maintenance FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owner's Manual

236 %
*
[MC38300( ALL)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC38400( ALL)04/96]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies that
additional city and highway driving is necessary
to complete the check of the OBD II system.
*
[MC38601( ALL)05/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes of
city and highway driving as described below:
*
[MC38701( ALL)05/96]
q
At least twenty minutes driving in stop and
go, city type traffic with at least four idle
periods.
*
[MC38801( ALL)05/96]
q
At least ten minutes of driving on an
expressway or highway.
[MC38901( ALL)04/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the
engine must be warmed up and at operating
temperature. Once started, the vehicle must not
be turned off during these driving modes.
%
*
[MC41200( ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC41300( ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
*
[MC41400( ALL)01/96]
q
headlamps
*
[MC41500( ALL)01/96]
q
tail lamps
*
[MC41600( ALL)01/96]
q
brakelamps
*
[MC41700( ALL)01/96]
q
hazard flasher
*
[MC41800( ALL)01/96]
q
high-mount brakelamp
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

250
%*
[CS03000( ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[CS03100( ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[CS03200( ALL)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[CS03300( ALL)01/96]
General
*
[CS03400( ALL)01/96]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[CS03500( ALL)01/96]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[CS03600( ALL)01/96]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
*
[CS03700( ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[CS03800( ALL)01/96]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[CS03900( ALL)01/96]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[CS04000( ALL)01/96]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[CS04100( ALL)01/96]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
*
[CS04200( ALL)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[CS04300( ALL)01/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[CS04400( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
File:12rccsb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:03:27 1996

256
*
[HS00245( ALL)06/94]
How to use Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00250( ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can
be found in the Owner Guide portfolio in your
glove compartment. Complete the card and place
it in your wallet for quick reference.
*
[HS00255( ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United
States call 1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call
1-800-665-2006).
*
[HS00260( ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside
assistance yourself, Ford Motor Company will
reimburse the reasonable cost. To obtain
information about reimbursement call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
*
[HS00300( ALL)01/95]
If You Have a Service Problem
*
[HS00400( ALL)01/95]
Ford Motor Company has authorized Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealerships that can service
your vehicle for you. This chapter tells you how
to get service or maintenance for your vehicle.
%*
[HS00500( ALL)02/95]
Service/Maintenance Concerns
(U.S. or Canada)
*
[HS00600( ALL)04/95]
Ford recommends taking your vehicle to your
selling dealer who wants to ensure your
continued satisfaction. You may, however, take
your vehicle to any authorized Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In most cases, your
dealer will be able to resolve your concern.
*
[HS00700( ALL)04/95]
If you are not satisfied with the service you
received from your dealership's service
department, talk to the service manager at the
dealership, or if you still are not satisfied, talk to
the owner or general manager of the dealership.
In most cases, you will have your concern
resolved at this level.
File:14rchsb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:03:54 1996

261
*
[HS04300( ALL)05/96]
To review your case properly, the Board needs
the following information:
*
[HS04400( ALL)05/96]
q
legible copies of all documents and
maintenance or repair orders relevant to the
case
*
[HS04500( ALL)05/96]
q
the year, make, model, and Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) listed on your
vehicle ownership license
*
[HS04600( ALL)05/96]
q
the date of repair(s) and mileage at the time
of occurrence(s)
*
[HS04700( ALL)05/96]
q
the current mileage
*
[HS04800( ALL)05/96]
q
the name of the dealer who sold or serviced
the vehicle
*
[HS04900( ALL)05/96]
q
a brief description of your unresolved concern
*
[HS05000( ALL)05/96]
q
a brief summary of the action taken with the
dealer and Ford Motor Company
*
[HS05100( ALL)05/96]
q
the names (if known) of all the people you
contacted at the dealership
*
[HS05200( ALL)05/96]
q
a description of the action you expect to
resolve your concern
*
[HS05300( ALL)05/96]
Should your case NOT qualify for review, a
letter of explanation will be mailed to you.
*
[HS05401( ALL)05/96]
Oral presentations
*
[HS05501( ALL)05/96]
If the involved vehicle is within 36 months and
36,000 miles of the warranty start date, you have
the right to make an oral presentation before the
Board. Indicate your choice to do so on the
application. Oral presentations may also be
requested by the Board.
File:14rchsb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:03:54 1996

