check engine FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G User Guide

64
*
[LG11060( ALL)03/95]
If the light turns on and off on rare occasions
while you are driving, it means that a
malfunction occurred and the condition corrected
itself.
*
[LG11065( ALL)03/95]
An example of a condition which corrects itself
occurs when an engine running out of fuel
begins to misfire. In this case, the Check Engine
Warning Light may turn on and will then set a
Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the
engine was misfiring while the last of the fuel
was being consumed. After refueling, the Check
Engine Warning Light will turn off after the
vehicle has completed three consecutive warm
up cycles without a misfire condition occurring.
A warm up cycle consists of engine start from a
cold condition (engine at ambient temperature)
and running until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
*
[LG11075( ALL)03/95]
On the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine
Warning Light will turn off as soon as the
engine begins to crank. It is not necessary to
have the engine serviced.
*
[LG11100( BCGV)05/95]
Under certain conditions, the Check Engine
Warning Light may come on if the fuel cap is
not properly installed. If the Check Engine
Warning Light comes on and you suspect that
the fuel cap is not properly installed, pull off the
road as soon as it is safely possible and turn off
the engine. Remove and replace the fuel cap,
making sure it is properly seated.
*
[LG11200( ALL)05/95]
After completing the three consecutive warm up
cycles and on the fourth engine start up, the
Check Engine Warning Light should turn off. If
the light does not go off after the fourth engine
restart, have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer or a qualified technician.
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67
*
[LG14100( ALL)01/95]
If your engine coolant overheats:
*
[LG14200( ALL)03/95]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG14300( ALL)01/95]
2. Turn off the engine.
*
[LG14400( ALL)05/95]
3. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE
COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL
THE ENGINE IS COOL.
*
[LG14500( ALL)04/95]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine Coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[LG14600( ALL)01/95]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the
coolant system serviced.
%*
[LG14800( ALL)01/95]
Speedometer
[LG14825( BC )05/95]
one third page art:0011341-A
The speedometer
*
[LG14900( ALL)01/95]
The speedometer tells you how many miles
(kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.
%*
[LG15000( ALL)01/95]
Odometer
*
[LG15100( ALL)01/95]
The odometer tells you the total number of miles
(kilometers) your vehicle has been driven.
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69 % [LG16220( ALL)05/94]
Battery Voltage Gauge (If Equipped)
*
[LG16225( ALL)05/94]
This gauge shows you the battery voltage when
the ignition key is in the ON position.
*
[LG16230( ALL)05/94]
If the battery is operating under cold weather
conditions, the pointer may indicate in the upper
range of the NORMAL band while the battery is
charging. If you are running electrical accessories
(when the engine is off, or idling at a low
speed), the pointer may move toward the lower
end of the NORMAL band.
*
[LG16260( ALL)05/94]
If it stays outside the NORMAL band, have your
vehicle's electrical system checked as soon as it
is safely possible.
[LG16285( BC )05/95]
one third page art:0010655-D
Battery voltage gauge
%*
[LG16300( ALL)05/94]
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
[LG16500( ALL)05/94]
This gauge indicates the engine oil pressure, not
the oil level. However, if your engine's oil level
is low, it could affect the oil pressure. With the
engine running, the pointer should move into
the NORMAL band. If the pointer drops below
the NORMAL band while the engine is running,
you have lost oil pressure and continued
operation will cause severe engine damage.
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70 [LG16550( BC )05/95]
one third page art:0011146-BEngine oil pressure gauge
*
[LG16600( ALL)03/95]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[LG16700( ALL)01/95]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG16800( ALL)04/95]
2. Shut off the engine immediately or severe
engine damage could result.
[LG16900( ALL)05/94]
3. Check the engine's oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine
oil, see theEngine Oilin the Index. If you do
not follow these instructions, you or others
could be injured. To assure an accurate
reading, your car should be on level ground.
[LG17000( ALL)05/94]
4. If the level is low, add oil as necessary
before you start the engine again. Do not
overfill. Do not operate the engine if the
pointer is below the NORMAL band,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your
nearest dealer for further service actions.
[LG17200( ALL)05/94]
For more information about adding oil, see
Engine Oil Recommendationsin the Index.
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166 %
*
[DR00995( ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a Brake Shift
Interlock safety feature. This feature prevents the
gearshift from being moved from the P (Park)
position until the brake pedal is depressed. This
feature is active when the ignition is in the ON
position. If the gearshift lever CANNOT be
moved from P (Park) with the brake pedal
depressed:
*
[DR01000( ALL)01/95]
1. Turn the engine off and remove the ignition
key.
*
[DR01005( ALL)01/95]
2. Apply parking brake.
*
[DR01010( ALL)01/95]
3. Reinsert the ignition key and turn clockwise
to the first position (OFF).
*
[DR01020( ALL)01/95]
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift
lever to N (Neutral) and start the engine.
*
[DR01025( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
*
[DR01027( ALL)05/95]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledServicing Your
Thunderbirdin this Owner Guide for instructions
on checking and replacing fuses.
[DR01030(MBC )05/94]
The console-mounted gearshift will lock in
P (Park) when you turn the key to the LOCK
position. When the gearshift is in any position
except P (Park), the ignition key cannot be
turned to LOCK or removed from the steering
column. TO REMOVE THE KEY, the gearshift
lever must be in P (Park).
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172 [DR09793( BCGV)01/95]If the Traction Assist
TM
system is cycled
excessively, the system will shut down to
prevent the rear brakes from overheating.
During this shutdown period, the word OFF in
the traction assist switch will be illuminated
showing that the traction assist system is
inoperative. A cooling down period is required
to prevent damage to the rear brakes. This time
period varies and depends on brake usage
during the cooling down period. Anti-Lock
braking is not affected and will function
normally during the cool down period.
[DR09795( BCGV)05/95]
NOTE: Traction-Lok axles are not an available
option on vehicles equipped with
traction assist.
*
[DR09800( ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR09900( ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR09950( ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[DR10000( ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[DR10200( BCGV)12/94]
Speed Sensitive Power Steering
(If equipped)
[DR10401( BC )06/94]
The steering system in 4.6L engine vehicles is
speed sensitive. This means that the steering
effort is light for parking and heavier for
highway driving. However, if you have to
swerve around an object or another vehicle, your
steering will have full power assist.
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175 [DR13500( BC )03/95]
one third page art:0010315-A
The parking brake
*
[DR13800( BCGV)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
[DR14050( BC )03/95]
To release the parking brake, press down on the
pedal until you hear a click. Lift your foot off
the pedal. The brake is now released and will
reset to lock the next time you press the pedal,
located below the lower left corner of the
instrument panel. The Brake System Warning
Light will glow if the parking brake is not fully
released when the engine is running.
*
[DR14200( ALL)03/95]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
*
[DR14300( ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996

