FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual

229 [SV05750( BC )05/95]
full page art:0010665-G
A 4.6 liter SFI engine
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

230 %
*
[SV05850( ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV06000( ALL)04/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because a
buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator,
keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[SV06020( ALL)07/95]
q
Extreme care must be used if a power washer
is used to clean the engine. The high pressure
fluid could penetrate sealed parts and
assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[SV06040( ALL)08/95]
q
In order to avoid possible cracking of the
engine block or fuel injection pump, do not
spray a hot engine or injection pump with
cold water.
*
[SV06060( ALL)07/95]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[SV06080( ALL)04/95]
q
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%
*
[SV06100( ALL)03/95]
Filling the Fuel Tank
*
[SV06240(MBC )05/95]
The fuel door is outside the car on the passenger
side near the back. To fill the fuel tank:
*
[SV06550( ALL)05/95]
1. After opening the fuel filler door, remove
the cap carefully and slowly by turning it
counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
*
[SV06650( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound while disengaging
the fuel cap, wait until it stops before
completely removing the cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or
others.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

231
*
[SV06700( ALL)05/95]
2. Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe before pumping the fuel.
*
[SV06800( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it off immediately.
The fuel may dull or soften the paint
if you do not wash it off.
%*
[SV06850( ALL)08/95]
3. Replace the fuel cap completely when you
are finished. Turn it clockwise 1/4 turn until
it is tight. It will click when it is fully
tightened.
*
[SV06875( ALL)10/95]
4. Push the fuel door closed.
[SV06900( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with a
Motorcraft or equivalent fuel cap. If you
do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can damage the
fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision, endangering you and your
passengers.
*
[SV06950( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
%*
[SV07500( ALL)06/95]
Choosing the Right Fuel
[SV07600( ALL)02/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded
fuel is prohibited by law and could damage
your vehicle. The damage may not be covered
by your warranty.
[SV07701( ALL)02/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel
containing manganese-based additives such as
MMT. Additionally, vehicles certified to
California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control
Information label) are designed to operate on
California reformulated gasolines. If California
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

232reformulated gasoline is not available when you
refuel, your vehicle can be operated on
non-California fuels. However, even though your
engine will perform adequately on other
gasolines, the performance of the emission
control devices and systems may be adversely
affected. Repair of damage caused by using a
fuel that your vehicle was not designed for may
not be covered by your warranty.
[SV08750( ALL)02/96]
Octane recommendation
[SV08800( ALL)02/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline
with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not
recommend gasolines labeled as ªregularº in
high altitude areas that are sold with octane
ratings of 86 or even less.
[SV08900( ALL)05/95]
one inch art:0060001-C[SV09200( ALL)02/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
[SV09355( ALL)02/96]
Fuel Quality
[SV09360( ALL)02/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems try a different brand of fuel.
If the condition persists, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

233 [SV09370( ALL)02/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline
specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of
your vehicle. We recommend the use of
gasolines that meet the AAMA specification if
they are available.
[SV09380( ALL)02/96]
It should not be necessary to add any
aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you
continue to use a high-quality fuel.
[SV09800( ALL)02/96]
Cleaner air
[SV09900(MBC )02/96]
Ford recommends the use of gasolines to
improve air quality, including reformulated
gasolines, that contain oxygenates such as a
maximum of 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE. There
should be no more than 5% methanol with
cosolvents and additives to protect the fuel
system.
%*
[SV10185( ALL)06/95]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive
Fuels
[SV10195( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury
or death if misused or mishandled. To
minimize the risk that you will be
injured, please read the following
information carefully and observe the
recommended precautions.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

