weight FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual

22 [SR20001( BC )05/95]
half page art:0011353-AThe location of the air bag and warning labels
*
[SR20800( ALL)05/95]
If a collision occurs, the sensors sense the
severity of the impact and activates the air bags
if necessary. The air bag system is designed to
deploy in frontal and front-angled collisions
more severe than hitting a parked vehicle (of
similar size and weight) head-on at about
28 mph (45 km/h). Because the system senses
the crash severity rather than vehicle speed,
some frontal collisions at speeds above 28 mph
(45 km/h) will not inflate the air bag.
*
[SR20930( ALL)05/95]
The whole inflation and deflation process takes
place in a matter of seconds.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:53:31 1996

27
*
[SR24200( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never leave a child unattended in your
vehicle.
%*
[SR24250( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
When using forward-facing child seats
move the passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible. NEVER
SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS
IN THE FRONT SEAT.
%*
[SR25100( ALL)01/95]
Safety Seats for Children
*
[SR25200( ALL)05/95]
Use a safety seat that is recommended for the
size and weight of the child. Always follow the
safety seat manufacturer's instructions when
installing and using the safety seat.
% [SR25225( ALL)04/95]
Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat
having a top tether strap. Install the child safety
seat in a seating position which is capable of
providing a tether anchorage. For more
information on top tether straps see your Ford
or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[SR25250( ALL)02/95]
When installing a child safety seat, be sure to
use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating
position, and make sure the tongue is securely
fastened in the buckle.
*
[SR25275( ALL)05/95]
Children weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg)
should use child or infant seats. Forward facing
child seats must have the passenger seat moved
as far back from the instrument panel as
possible.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:53:31 1996

178
*
[DR16900( ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR17000( ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
%
*
[DR17100( ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR17200( ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
% [DR17300( ALL)05/94]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left front door lock facing or the door latch
post pillar.
*
[DR17400( ALL)01/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limit than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR17500( ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996

179 %
*
[DR17503( ALL)01/95]
Limiting Your Vehicle's Load
*
[DR17506( ALL)01/95]
The load that you add to your vehicle must not
exceed the maximum load stated on the Safety
Compliance Certification Decal attached to the
left front door pillar.
*
[DR17509( ALL)01/95]
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add
the weights of:
*
[DR17512( ALL)01/95]
q
the driver and passengers
*
[DR17515( ALL)01/95]
q
luggage and any other items that you put in
your vehicle
*
[DR17518( ALL)01/95]
q
the tongue load of the loaded trailer
*
[DR17521( ALL)01/95]
q
the weight of any equipment that has been
added to your vehicle since it was delivered
to your dealer
*
[DR17524( ALL)01/95]
If you do not know the actual weights of these
items, use the following procedure to figure the
weight of a load:
*
[DR17527( ALL)01/95]
1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver,
passengers and luggage. You might take
your vehicle to a shipping company or an
inspection station for trucks.
*
[DR17530( ALL)01/95]
2. Then weigh your vehicle with the driver,
passengers and luggage.
*
[DR17533( ALL)01/95]
3. Subtract the first reading from the second to
figure the total weight of the load.
*
[DR17536( ALL)01/95]
After determining this load, you must also make
sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus
the load it carries, is less than its GVWR. Also,
make sure that the weight your vehicle carries
over each axle is less than the GAWR for the
respective axle.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996

180
*
[DR17539( ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[DR17542( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improper distribution of your vehicle's
load or carrying weight in excess of the
amount shown on the tire decal can cause
rapid tire wear or loss of vehicle control.
%
*
[DR17550(MBC )04/95]
Trailer Towing
*
[DR17650( ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle does not come from the factory
fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are
available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealers.
*
[DR17700( ALL)01/95]
Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on
your vehicle, you must follow certain
precautions for your safety and the good of your
vehicle:
*
[DR17800( ALL)01/95]
q
Stay within the load limits for towing your
vehicle. (SeeTrailer towing specificationsin this
chapter.)
*
[DR17900( ALL)01/95]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[DR18000( ALL)01/95]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[DR18100( ALL)01/95]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996

