check engine light FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual

49
*
[ST10473( ALL)04/95]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter or flood the engine.
*
[ST10476( ALL)04/95]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.
[ST10478( ALL)12/94]
NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that
prevents you from shifting out of
P (Park) unless your foot is on the
brake pedal.
%*
[ST10480( ALL)04/95]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
*
[ST10492( ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST10494( ALL)04/95]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[ST10496( ALL)04/95]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[ST10497( ALL)04/95]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[ST10498( ALL)04/95]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up. Then drive away in the
normal manner.
*
[ST10500( ALL)04/95]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchlater in this chapter.
%*
[ST11100( ALL)04/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:52:09 1996

54
*
[ST18800( ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ST18900( ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST19000( ALL)03/95]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST19100( ALL)03/95]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
*
[ST19200( ALL)03/95]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[ST19300( ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ST19350( ALL)03/95]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
*
[ST19400( ALL)01/95]
Pushing
[ST19600( BCGV)03/95]
Vehicles with automatic transmissions cannot be
started by pushing. Follow the directions under
If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Start.
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57
*
[LG02700( BCGV)06/94]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[LG02800( BCGV)06/93]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
%*
[LG02900( ALL)03/95]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[LG03000( ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a
qualified service technician.
[LG03025( BC )07/93]
one inch art:0010116-D[LG03100( ALL)01/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is
set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition key to START. It normally
goes off shortly after the engine starts and you
release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[LG03200( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
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58 % [LG03475( ALL)05/94]Anti-Lock Brake System Light
(If equipped)
[LG03500( ALL)05/94]
This warning light will go on each time you
start your vehicle. If it remains on for longer
than five seconds, you should shut off your
engine and restart. If the anti-lock brake light
stays on, this indicates that the anti-lock feature
is disabled and should receive immediate
attention by a qualified service technician.
Normal braking is not affected unless the brake
warning light is also lit.
*
[LG03505( BCGV)01/95]
The Anti-Lock Brake System has self-check
capabilities. As previously described, the system
turns on the anti-lock light each time you start
your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light is out, the system performs
another test the first time the vehicle reaches
14 mph (22 km/h). The system turns on the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) pump motor for
approximately 1/2 second. At this time a
mechanical noise may be heard. This is a normal
part of the self-check feature. If a malfunction is
found during this check the anti-lock light will
come on.
[LG03680( ALL)05/95]
one inch art:0011194-BFile:rclgb.ex
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60 %
*
[LG04610( ALL)01/95]
Air Bag Readiness Light
[LG04620( ALL)05/94]
The air bag system uses a readiness light to
indicate the condition of the system. If the
system is functioning properly, the light will
stay on for 6 seconds when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position.
[LG04630( ALL)05/94]
If there is a problem with the system, two things
may happen: the readiness light will either flash
or stay lit up, or you will hear a beeping sound.
If either of these things happen, have the air bag
system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately.
[LG04645( BC )05/95]
one inch art:0011355-A%*
[LG04700( ALL)01/95]
Charging System Light
*
[LG04800( ALL)03/95]
This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
[LG04900( ALL)05/92]
one inch art:0010119-A*
[LG05100( ALL)02/95]
This light comes on every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.
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61
*
[LG05200( ALL)01/95]
If the light stays on or comes on when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
%*
[LG05205( BCGV)05/95]
Overdrive Off Indicator
[LG05210( ALL)06/93]
one inch art:0010730-A*
[LG05220( BCGV)01/95]
This light tells you that the Transmission Control
Switch (TCS) on the gearshift lever has been
pushed. When the light is on, the transmission
will not shift into overdrive. Depressing the
button on the shifter will return the vehicle to
ªoverdrive onº mode. The transmission will be
in the ªoverdrive onº mode when the vehicle is
started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected
when the vehicle was last shut off.
*
[LG05230( ALL)04/95]
NOTE: If the light does not come on when the
TCS is depressed or if the light flashes
when you are driving, have your
vehicle serviced at the first
opportunity. If this condition persists,
damage could occur to the
transmission.
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62 %
*
[LG07200( ALL)01/95]
High Beam Light
*
[LG07300( ALL)03/95]
This light comes on when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights.
[LG07400( ALL)05/92]
one inch art:0010125-A% [LG08300( BC )07/93]
Check Gauges Warning Light (if equipped)
[LG08310( BC )03/93]
one inch art:0010128-D*
[LG08400( BC )06/94]
This light will come on when the key is in the
ON position and the:
[LG08500( BC )04/89]
q
engine coolant temperature gauge is high, or
[LG08600( BC )04/89]
q
engine oil pressure gauge is low, or
[LG08700( BC )05/95]
q
when the fuel tank has reached empty
reserve.
[LG08825( BC )03/90]
This light serves as a reminder for you to check
the engine coolant temperature gauge, the
engine oil pressure gauge or the fuel gauge. It
will come on if there is a condition that needs
your attention.
[LG08850( BC )07/93]
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gauge, Engine Oil
Pressure Gauge,orFuel Gaugein this chapter for
more information.
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63 %
*
[LG11005( ALL)03/95]
Check Engine Warning Light
*
[LG11015( ALL)03/95]
The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II)
system consists of the hardware and software
necessary to monitor the operation of the
powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to
check the function of the vehicle's powertrain
control system during normal operation. If an
emission problem is detected, the Check Engine
Warning Light (in the cluster) is turned on.
*
[LG11020( ALL)03/95]
Modification or additions to the vehicle may
cause incorrect operation of the OBD II system.
Additions such as burglar alarms, cellular
phones, and CB radios must be carefully
installed. Do not install these devices by tapping
into or running wires close to powertrain control
system wires or components.
*
[LG11050( ALL)03/95]
The light comes on briefly when you turn the
ignition key toON, but it should turn off when
the engine starts. If the light does not come on
when you turn the ignition toONor if it comes
on and stays on when you are driving, have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. This
indicates a possible problem with one of the
vehicle's emission control systems. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed in.
*
[LG11055( ALL)04/95]
If the light turns on and off at one (1) second
intervals while you are driving the vehicle, it
means that the engine is misfiring. If this
condition persists, damage could occur to the
engine or catalytic convertor. Have your vehicle
serviced at the first opportunity. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed in.
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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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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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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996