instrument panel FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G User Guide

120 %
*
[SS27100( ALL)03/96]
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.
%*
[SS27200( ALL)01/96]
Safety Seats for Children
*
[SS27300( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[SS27500( ALL)01/96]
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. For a shoulder/lap belt
combination with a sliding tongue, make sure
the retractor is in the automatic locking mode.
*
[SS27600( ALL)05/96]
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.
*
[SS27700( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Rear-facing child seats or infant carriers
should never be placed in the front seats.
*
[SS27800( ALL)05/96]
All child restraint systems are designed to be
secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or by the
lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt.
File:06rcssb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:58:44 1996

140
*
[TO01300( ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO01400( ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
*
[TO01500( ALL)01/96]
To start your engine:
*
[TO01600( ALL)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
*
[TO01700( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[TO01800( ALL)01/96]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
*
[TO01900( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
*
[TO02000( ALL)01/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
%*
[TO02100( ALL)01/96]
For a cold engine:
*
[TO02200( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
*
[TO02300( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
File:08rctob.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:58:59 1996

146
*
[GF01600( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicle's stopping distance. Brake rotor
damage may also eventually occur.
*
[GF01700( ALL)02/96]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
%*
[GF01800( ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
[GF01900( ALL)12/95]
Ford Motor Company has not found any
detrimental effects of popular mobile radio
transmitting equipment installed on vehicles
with the anti-lock brake system, if the equipment
is installed according to the manufacturer's
instructions. However, if mobile radio
transmitting equipment is installed in your
vehicle and, if either the anti-lock brake system
cycles or the check anti-lock light comes on at
any time other than right after you turn the key
to ON or during a sudden stop, have your
mobile radio dealer inspect the installation.
%*
[GF02000( ALL)01/96]
Parking Brake
*
[GF02100( ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[GF02300( BCGV)12/95]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below
the bottom of the instrument panel to the left of
the brake pedal.
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996

147 [GF02500( BC )12/95]
To set the parking brake while parking your
vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right
foot and hold it while you push the parking
brake down firmly with your left foot. The brake
system warning light will glow.
[GF02800( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010315-A
The parking brake
*
[GF03100( BCGV)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
[GF03300( BC )12/95]
To release the parking brake, press down on the
pedal until you hear a click. Lift your foot off
the pedal. The brake is now released and will
reset to lock the next time you press the pedal,
located below the lower left corner of the
instrument panel. The Brake System Warning
Light will glow if the parking brake is not fully
released when the engine is running.
*
[GF03600( ALL)01/96]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996

154 %
*
[GF09200( ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF09400(MBC )05/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift is console-mounted on
the floor. The Transmission Control Switch (TCS)
is located on the gearshift handle. The
Transmission Control Indicator Light (O/D OFF)
is located on the instrument panel. You can put
the gearshift lever in any of the several
positions.
[GF09700(MBC )12/95]
The OVERDRIVE OFF light is off (not
illuminated) during normal vehicle operation.
This allows the transmission to upshift and
downshift from 1st through 4th gears. When the
TCS is pressed, the Transmission Control
Indicator Light will illuminate (O/D OFF) on the
instrument panel. When this O/D OFF is
illuminated the transmission will upshift and
downshift from 1st through 3rd gears.
[GF09800( ALL)12/95]
If the O/D OFF light does not come ªonº when
the TCS is depressed or if the light ªFLASHESº
when you are driving, have your vehicle
serviced at the first opportunity. If this condition
persists, damage could occur to the transmission.
*
[GF09900( BCGV)05/96]
To return the transmission to normal operation
(1st through 4th gear) depress the TCS again.
This switch may be used to cancel overdrive any
time the vehicle is being driven. Each time your
vehicle is started, the overdrive system will
automatically be in the normal overdrive mode
and the light will not be illuminated.
%*
[GF10200(MBC )01/96]
When to use D (Overdrive)
*
[GF10300( ALL)12/95]
Overdrive is the usual driving position for an
automatic overdrive transmission. It works the
same way Drive works, automatically upshifting
or downshifting as the vehicle speeds or slows.
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996

166 [ER00900( BC )12/95]
half page art:0010412-BThe instrument panel fuse panel location
[ER01100( BC )05/96]
half page art:0010413-D
The instrument panel fuse panel
File:10rcerb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:01:08 1996

167 %
*
[ER01300( ALL)05/96]
The Instrument Panel Fuses, Circuit
Breakers and Relays
[ER01600( BC )05/96]
thirty-four pica chart:0010392-KFile:10rcerb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:01:08 1996

171 [ER03905( BC )05/96]
twenty-four pica chart:0011394-A
%*
[ER04400( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Replacing Fuses
*
[ER04500( ALL)01/96]
If you need to check a fuse, follow these steps:
[ER04700( BC )12/95]
1. Find the fuse panel underneath the
instrument panel, to the left of the steering
column.
[ER05000( BCGV)12/95]
2. Check the fuse to see if it is blown. Look
through the clear side of the fuse to see if
the metal wire inside is separated. If it is,
the fuse should be replaced.
File:10rcerb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:01:08 1996

198 %
*
[MC03300( ALL)02/96]
Opening the Hood
[MC03400( ALL)12/95]
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
located under the lower left corner of the
instrument panel.
[MC03600( ALL)12/95]
2. Go around to the front of the vehicle, and
release the auxiliary catch that is located
under the front edge of the hood at the
center of the vehicle.
[MC03800( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010537-A
The auxiliary catch under the front edge of the hood
*
[MC04100( BCGV)12/95]
3. Lift the hood until the counterbalanced
hinges hold it open.
*
[MC04300( BCGV)12/95]
Whenever you close the hood, latch it securely.
*
[MC04400( ALL)12/95]
NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at
six-month intervals to maintain smooth
and trouble-free operation.
%
*
[MC04500( ALL)03/96]
Engine Compartment
*
[MC04600(MBC )01/96]
Your vehicle has one of these types of engines:
[MC04800(MBC )02/96]
q
a 3.8 liter SFI engine
[MC04900(MBC )12/95]
q
a 4.6 liter SFI engine
*
[MC05000(MBC )03/96]
The following pages show diagrams of each
engine type and where to find items that you
should regularly service.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

245
*
[MC51100( ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Instrument Panel Lens
*
[MC51200( ALL)01/96]
Clean the instrument panel lens with a soft cloth
and a glass cleaner, such as Ford Ultra-Clear
Spray Glass Cleaner, or equivalent. Do not use
paper towel or any abrasive cleaner to clean the
lens as these may cause scratches.
%*
[MC51250( ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Seats
*
[MC51300( ALL)01/96]
Leather and vinyl
*
[MC51400( ALL)01/96]
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a
soft, damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning,
wipe the surface with a leather and vinyl cleaner
or a mild soap.
%*
[MC51500( ALL)01/96]
Fabric
*
[MC51600( ALL)01/96]
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom
or a vacuum cleaner. Remove fresh spots
immediately. Follow the directions that come
with the cleaner.
*
[MC51700( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Before using any cleaner, test it on a
small, hidden area of fabric. If the
fabric's color or texture is adversely
affected by a particular cleaner, do not
use it.
*
[MC51800( ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC51900( ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a
buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator,
keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[MC52000( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC52100( BCGV)04/96]
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.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996