width:

78.2 inches

Height:

57.4 inches

Wheelbase:

114.4 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,800 - 4,000 lbs (depending on trim and options).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 5,000 - 5,200 lbs.

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 20.6 cubic feet.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

5-Star (for 2004 models, commonly achieved by vehicles of this era with proper restraint use).

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

5-Star (for 2004 models, commonly achieved by vehicles of this era with proper restraint use).

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (referencing IIHS testing for similar Ford Crown Victoria/Lincoln Town Car platforms which share significant architecture).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Often available as an option, or standard on higher trims.

Airbags:

Dual front airbags, optional side-impact airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts for all occupants, driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners.

Latch System:

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for child seat installation.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player. Premium sound systems (e.g., with amplifier) were optional.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (often referred to as 'Dual Zone' or 'Electronic Climate Control').

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, typically column-mounted or integrated into the steering wheel.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear park assist sensors.

Auxiliary Inputs:

Not typically equipped with standard AUX or USB inputs in 2004 models. Aftermarket solutions may be available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (as recommended by the 'Minder' system or manual).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as indicated by the 'Minder'.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Motor Oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6 quarts (with filter change).

Coolant Type:

Ford Premium Gold Coolant (or equivalent OAT/HOAT coolant meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

MERCON Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid (or specified power steering fluid).

Common Wear Items:

Air suspension compressor (if equipped), rear axle universal joints, intake manifold gaskets, carbon-carbon brake pad wear (less common on this specific model year compared to earlier iterations of the platform), PCV valve clogging.

Powertrain Reliability:

Generally robust. The 4.6L V8 and 4R70W transmission are well-regarded for durability when properly maintained.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercury Legacy:

Mercury was positioned as a mid-tier brand within Ford Motor Company, offering a blend of style and features often a step above Ford but below Lincoln.

Grand Marquis Lineage:

The Grand Marquis is a direct descendant of the Mercury Marquis and Grand Marquis lineage dating back to the 1960s and 1970s. The Panther platform, which this 2004 model is based on, has a long history of use in police cars, taxis, and executive sedans.

Platform Shared:

Panther platform, shared with the Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada (primary assembly plant for Panther platform vehicles).

Generation Timeline:

The 2004 model year falls within the third generation of the Grand Marquis (1998-2002) and is part of the facelifted/updated version that continued through 2011 (often referred to as Gen 3.5).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Often rated well for reliability and owner satisfaction in its class, particularly for the powertrain and ride comfort, though some specific component issues could arise.

Used Car Awards:

Frequently cited as a good value used car due to its durability and lower initial depreciation compared to some luxury competitors.