maintenance FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G User Guide

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
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237
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[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.
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239
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[SV14500( BCGV)11/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
*
[SV14600( ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
*
[SV14800( ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[SV15000( ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
%*
[SV16300( ALL)06/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[SV16400( ALL)04/95]
Change the engine oil and oil filterper the
following, whichever occurs first.
*
[SV16500( ALL)04/95]
one third page art:0060618-C
*
[SV16800( ALL)06/95]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for additional information.
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240 %
*
[SV16900( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
*
[SV17275( ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV17285( ALL)07/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
*
[SV17300( ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17400( ALL)09/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17500( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[SV17600( BCGV)10/95]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
%*
[SV17800( ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
*
[SV17850( ALL)05/95]
The coolant additives also protect the entire
cooling system from internal passageway
corrosion and these additives lubricate the water
pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted
in theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
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241 [SV18000( BCGV)02/96]
half page art:0010761-D
The engine coolant reservoir
%*
[SV18600( ALL)08/95]
Checking Hoses
*
[SV18700( ALL)11/94]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet. Repair or replace
with Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary.
*
[SV18800( ALL)09/95]
Adding Engine Coolant
*
[SV18900( ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18950( ALL)09/95]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
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247
%*
[SV22090( ALL)03/95]
Battery
*
[SV22100( ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. When the original
equipment battery is replaced under warranty, it
may be replaced by a Motorcraft
Low-Maintenance Battery.
*
[SV22130( ALL)06/95]
The Low-Maintenance Battery has removable
vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and
for adding water, if necessary. The electrolyte
level should be checked at least every 24 months
or 24,000 miles (40,000 km) in temperatures up
to 90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore often in temperatures
above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the electrolyte level in
each cell up to the level indicator. Do not
overfill.
*
[SV22145( ALL)02/95]
If the level gets low, you can add tap water to
the battery, provided the water isn't hard or
doesn't have a high mineral or alkali content.
However, if possible you should refill the battery
with distilled water. If the battery needs water
quite often, have the charging system checked
for a possible malfunction.
%*
[SV22160( ALL)03/95]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[SV22175( ALL)04/95]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[SV22190( ALL)03/95]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
%*
[SV22194( BCGV)03/95]
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control
conditions are maintained by power from the
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251 %
*
[SV25200( ALL)05/95]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all
your vehicle's tires, including the spare. Use an
accurate tire pressure gauge. Check the tire
pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle
has been parked for at least one hour or has
been driven less than 3 miles (5 km). You can
find proper cold pressure and load limits of
recommended size tires on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
*
[SV25400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
%*
[SV25500( ALL)02/95]
Tire Rotation
*
[SV25600( ALL)04/95]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires
perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly
and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the
following diagram.
*
[SV25700( ALL)01/95]
For tire rotation intervals, see theMaintenance
Schedule. If you notice that the tires wear
unevenly, have them checked.
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256
*
[SV29400( ALL)10/94]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[SV29500( ALL)05/94]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29600( ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29700( ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29800( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
%
*
[SV30450( ALL)01/95]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[SV30475( ALL)01/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since
your vehicle does not use up transmission fluid.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for replacement intervals. However, if
the transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
%*
[SV30550( ALL)02/95]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
*
[SV30560( ALL)05/95]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20
miles (30 km) of driving. However, if necessary,
you can check the fluid level without having to
drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal
operating temperature if outside temperatures
are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
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280
%*
[SV52400( ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
*
[SV52500( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[SV52550( ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
*
[SV52600( ALL)05/95]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[SV52700( ALL)01/95]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[SV52800( ALL)01/95]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[SV52900( ALL)01/95]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[SV52950( ALL)01/95]
q
Do not push start your vehicle.
*
[SV53000( ALL)03/95]
q
Have the services listed in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet performed
according to the specified schedule. The
scheduled maintenance services are required
because they are considered essential to the
life and performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.
*
[SV53075( ALL)03/95]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emissions control devices or systems in
your new Ford Motor Company vehicle or
engine may be performed at your expense by
any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
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281
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[SV53150( ALL)05/95]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine
Ford replacement parts. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for the service of components
affecting emission control, such non-Ford parts
should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It
is the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
*
[SV53175( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[SV53200( ALL)05/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[SV53300( ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[SV53400( ALL)01/95]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
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