1997 Grand Marquis

[BigMerc96]

The recall did NOT fit the original flaw, the defective brake switch on the master cylinder. All it did was provide a fuse (actually 2) inline to the switch so that in the event that it leaked, it wouldn't short out and catch the master cylinder on fire. From what I can see here, the recall was performed exactly as it is on every car, and likely not the cause. I'm not sure if those wires plugging into the recall harness (which should be constant power, the cause for the recall) are the cause simply because they aren't really close to anything else burnt. They are definitely melted now, but I think the fire started elsewhere.

Not really sure what would have started a fire that burned the top off the master cylinder. If it were related to the cruise control recall, the switch would be melted. Almost looks like the fire started in the bulkhead connector below the master cylinder. Maybe brake fluid leaked into that connector from the master, maybe even from the defective switch?

FWIW, when I got my '97 it'd had the recall performed already. The cruise control didn't work, and I discovered both of the fuses in the recall harness had been blown. That is when I found that the switch was leaking brake fluid pretty bad, and there was evidence that it had been doing it for quite awhile, so in that case the recall harness probably saved my '97 long before it was even mine. That wasn't the only thing wrong with the CC system, but I obviously started there and installed the updated Ford switch, which comes with an adapter to plug into the original harness making the install as painless as any part retrofit. Kinda makes you wonder why Ford didn't just replace the switches and incorporate a fuse into the harness adapter rather than the BS "fix" that doesn't actually fix anything, it is about zero extra labor.

[VicCrownVic]

Welcome! Good looking car you picked up.

That recall applies to '98, guess I'll have to do some investigating to determine if this is something I need to address on my '98.

[hot__box]

First off I just want to say thanks for the warm welcomes (and condolences lol). I definitely wasn’t planning for my introduction to have such a sucky last post. I was actually working on re-formatting this build thread for this forum when I got the call about the fire.

I really love this car and it feels like I’ve been working on it non stop. Not because it was having any problems, but because I’m slightly OCD about knowing for sure what maintenance has been performed.

Worst case scenario I’ll find myself in pull-a-part stripping aero Mercury’s for their wiring harnesses and anything else that needs to be replaced. But the shop kind of hinted at taking care of it.. I don’t know. If they don’t, I’ll just take the car back home and strip it down myself. I’ll continue to update as I find out more information.

The car was definitely not resprayed from a blue metallic considering under neath all the trim you pulled, deep in the engine compartment and deep inside the trunk you see white paint. Curious what it is you have seen.

See, I’m inclined to agree with you.. and I made that first post when I had just got the car and hadn’t really examined it thoroughly yet. Clearly, all inside of the trunk, door jambs and inside the engine bay is white, so to uninformed observer it would definitely look factory. BUT.....



Look inside the door jamb, see that metallic blue popping out from underneath? That same metallic blue pops out slightly in several other places by the C-pillar, and in other places along the door jambs. Also, the clear coat and paint itself is peeling pretty bad along the exterior of the driver’s side quarter panel. This is not your typical Ford “peelformance” white issue. It’s not primer.. there’s a metallic blue under this white..

Now, based off the Bayshore Edition post above.. it’s totally implausible that this car possible could have been a left-over ‘96 model Bayshore Edition that ended up as a 1997 LS? Like that couldn’t happen... right?

I’d get some better pictures for you, but .. yeah.

FWIW, when I got my '97 it'd had the recall performed already. The cruise control didn't work, and I discovered both of the fuses in the recall harness had been blown. That is when I found that the switch was leaking brake fluid pretty bad, and there was evidence that it had been doing it for quite awhile, so in that case the recall harness probably saved my '97 long before it was even mine. That wasn't the only thing wrong with the CC system, but I obviously started there and installed the updated Ford switch, which comes with an adapter to plug into the original harness making the install as painless as any part retrofit. Kinda makes you wonder why Ford didn't just replace the switches and incorporate a fuse into the harness adapter rather than the BS "fix" that doesn't actually fix anything, it is about zero extra labor.

I suppose this was bound to happen sooner or later then? Major bummer. I’m under the hood of this thing constantly and never noticed any brake fluid leakage. In a weird way, I’m kind of glad this didn’t happen right after I did a brake job and/or put new brake fluid in because I would have sworn it was something I did.

One thing that isn’t entirely clear to me .. is the recall “fix” harness more of a fire hazard than the original problem it was supposed to be fixing?

More importantly, what harness do I need to repair this thing safely? Does anyone have a part number?


Thanks again for the welcomes.

Stay Tuned!

[Pvt.Hudson]

That car is a 97 judging by the the plug where the 12v accessory port should be on a 96 also not having a chrome ignition is another tell (though some 96 MY cars got the plastic ignition).

[87gtVIC]

See, I’m inclined to agree with you.. and I made that first post when I had just got the car and hadn’t really examined it thoroughly yet. Clearly, all inside of the trunk, door jambs and inside the engine bay is white, so to uninformed observer it would definitely look factory. BUT.....



Look inside the door jamb, see that metallic blue popping out from underneath? That same metallic blue pops out slightly in several other places by the C-pillar, and in other places along the door jambs. Also, the clear coat and paint itself is peeling pretty bad along the exterior of the driver’s side quarter panel. This is not your typical Ford “peelformance” white issue. It’s not primer.. there’s a metallic blue under this white..

