Gear shift indicator
 

New to the group. Inherited a 99 Mercury Grand Marquis from my grandfather. Love the car. Quick question... what are the two lines on either side of the “D” on the gear shift indicator for?

thanks in advance,
Mike

Shift Lever Position
 

Hello, Mike -- and welcome to the Mercury Forums.
Yours is a strange question -- because there are no "lines" of any kind on the Shift Lever Position Indicator of The 95 MERC or on our daughter's 2005 Grand Marquis.
Can you post a picture of the area of concern??
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mer...5790e5bf67.jpg
Sleeping Beauty, Rolling Thunder

Shift Lever Position Indicator
 

I found your pictures, Mike --
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mer...6efa2a49a.jpeg

Nothing like that on our Shift Lever Position Indicators --
Question:
Do the marks move when the lever is moved , or do they stay on either side of the "D" ?
In either case, the marks don't seem to interfere with the operation of the lever.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mer...c925e6f7cb.jpg
Mallory Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator -- 35 psi @ 750 rpm.

Shift indicator
 

It appears that the two lines may indicate “overdrive” or gears? I have no clue and can’t find anything online or in the manual. I can set the indicator to drive with the left or right line highlighted w the orange color.

Shift Indicator Marks
 

We both have the same transmission model (4R70W), so the actual gears are the same -- perhaps there is a difference in how the Overdrive is selected.
On The 95 MERC, "Overdrive ON" is the "default" position, and in order to turn the Overdrive to "OFF", press the Button on the end of the gear shift lever, at which time an indicator Light will appear on the dash.
The transmission is controlled electronically -- Overdrive is NOT selected by moving the shift lever.
Anyways, that's the way it is on The 95 MERC, and there are no such marks on it or on the Daughter's 2005 Marquis.
If your shift lever has no Overdrive Control Button on the end, I'm lost.
The regular Vehicle Owners' Manual should explain the shift lever markings -- you MAY find one on E-Bay.
I found a complete set of Factory Shop Manuals (used) for The 95 MERC at Amazon for $40. WELL worth the price !
Ya got me all curious about those shift indicator marks -- keep us posted !!
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mer...b8ce56bc42.jpg
'95 MERC at Flaming Gorge, Utah