288 Index
Anti-theft system (continued)
disarming a triggered system....... 95
triggering............... 92
warning light.............. 16
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 258
Assistance (see Customer assistance).... 255
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............. 25
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 67
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive . . . 151, 154
fluid, adding............. 218
fluid, checking............ 217
fluid, refill capacities......... 248
fluid, specification........... 249
Axle
lubricant specifications......... 249
refill capacities............ 248
traction lok.............. 148
B
Backing up............... 153
Basic vehicle warranty........... 4
Battery................. 219
acid, treating emergencies....... 186
charging system warning light...... 14
disconnecting...........191, 220
how to service............ 219
jumping a disabled battery....... 185
maintenance-free........... 219
proper disposal, recycling....... 220
replacement, specifications....... 247
servicing............... 219
voltage gauge.............. 14
when storing your vehicle....... 251
Brake fluid............... 204
brake warning light........... 10
checking and adding......... 204
description.............. 204
specifications...........205, 249
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996

Index 299
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 13
anti-lock brakes (ABS).......... 11
anti-theft................ 16
brake................. 10
charging system............ 14
door ajar................ 18
engine oil pressure........... 18
hazard warning light.......... 77
high beam............... 16
low coolant.............. 13
low fuel................ 19
low washer fluid............ 20
oil pressure.............. 18
overdrive off.............. 14
safety belt............... 12
service engine soon........... 16
theft system.............. 16
turn signal indicator.......... 17
Load limits............... 156
GAWR................ 156
GVWR................ 156
trailer towing............. 158
Lubricant specifications......... 249
Lug nuts................ 178
anti-theft............... 184
standard............... 179
tightening sequence.......... 182
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
booklet)................ 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 195
Master cylinder, brakes......... 204
Mirrors.................. 86
rearview................ 86
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996

302 Index
S
Safe driving tips............. 162
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)..... 103
Safety chains, when towing a trailer.... 160
Safety information relating to
automotive fuels........... 230
Safety restraints
adjusting the
safety belts.........105, 108, 112
automatic locking mode........ 107
automatic locking mode (retractor) . . . 107
center rear lap belt.......... 112
cleaning the safety belts........ 244
extension assembly.......... 113
for adults.............. 103
for children.............. 118
for infants............118, 120
for pregnant women.......... 103
head.................. 99
lap and shoulder belts.......103, 105
maintenance............. 114
proper use.............. 103
replacement............. 114
warning light and chime......... 12
Safety seats for children......... 120
and air bags............. 120
automatic locking mode
(retractor)...........107, 120
in center seating positions....... 135
in front seat............. 120
in rear outboard.........120, 129
in rear seat.............. 120
Seat belts (see Safety restraints)...... 103
Seats................... 99
adjusting the seat, manual....... 100
adjusting the seats, power....... 102
child safety seats........... 120
cleaning upholstery.......... 245
head restraints............. 99
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996

304 Index
Steering wheel
horn.................. 78
locking................. 72
tilting................. 79
Storage compartments, center console.... 91
Storing your vehicle........... 250
Sunroof (moon roof)............ 84
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 13
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) . . . 114
T
Tachometer................ 23
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 236
cleaning............... 244
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 59
Tilt steering wheel............. 79
Tires.................. 221
changing............... 175
checking the pressure......... 221
cleaning............... 246
inspection and maintenance...... 221
replacing............... 223
rotating............... 222
snow tires and chains......... 225
spare tire............... 177
storing your vehicle.......... 252
tire grades.............. 224
treadwear.............. 224
wear bands.............. 223
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 158
Towing your vehicle........... 192
using wheel dollies.......... 192
with a tow truck........... 192
Traction assist.............. 149
Traction-lok rear axle.......... 148
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996

306 Index
Vehicle storage............. 250
Ventilating your vehicle
(see Climate control)........ 59,65
Viscosity (see Engine oil)......... 201
Voltmeter (see Battery voltage gauge).... 14
W
Warm engine, starting.......... 141
Warning chimes
key in ignition............. 73
safety belt............... 12
Warning lights (see Lights)......... 8
Warranties................ 4
basic.................. 4
Canada................. 4
radio.................. 58
Warranty Information Booklet....... 4
Washer fluid............... 75
rear window reservoir......... 206
reservoir............... 206
warning light.............. 20
windshield.............. 206
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR)...... 156
Wheel dollies (see Towing)........ 192
Wheels
anti-theft lugnuts........... 184
cleaning............... 246
covers..............178, 182
inspection and maintenance...... 221
lug nuts............... 178
ornaments.............. 182
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996