2008 Mercury Grand Marquis Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 181

Driving The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking brake is fully released. ! P BRAKE Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle. The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected. Your vehicle may be equipped with an automatic parking brake release. To release the parking brake: 1. Start the vehicle. 2. Press the brake pedal. 3. Move the gearshift from the P (Park) position to one of the forward gears (the parking brake will not release automatically when you shift into reverse). The brake pedal must remain pressed while the gearshift is moved. If the parking brake fails to release after completing this procedure, use the manual parking brake release lever. Pull the lever to manually release the parking brake. TRACTION CONTROL™ (IF EQUIPPED) Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional Traction Control™ system. This system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces. The system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements already present in the anti-lock braking system (ABS). 181 2008 Grand Marquis (grn) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)