Now, based off the Bayshore Edition post above.. it’s totally implausible that this car possible could have been a left-over ‘96 model Bayshore Edition that ended up as a 1997 LS? Like that couldn’t happen... right?

I’d get some better pictures for you, but .. yeah.

I see what you are saying. Certainly a good head scratcher.

[jaywish]

both sides of the car show blue?

[Tiggie]

I like paint mysteries. Check out under the carpet and rear package tray. Look at the quarter panel seam in the deck lid channel to see how they match left to right.

My 88 was damaged in transport before the original owner ever got it.

[hot__box]

both sides of the car show blue?

I can’t quite remember, and I never dug really deep into it. Obviously I can’t just check right now. From what I do remember it’s mainly on the driver’s side, but may exist on the passenger. It’s mainly in the C-pillar trim, door jambs, and quarter panel.. not exactly parts that get swapped out (IE: like if the rear door was replaced with a junk car door because of an accident).. I’ll have to do some further investigation once I get the car back in my possession.

Speaking of which, no updates as of yet.

[jaywish]

I once bought a dodge intrepid with 28 miles on it. It had been t-boned. Replaced the quarter, rear jamb, both doors, rocker and b pillar with used parts off a single car that had the correct color interior so I could use the door panels. It was not too deep, the seats were not smashed. Car ran and drove fine, you just needed to get in and out on the passenger side. Story was it got hit pulling out of the dealer lot on pickup by the first owner.

[hot__box]

Marti Report:



Unfortunately it adds no clarity to the paint mystery. Straight from the Marti Report website:



But, I highly doubt this is the case. I could see a fender, not necessarily a quarter panel and door jamb and/or possibly more.

Does anybody know what the electronic group came with? I don’t see the digi dash on there and I’m wondering if it is part of the electronic group. Also, does anyone know what “Feature Car” means?


Shop clearly liable, even if it wasn’t their fault. Car still in limbo

[friskyfrankie]

Marti Report:



Unfortunately it adds no clarity to the paint mystery. Straight from the Marti Report website:



But, I highly doubt this is the case. I could see a fender, not necessarily a quarter panel and door jamb and/or possibly more.

Does anybody know what the electronic group came with? I don’t see the digi dash on there and I’m wondering if it is part of the electronic group. Also, does anyone know what “Feature Car” means?


Shop clearly liable, even if it wasn’t their fault. Car still in limbo

The original dealer brochure is available on EBAY so maybe you may wish to get a copy. It will answer all your questions as to what was available depending upon if you have a GS or LS.

[friskyfrankie]

The original dealer brochure is available on EBAY so maybe you may wish to get a copy. It will answer all your questions as to what was available depending upon if you have a GS or LS.

Here is a photo of the options page. Maybe you can open the photo and with a magnifying glass you can make out enough details to answer your question?

[Tiggie]

Absolute guess here on feature car - those seats. A special option for cars meant for the dealer to sell as some kind of special edition, akin to the Bayshore mentioned above.

[Kodachrome Wolf]

Electronic Group gave you the digital dash and I think it by default threw in EATC. I don't think you could get a digidash with manual HVAC controls.

I bet the seats were left over from the Bayshore run and they needed to move them, so suddenly you've got this neat interior option you can order as a "feature car". Can't say I've seen that one anyone's report that's posted one. Kinda neat considering all the 97MY cars that one was only one of 919 with that combo. Small group given how many existed.

[hot__box]

Here is a photo of the options page. Maybe you can open the photo and with a magnifying glass you can make out enough details to answer your question?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]57518[/ATTACH]

My eyes are definitely not good enough to see that, even zoomed in. But thanks anyway!

Electronic Group gave you the digital dash and I think it by default threw in EATC. I don't think you could get a digidash with manual HVAC controls.

Thanks.

I bet the seats were left over from the Bayshore run and they needed to move them, so suddenly you've got this neat interior option you can order as a "feature car". Can't say I've seen that one anyone's report that's posted one. Kinda neat considering all the 97MY cars that one was only one of 919 with that combo. Small group given how many existed.

Sounds about right. Yeah it’s pretty cool & definitely not very common. I’m thinking about having the seats re-upholstered; since I’ll never find another pair of them.



Update on the shop fire:

So, there’s a lot of complicated back story.. for the sake of keeping it simple, here’s how it’s going to be. I told them I wanted the car back and I’d do it myself but no, they insisted they’d make it right. Translation: they want to make more money of me.

They couldn’t source any of the harnesses from Ford (...) or any other parts supplier. The shop sourced a junk ‘97 to strip the wiring harness off of. They’re charging me for labor to repair it, but split the cost in half with me; also cut the price of the exhaust in half. But they want me to pay for the delivery of the junk car itself. If I’m going to pay to get the car towed, then I want to keep the car after the fact.

It’s all semantics. The bottom line is all that matters. Basically, if I pay for the car and the tow, then everything totals up to be what I was going to pay for just the exhaust work plus the junk car. So I’m getting screwed.. but when it’s all said and done with, I’ll have the Mercury back to normal plus a ‘97 parts car I can strip.

Everyone who I’ve confided in has told me to sue them, and I frankly would win. The car was on the rack, they’re 100% liable. I’ll take this one to the chin, lesson learned for next time.