Positioning:
Positioned as a premium, full-size American sedan with a focus on comfort and V8 power.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Buick LeSabre, Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid
Features Of Vehicle:
Rear-wheel drive, V8 engine, spacious interior, comfortable ride, classic American styling
Advantages Of Manual:
Licensed OE data, digital convenience, comprehensive coverage, cost savings vs. professional repair
General Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair information
Specific Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Electrical, HVAC, Body, Chassis
Estimated Pages:
Over 2000 (typical for full factory service manuals of this era)
Type:
Online Service and Repair Manual Software
Primary Language:
English
Access Method:
Web-based (requires internet connection and web browser)
Compatibility:
PC, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet
Access Duration:
1 Year included, with discounts for renewal
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing system
Engine Performance:
Fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (4R70W), torque converter, driveshaft, rear axle assembly
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, hydraulic lines, parking brake
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (short/long arm), rear solid axle with multi-leaf springs, shock absorbers, control arms
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear (recirculating ball)
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, power distribution, body control modules (BCM)
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control panel
Body And Chassis:
Frame construction, body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine, transmission, electrical, and other systems
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic codes, flowcharts, and test procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Factory-level, OE-derived information covering all aspects of repair and maintenance
Engine Type:
4.6L (281 cu in) SOHC V8 (Modular Architecture)
Engine Code:
V8X (example, actual codes may vary by specific submodel/output)
Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4750 rpm (approximate for 2003 models)
Torque:
279 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approximate for 2003 models)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection - PFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (VC-7B), or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant (typically Green)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API Certified (meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C153-E or equivalent)
Oil Capacity:
6 U.S. quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter change
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Overdrive
Transmission Model:
4R70W
Optional Transmissions:
None (4R70W was standard for this configuration)
Fluid Type:
Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (or equivalent)
Fluid Capacity:
11.6 U.S. quarts (11.0 Liters) (dry fill, typically 5-6 quarts for fluid change)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (for driver and passenger, 2003 model year data)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4 Stars (for front seat occupants, 2003 model year data)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Assist (often included with certain packages)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point height-adjustable front seatbelts, rear three-point seatbelts
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, optional premium sound system (e.g., with amplifier and subwoofer).
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Connectivity Options:
Limited to basic audio inputs; no Bluetooth or USB connectivity in standard form for this model year.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (consult manual for specific interval and severe service conditions)
Coolant Change:
First change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (using long-life coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified for ABS systems, consult manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
Ford Power Steering Fluid (or Mercon ATF)
Rear Axle Fluid:
SAE 75W-140 Synthetic rear axle lubricant (API GL-5), with friction modifier if equipped with Traction-Lok differential.
Common Wear Items:
Front end components (ball joints, tie rods), rear main seal leaks (less common on later models), fuel pump failures, ignition coil pack issues.
Typical Maintenance Needs:
Regularly scheduled maintenance is crucial for longevity; address minor oil or coolant leaks promptly to prevent larger issues.
Brand Focus:
Mercury was positioned as a more upscale brand than Ford, often featuring slightly different styling and more premium amenities.
Panther Platform:
The Grand Marquis utilized the long-running Ford Panther platform, shared with the Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car, known for its body-on-frame construction and rear-wheel drive.
Manufacturing Plant:
St. Thomas Assembly, Ontario, Canada
Production Span:
The Panther platform, and thus the Grand Marquis, had a production life from the late 1970s through 2011.