181
*
[DR18175( ALL)01/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should
be on the tongue. However, the tongue load
should never exceed 10% of the maximum
weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
*
[DR18250( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when the temporary
spare tire is being used.
[DR18300( ALL)12/94]
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing
vehicle. The amount of weight that you can
safely tow depends on the optional equipment
on your vehicle. See the following chart.
% [DR18400( ALL)03/90]
Trailer towing specifications
[DR18600( BC )03/95]
six pica chart:0010654-D*
[DR20900( ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR21000( ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR21100( ALL)01/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the load.
*
[DR21125( ALL)01/95]
Always check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires when preparing to tow (see inflation
recommendation on the tire label).
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996

182 %
*
[DR21150( ALL)01/95]
Using the hitch
*
[DR21200(MBC )01/95]
Your vehicle uses aload carryinghitch. Because
this type of hitch places the tongue load of a
trailer on the rear wheels of your vehicle, you
must distribute the load in your trailer so that
only 10 to 15% of the total weight of the trailer
is on the tongue.
*
[DR21600( ALL)01/95]
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and
change the weight on the hitch. This will
prevent damage to your vehicle and make your
vehicle easier to handle.
%*
[DR21650( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the safety chains
*
[DR21700( ALL)01/95]
Always attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the
hitch breaks.
*
[DR21800( ALL)01/95]
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
*
[DR21900( ALL)01/95]
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue
and attach them to your vehicle's frame or
hook retainers. Never attach the safety
chains to your vehicle's bumper. The bumper
is not designed to bear the weight of a
trailer.
*
[DR22000( ALL)01/95]
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in
the chains to allow you to turn corners.
*
[DR22100( ALL)01/95]
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives you.
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217 [AC00530( B )03/95]
sixteen pica chart:0010543-J
*
[AC01400( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment,
passengers, and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight
capacity of the vehicle or of the front
or rear axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown
on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label). Consult your dealer for specific
weight information.
[AC01500( ALL)05/95]
NOTE: The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) or in Canada the
Canadian Radio Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC) regulates the use
of mobile communications systems Ð
such as two-way radios, telephones,
and theft alarms Ð that are equipped
with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle
should comply with FCC regulation
and should be installed only by a
qualified technician.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:47:21 1996

250
*
[SV24000( ALL)03/01]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[SV24100( ALL)09/95]
If the wiper blades still do not work properly
after you clean them, you may need to replace
the wiper blade assembly or the blade element.
When replacing the wiper blade assembly, blade
refill, or wiper arm always use a Motorcraft part
or equivalent. To replace the blades, follow the
instructions that come with them.
%
*
[SV24200( ALL)03/95]
Tires
*
[SV24300( ALL)03/95]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel
tank. If one tire looks lower than the others,
check the pressure in all of them. Always follow
these precautions:
*
[SV24500( ALL)03/95]
q
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended
pressures.
*
[SV24600( ALL)02/95]
q
Stay within the recommended load limits (see
Load limitsin the Index).
*
[SV24700( ALL)02/95]
q
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly
distributed.
*
[SV24800( ALL)10/89]
q
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[SV24900( ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires
may fail or go flat.
*
[SV24950( ALL)07/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[SV25000( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

314 Index
Fuses
charts................ 266
checking and replacing........ 272
circuit breakers............ 273
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap).......... 230
Gasoline (see Fuel)............ 231
Gauges, Mechanical
engine coolant temperature gauge.... 66
engine oil pressure gauge........ 69
fuel gauge............... 65
multi-gauge.............. 62
odometer................ 67
speedometer.............. 67
tachometer............... 68
trip odometer.............. 68
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating.............. 179
definition............... 178
location............... 178
Gearshift
automatic operation.......... 165
console-mounted........... 167
positions............... 165
shift-lock............... 166
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating.............. 179
definition............... 178
location............... 178
H
Hazard flashers.............. 94
Headlamps
autolamp system............ 84
bulb specification........... 279
checking alignment.......... 274
cleaning................ 84
daytime running lights......... 82
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996