Segment:
Full-size American Sedan, known for comfort, spaciousness, and V8 power.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Buick LeSabre, Chrysler 300 (later models), Ford Crown Victoria.
Vehicle Focus:
Emphasis on comfortable ride, robust V8 powertrain, rear-wheel drive, and spacious interior.
Manual Purpose:
To guide the owner on safe operation, routine maintenance, and understanding vehicle features.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Operation and Maintenance
Specific Sections Covered:
Driver and Passenger Safety, Instruments and Controls, Features, Before Driving, Driving Operations, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Technical Information, Warranty and Customer Relations
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 150-250 pages (typical for this model year and type of manual)
Format:
Printed Paperback
Powertrain:
Engine operation, transmission basics, fuel system fundamentals
Electrical:
Indicator lights, gauges, information display, basic electrical feature operation (audio, climate control)
Chassis:
Brake system overview, steering wheel operation, cruise control
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control, interior controls, security features
Safety:
Seat belt usage, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) information, child protection (LATCH system) guidelines
Basic Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, using controls
Maintenance:
Fluid checking, basic minor service information, vehicle storage advice
Troubleshooting:
Flat tire replacement, dead battery jump-starting, overheating warnings, fuse replacement guidance
Driving Aid:
Vehicle break-in recommendations, cargo loading best practices
Depth:
Owner-level operation and maintenance, basic troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostic procedures (typically found in a Service Manual).
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV) V8
Displacement:
4.6 L (281 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
3.55 in x 3.31 in (90.2 mm x 84.1 mm)
Horsepower:
224 hp @ 4800 rpm (standard for most trims)
Torque:
272 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm (standard for most trims)
Engine Code:
Typically 'W' for the 4.6L SOHC V8 in Ford/Mercury vehicles of this era (though the Grand Marquis used the OHV version, often referred to as the 'Romeo' or 'Windsor' variant, this manual would detail specifics).
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 16 quarts (15.1 Liters) with heater.
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Coil-on-Plug (COP) depending on specific engine variant.
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Overdrive
Transmission Model:
Ford 4R70W (or similar variant of the C6/AOD lineage)
Optional Transmission:
None for this model year and platform.
Drive Wheels:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 13.5 quarts (12.8 Liters) for a complete fill (including torque converter).
Length:
211.7 inches (5377 mm)
Width:
78.1 inches (1984 mm)
Height:
57.9 inches (1471 mm)
Wheelbase:
114.7 inches (2913 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 107.4 cubic feet (3041 Liters)
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 20.6 cubic feet (583 Liters)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,000 - 4,200 lbs (1814 - 1905 kg), depending on trim and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 5,000 - 5,200 lbs (2268 - 2359 kg).
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not rated or 4-star (depending on specific test protocols and year of assessment for the platform; generally good for its era).
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not rated or 4-star (depending on specific test protocols and year of assessment for the platform; generally good for its era).
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Acceptable or Good (platform generally performed well for its time).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Assist System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts, driver and front passenger pretensioners.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seating positions.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system, optional cassette player on some early models.
Display:
Instrument cluster with analog gauges, potentially a basic digital information display for odometer and trip functions.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assist:
Not typically available on this model year.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, auxiliary inputs became common later.
Anti Theft:
Factory-installed passive anti-theft system (PATS), keyless entry system optional.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or at every other oil change.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or as recommended by Ford. Check manual for specific severe/normal driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for the 4.6L V8, but check manual for specific recommendations.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, SJ, SL or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5 quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Motorcraft® Premium Engine Coolant (Green, ethylene glycol based) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mercon V ATF or Ford specified power steering fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links (due to vehicle weight and design), rear air suspension (if equipped, though less common on standard Grand Marquis).
Engine Related:
Spark plug blow-out on earlier PI (Performance Improved) heads (less common on 2005 models compared to very early 4.6L, but still a consideration). Can suffer from intake manifold gasket leaks.
Transmission Related:
Overheating can lead to premature wear. Valve body issues or solenoid failures can occur with high mileage.
Oil Filter Example:
Motorcraft FL-820-S or equivalent (e.g., Fram PH3600, Wix 51515)
Air Filter Example:
Motorcraft FA-1574 or equivalent (e.g., Wix WA10061)
Brand Legacy:
Mercury was Ford's mid-tier brand, positioned above Ford and below Lincoln, often offering comfortable and stylish vehicles with a touch of luxury.
Platform Basis:
Based on the Panther platform, shared with Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car.
Generations:
The 2005 model is part of the third generation (2003-2011), which saw significant updates to styling, interior, and chassis compared to previous generations.
Manufacturing Location:
St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada and St. Louis, Missouri, USA (assembly plants for the Panther platform).
Production Years For Third Gen:
2003-2011
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Often rated as 'Average' or 'Below Average' for reliability by consumer reporting agencies due to some recurring issues, but praised for comfort and value.
Jd Power Awards:
May have received awards in specific segments for initial quality or dependability, but typically not a class leader in reliability ratings.