234
*
[SV10197( ALL)07/95]
q
Turn vehicle off when refueling
*
[SV10199( ALL)07/95]
q
Do not smoke when refueling. Fuels are
extremely flammable.
*
[SV10201( ALL)07/95]
q
Do not siphon any fuel by mouth.
*
[SV10205( ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Gasoline or gasoline blended with
methanol can cause blindness and
possible death when swallowed. If any
fuel is swallowed, call a physician or
poison control center immediately.
*
[SV10209( ALL)07/95]
q
Avoid breathing vapors while refueling.
*
[SV10211( ALL)07/95]
q
If fuel is splashed on the skin, wash with
soap and water.
*
[SV10225( ALL)07/95]
q
If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact
lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15
minutes, and seek medical attention.
*
[SV10227( ALL)08/95]
Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small
amounts of carcinogens, such as benzene.
Long-term exposure to unleaded gasoline vapors
has caused cancer in laboratory animals.
*
[SV10230( ALL)08/95]
If you are taking the medication ªAntabuseº or
other forms of disulfiram for the treatment of
alcoholism, vapor or skin contact with a
gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same
kind of adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic
beverage. In sensitive individuals, serious
personal injury or sickness could result. Consult
a physician promptly if you experience an
adverse reaction.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

235 %
*
[SV11300( ALL)05/95]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[SV11350( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
modern powertrain components.
*
[SV11500( ALL)07/95]
You may need to crank the engine several times
before the fuel system starts to pump fuel from
the tank to the engine.
[SV11600( ALL)05/95]Calculating Fuel Economy
*
[SV11700( ALL)05/95]
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of
your vehicle, and can be calculated as Miles Per
Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per 100 Kilometers
(L/100K).
*
[SV11750( ALL)05/95]
Do not calculate fuel economy during your
vehicle's break-in period. This would not be an
accurate estimate of how much fuel your vehicle
will normally use.
*
[SV11800( ALL)05/95]
To calculate fuel economy:
*
[SV11900( ALL)05/95]
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the
initial odometer reading.
*
[SV12000( ALL)05/95]
2. Every time you buy fuel, record the
amount (in gallons or liters) purchased.
*
[SV12100( ALL)05/95]
3. After at least 3-5 tankfuls, fill the fuel tank
and record the final odometer reading.
*
[SV12200( ALL)10/95]
4. Use these equations to calculate your fuel
economy:
*
[SV12250( ALL)10/95]
q
English: MPG = (total miles driven)v
(gallons used)
*
[SV12275( ALL)10/95]
q
Metric: L/100k = (liters used)v
(100 kilometers)
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

236
*
[SV12300( ALL)05/95]
Comparisons With EPA Estimates
*
[SV12400( ALL)05/95]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from
laboratory tests under simulated road conditions
and may not reflect the actual conditions you
experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that
you will achieve the fuel economy shown.
*
[SV12650( ALL)05/95]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[SV12700( ALL)05/95]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[SV12800( ALL)05/95]
q
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
*
[SV12850( ALL)05/95]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[SV12900( ALL)05/95]
q
Sudden stops
*
[SV12950( ALL)05/95]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[SV13000( ALL)05/95]
q
Using speed control in hilly terrain
*
[SV13100( ALL)05/95]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[SV13200( ALL)05/95]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[SV13300( ALL)05/95]
q
Heavy loads
*
[SV13400( ALL)05/95]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
*
[SV13510( ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[SV13520( ALL)01/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
additional money and contribute to the driving
efficiency of your vehicle.
*
[SV13530( ALL)01/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
*
[SV13540( ALL)01/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[SV13550( ALL)01/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

237
*
[SV13560( ALL)01/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[SV13570( ALL)02/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[SV13580( ALL)01/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%
*
[SV13600( ALL)02/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
[SV13610( ALL)02/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
*
[SV13650( ALL)03/95]
one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
*
[SV13670( ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680( ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690( ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700( ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
%*
[SV13702( ALL)03/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[SV13703( ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

238 %
*
[SV13775( ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800( ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[SV13900( ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000( ALL)02/95]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[SV14025( BCGV)03/95]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[SV14100( ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[SV14200( ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[SV14300( ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[SV14350( BC )10/95]
one inch art:0011218-A
Engine oil dipstick Ð 4.6 liter engines
[SV14450(MBC )03/95]
one inch art:0000970-A
Engine oil dipstick Ð 3.8 liter engines
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996