1997 Mercury Grand Marquis: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jun 25, 2011 · Acceleration · 114,000 miles · FL · fire

I was driving my car, thought I smelled something burning. A couple of minutes later I had to slow down and turn right. The brake pedal was soft and I had to go all the way to floor to get the car to slow down. I stopped at my destination a couple of minutes later, popped the hood and there was a fire under the hood. It only lasted a couple of minutes, but burned up an electrical connector. The next day I had it repaired across the street at an auto electrical and marine shop. They said it was at the switch or valve that turned off the cruise control when the brake pedal is depressed. My car is a 1997 mercury grand marquis.

Filed Jun 23, 2010 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · OH · fire

1997 ford grand marquis - occasional interruptions in electrical power were occurring with the radio going off, the low fuel level light going on, and the battery meter dropping. After replacing the battery the interruptions continued until finally the battery cables caught on fire. I turned off the ignition and by this time the insulation on both the positive and ground cables had completely burned off and the battery continued to supply current. I knocked off the ground terminal and dosed the fire with water.

Filed May 20, 2010 · Engine · 37,000 miles · IA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 mercury grand marquis. While driving at speeds of 10 MPH, the contact observed smoke coming from under the hood and within seconds, the interior cabin was filled with smoke and flames. The vehicle occupants were able to safely exit the vehicle. And the fire and police department were contacted. There were reports filed by both entities. The vehicle was destroyed. The dealer advised there were no recalls for the vehicle and the manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The failure and current mileages were 37,000.

Filed Dec 27, 2005 · Engine · 90,800 miles · MI · 1 injury

Drove approx. Six miles from home to christmas eve. Church service with family. When arrived, steam and smoke were coming from front grille, and around engine hood. Thought the car was going to start on fire. Also making a hissing and gurgling noise. Was quite an "event" in the parking lot! Had inspected two days later (after christmas) and found front intake manifold (plastic?) passage cracked and leaking engine coolant onto top of engine block. Also cooling fan was blowing leaking coolant over the passenger side, entire top of engine. No coolant left in coolant reservoir and no coolant flow through engine; due to air bubble / loss of vacuum? I now hear mercury has a "secret recall" admitting this is a common failure and repairing vehicles less than sever years old for free, also have read that "fleet" vehicles are being repaired for free, but denying owner assistance to same vehicle, engine and intake manifold type to "older" models.

Filed Jun 1, 2004 · Acceleration, Lights · TX · fire

Braking lights began to malfunction, then the cruise control did so too. There were no consequenes due to this malfunctions, untill the car caught on fire. The front driver side tire begain to catch on fire and so did only the front left side of the car.

Filed Dec 15, 2003 · Engine · NY

While driving consumer noticed black smoke coming from the engine. Pulled the vehicle over, opened the hood and noticed that the intake manifold failed.

Filed Dec 10, 2002 · Visibility · TX

While driving 55 MPH consumer noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Dealer determined the plastic intake manifold had cracked, causing all coolant to leak from vehicle. Ts