2000 GM questions

[lowlymarine]

Hey guys, I drive a 2000 Grand Marquis (bought it from my grandmother for $1000, the only defect at the time being a dent in the trunk from where she backed it into a mailbox). It really is pretty much my dream car (I've always been more for luxury than flash), and my family has always had good luck with Fords (my aunt still drives an '86 Escort). I've got a few questions/concerns, however.

First, whenever I apply the brakes, there's been this slight squealing sound for some time. Now, the brake light occasionally comes on. I'm fairly certain the parking brake light shouldn't be coming on when I apply the regular brakes. Any ideas?

Second, I was wondering where I could get a replacement (preferably inexpensively) for the front right headlight plastic cover, since someone scraped along the front of my car with their SUV or something and did a number to it.

Third, I read here that the transmission adapts to how the car is driven, and that this can be reset and readapted by disconnecting the battery for about 45 minutes? Any word on the validity of that? 'Cause I imagine I use a bit mroe acceleration than my grandmother did.

Fourth, my gas tank is supposed to be 20 gallons, but the guage is on empty and the "Low Fuel" light comes on after using less than 16. I'm afraid to drive it too far after that, but once I put another 35 miles on it and it still only took 17.2 gallons to fill up. Is this normal behavior?

Finally, the obligatory question about performance/fuel economy enhancements. I think I'm going to get a K&N air filter, but is there anything else inexpensive I can do? It isn't under warranty (it was a 3/36), so that's not an issue. My friend got a "racing chip" for his PT cruiser for about $12, any chance such a thing exists for a Grand Marquis? Also, I know the 2000 came in both dual and single exhaust models, with the dual pushing a few more horses, any chance of redoing the exhaust? What's the cost on that?

Thanks for your help.

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by lowlymarine

Hey guys, I drive a 2000 Grand Marquis (bought it from my grandmother for $1000, the only defect at the time being a dent in the trunk from where she backed it into a mailbox). It really is pretty much my dream car (I've always been more for luxury than flash), and my family has always had good luck with Fords (my aunt still drives an '86 Escort). I've got a few questions/concerns, however.

Hey, first of all Welcome to AF.

You got a STEAL, well done and thanks Grandma!

Originally Posted by lowlymarine

First, whenever I apply the brakes, there's been this slight squealing sound for some time. Now, the brake light occasionally comes on. I'm fairly certain the parking brake light shouldn't be coming on when I apply the regular brakes. Any ideas?

Check the brake fluid first. If it's low it would cause the light to come on.

Nothing bad on Grandma, but elderly people don't maintain their vehicles very well (my parents are in their late 70's and I help out quite a bit). I'd have the brakes checked, or if you're a DIY guy, replace the pads yourself.

Originally Posted by lowlymarine

Second, I was wondering where I could get a replacement (preferably inexpensively) for the front right headlight plastic cover, since someone scraped along the front of my car with their SUV or something and did a number to it.

Junkyard is probably your best bet; the new units (at least from the '93 units I bought awhile back) run $130.

Originally Posted by lowlymarine

Third, I read here that the transmission adapts to how the car is driven, and that this can be reset and readapted by disconnecting the battery for about 45 minutes? Any word on the validity of that? 'Cause I imagine I use a bit more acceleration than my grandmother did.

The E4OD is supposed to adapt to the driver; once you have driven for awhile (not sure of how far) it will adjust to your driving style. You could disconnect the battery; that would reset to the factory setting, which would probably be a bit more aggressive than they are right now.

Originally Posted by lowlymarine

Fourth, my gas tank is supposed to be 20 gallons, but the guage is on empty and the "Low Fuel" light comes on after using less than 16. I'm afraid to drive it too far after that, but once I put another 35 miles on it and it still only took 17.2 gallons to fill up. Is this normal behavior?

My low fuel light used to come on when I had between 2 and 4 gallons left. Yours sounds normal.

Originally Posted by lowlymarine

Finally, the obligatory question about performance/fuel economy enhancements. I think I'm going to get a K&N air filter, but is there anything else inexpensive I can do? It isn't under warranty (it was a 3/36), so that's not an issue. My friend got a "racing chip" for his PT cruiser for about $12, any chance such a thing exists for a Grand Marquis? Also, I know the 2000 came in both dual and single exhaust models, with the dual pushing a few more horses, any chance of redoing the exhaust? What's the cost on that?

When I replaced the exhaust on mine, the single was about $250, and the dual about $450. The car is set up from the factory to go either way, and all the exhaust hangers have a spot on the frame so it's an easy change if you're going from single to dual.

MPG and performance. I'm a fan of synthetic lubricants, so suggest using synthetic motor oil if you have less than 40-50K miles (after that, the seals may start leaking if you switch to synthetic). I always got around 25mph highway in my 4.6L, and about 18 or so around town.

Performance goodies are always available, maybe start with a good header and some intake mods to remove those restrictions.

Enjoy!