186
*
[RE00900( ALL)05/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[RE01000( ALL)03/95]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to jump-start
and connecting the jumper cables in the order they
are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
*
[RE01100( ALL)03/95]
Preparing Your Vehicle
[RE01150( ALL)11/90]
NOTE: also see label on battery.
*
[RE01200( ALL)03/95]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
*
[RE01300( ALL)03/95]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[RE01400( ALL)04/95]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[RE01500( ALL)03/95]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
*
[RE01600( ALL)02/95]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles.
Turning on the fan helps protect the
electrical system from voltage surges. Turn
off all other switches and lights in both
vehicles to prevent possible damage to either
vehicle's electrical systems.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:15 1996

201
*
[RE13500(MBC )03/95]
Replacing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[RE13600(MBC )03/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the
lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and, while
applying pressure on the key, install the lug nut.
*
[RE13800( ALL)02/95]
If the Engine Cranks But Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
*
[RE13810( ALL)04/95]
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[RE13900( ALL)03/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you
have had a collision, the fuel pump shut-off
switch may have been triggered. The shut-off
switch is a device that stops the fuel pump
when your vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
*
[RE14000( ALL)01/95]
For information on how to check and reset the
fuel pump shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off
switchin the Index.
%
*
[RE14100( ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
*
[RE14201( ALL)05/95]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact
a professional towing service or, if you are a
member, your roadside assistance center.
Recommended towing options include wheel lift
towing or flat bed towing.
[RE14210( BC)01/96]
DO NOT TOW WITH SLINGBELT EQUIPMENT
WHEN TOWING YOUR THUNDERBIRD FROM
THE REAR. Ford Motor Company has not
developed or approved a T-hook sling-type
procedure. When slingbelt towing from the front,
the towbar will deform the soft fascia (bumper).
However, it will return to an acceptable shape.
In both cases, wheel lift or flatbed equipment is
recommended.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:15 1996

223
Servicing Your Thunderbird
%*
[SV00300( ALL)03/95]
Service Made Easy
*
[SV00400( ALL)01/95]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[SV00550( ALL)01/95]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
*
[SV00600( ALL)01/95]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
*
[SV00700( ALL)01/95]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
*
[SV00800( ALL)01/95]
q
When possible, we design parts Ð such as
the headlamp bulbs Ð that can be replaced
without tools.
*
[SV00900( ALL)05/94]
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet.
*
[SV01000( ALL)01/95]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*
[SV01100( ALL)02/95]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
*
[SV01250( ALL)03/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996