tires FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G User Guide

253
*
[SV26850( ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix
radial, bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use
only the tire sizes that are listed on the
tire pressure decal. Make sure that all tires
are the same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire
combinations recommended on the decal.
If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and
safely.
*
[SV27100( ALL)01/95]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicle's original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
%*
[SV28100( ALL)02/95]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[SV28200( ALL)01/95]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their
Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded
into the tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has
set.
*
[SV28250( ALL)01/95]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic
tires for use on passenger cars. They do not
apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires
with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49
Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
*
[SV28300( ALL)01/95]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire
quality grades:The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly
as the government has written it.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

254 %
*
[SV28399( ALL)01/95]
Treadwear
*
[SV28400( ALL)01/95]
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
*
[SV28499( ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
*
[SV28500( ALL)01/95]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on braking (straightahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
*
[SV28599( ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
*
[SV28600( ALL)01/95]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
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255
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature
grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
%*
[SV28700( ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28800( BCGV)01/95]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[SV28900( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[SV29000( ALL)02/95]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[SV29100( ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
*
[SV29200( ALL)01/95]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV29300( ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

290
*
[SV59000( ALL)01/95]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
%*
[SV59200( ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV59300( ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV59400( ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV59500( ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV59600( ALL)01/95]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
*
[SV59650( ALL)03/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, it may be
advisable to disconnect the battery cables to
ensure battery charge is maintained for quick
starting.
[SV59675( ALL)05/94]
NOTE: If battery cables are disconnected, it
will be necessary to reset memory
features.
%*
[SV59700( ALL)01/95]
Brakes
*
[SV59800( ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[SV59900( ALL)01/95]
Tires
*
[SV60000( ALL)05/95]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[SV60100( ALL)01/95]
Miscellaneous
*
[SV60200( ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[SV60300( ALL)03/95]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts and prevent
corrosion.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

Index 309
Brakes (continued)
front disc.............. 173
new brake linings............ 4
noise................ 174
parking............... 174
trailer................ 183
when storing your vehicle....... 290
Brake-shift interlock........... 166
Break-in period.............. 4
Bulbs, replacing
headlamps.............. 275
specifications............. 279
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 212
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 212
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 285
Carbon monoxide in exhaust........ 51
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)......... 27
Cassette tape player
(see Electronic sound system) . . . 141, 150
Catalytic converter........... 280
CD player
(see Electronic sound system)..... 131
Chains, tires.............. 255
Changing a tire............. 191
Charging system gauge.......... 69
Charging system warning light....... 60
Child safety restraints........... 25
child safety belts............ 43
child safety seats............ 27
Child safety seats
and air bags............ 20,27
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 29
in front seat.............. 29
in rear outboard seat.......... 35
in rear seat............... 42
Chime
key in ignition............. 46
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Index 319
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems) . . . 131
Rear window, defroster.......... 81
Refill capacities for fluids........ 285
Relays................. 264
Remote control, trunk.......... 129
Remote entry system
locking/unlocking doors....... 111
opening the trunk.......... 111
panic alarm............. 112
replacement/additional transmitters . . 113
replacing the batteries......... 112
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult................. 7
child.................. 25
head................. 118
infant................. 25
Roadside assistance........... 203
Roadside emergencies.......... 185
Rotating the tires............ 251
S
Safe driving tips............ 176
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)...... 7
Safety chains, when towing a trailer . . . 182
Safety defects, reporting......... 211
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts.... 10,12,16
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 10
center rear lap belt........... 16
cleaning the safety belts......... 18
extension assembly........... 17
for children.............. 25
for infants............... 25
for pregnant women.......... 14
replacement.............. 17
warning light and chime........ 59
Safety seats for children
and air bags.............. 20
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320 Index
attaching with tether straps....... 27
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 29
in center seating positions........ 42
in front seat.............. 29
in rear outboard............ 35
tether anchorage hardware........ 27
Seats
adjusting the seat, manual....... 118
adjusting the seats, power....... 121
child safety seats............ 27
cleaning upholstery.......... 123
head restraints............ 118
rear seat access............ 123
reclining the seat........... 120
sport seat.............. 122
Serial number (VIN)........... 206
Service concerns............. 205
Servicing your vehicle, precautions
when servicing............ 224
Shift-lock system............ 166
Side mirrors, adjusting.......... 124
Sliding moon roof (see Moon roof).... 115
Snow tires and chains.......... 255
Spare tire
changing the tire........... 194
finding the spare........... 193
removing the spare tire........ 193
temporary spare........... 191
Spark plugs, specifications........ 286
Specification chart, lubricants....... 287
Speed control
accelerating............... 99
canceling a set speed......... 100
resetting................ 99
resuming a set speed......... 100
turning off.............. 100
when towing a trailer......... 184
Speedometer............... 67
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle...... 47
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Index 321
Starting your vehicle (continued)
starting a cold engine.......... 48
starting after a collision......... 53
starting a warm engine......... 48
Steering, power............. 172
Steering wheel
horn.................. 95
locking................ 45
speed controls............. 97
tilting................. 96
Storage compartments
center console............ 127
map pockets............. 128
Storing your vehicle........... 288
Sun visor................ 126
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 60
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).... 18
T
Tachometer................ 68
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 279
cleaning................ 84
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 74
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints).......... 27
Tilt steering wheel............ 96
Tires
changing............... 191
checking the pressure......... 251
cleaning............... 256
replacing............... 252
rotating............... 251
snow tires and chains......... 255
storing your vehicle.......... 290
tire grades.............. 253
treadwear.............. 254
wear bands............. 252
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 180
Towing your vehicle, with a tow truck . . 201
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Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996