Mercury 1996 Grand Marquis Manual page 67

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature not the coolant level. If the coolant
is not at its proper level or mixture, the gauge
indication will not be accurate. It is identified by
a thermometer symbol, an "H" (hot), and a "C"
(cold). The "NORMAL" indicates the normal
operating range. The bars will move into the
normal operating range as the engine coolant
warms up. It is acceptable under certain driving
conditions such as, heavy stop and go traffic, or
driving up hills in hot weather, for the gauge to
indicate at the top of the NORMAL band.
If, under any circumstance, the pointer moves
above the NORMAL band, the temperature
symbol flashes and a tone will sound to alert the
driver that the engine coolant is overheating and
continued operation may cause engine damage.
If your engine coolant overheats:
1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely
possible.
2. Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe
engine damage could result.
64