1997 Mercury Grand Marquis Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 167
1997 Mercury Grand Marquis Manual
Page 167 highlights
R (Reverse) With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the vehicle will move backward. You should always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse). N (Neutral) As in P (Park), there is no power transferred through the transmission. However, the final drive is not locked so the wheels are free to rotate. The vehicle may be started in the N position, but the ignition key cannot be removed. Driving Your vehicle's gearshift is on the steering column. The Transmission Control Switch (TCS) is located on the end of the gearshift lever. The Transmission Control Indicator Light (O/D OFF) is located on the instrument panel. You can put the gearshift lever in any of the several positions. The O/D OFF light is off (not illuminated) during normal vehicle operation. This allows the transmission to upshift and downshift from 1st through 4th gears. When the TCS is pressed, the Transmission Control Indicator Light will illuminate (O/D OFF) on the instrument panel. When this O/D OFF is illuminated the transmission will upshift and downshift from 1st through 3rd gears. If the O/D OFF light does not come "on" when the TCS is depressed or if the light "FLASHES" when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced at the first opportunity. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the transmission. 167