service FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owner's Manual

162Transmission Control Switch (TCS). This will
also give the engine more power going up hills
and better engine braking going down hills.
%*
[GF23100( ALL)05/96]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[GF23200( ALL)05/96]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[GF23300( ALL)05/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule
booklet for additional information.
%
*
[GF23600( ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF23700( ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[GF23800( ALL)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[GF23900( ALL)01/96]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
%*
[GF24000( ALL)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[GF24100( ALL)01/96]
Slippery roads
*
[GF24200( ALL)01/96]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[GF24300( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[GF24400( ALL)01/96]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[GF24500( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not use speed control.
*
[GF24600( ALL)01/96]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[GF24700( ALL)04/96]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your wheels. (Does not apply
to vehicles with anti-lock brakes.)
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996

174
%*
[ER07300( ALL)01/96]
If the Engine Cranks but Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
% [ER07400( ALL)12/95]
Fuel System Shut-off Switch
[ER07500( ALL)05/96]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does
not start after a collision, the fuel system shut-off
switch may have been activated. The shut-off
switch is a device intended to stop the fuel
system when your vehicle has been involved in
a substantial jolt.
*
[ER07600( BCGV)04/96]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must
reset the switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle. The switch is on the left side of the
trunk.
[ER07900( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010013-E
The fuel pump shut-off switch
*
[ER08100( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
File:10rcerb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:01:08 1996

182
*
[ER16000(MBC )03/96]
6. Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug
nuts in the order shown in the following
illustration. As soon as possible, have your
dealer or a qualified service technician check
the lug nuts for proper torque specifications.
% [ER16100( ALL)12/95]
quarter page art:0010350-A
The lug nuts on the wheel
*
[ER16200(MBC )03/96]
7. Place any wheel covers and ornaments in the
trunk.
*
[ER16300(MBC )03/96]
8. Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. Make
sure the jack is securely fastened so it does
not rattle when you drive.
*
[ER16400(MBC )03/96]
9. Unblock the wheels.
% [ER16600(MBC )12/95]
Aluminum Road Wheel Ornaments
(If equipped)
[ER16700(MBC )12/95]
To remove the ornament, stick the tapered end
of the jack handle between the ornament and
wheel and pry off the ornament.
[ER16800(MBC )12/95]
To replace the ornament, stick one side of the
ornament into the center of the wheel and strike
the other side with the palm of your hand.
File:10rcerb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:01:08 1996

186 %
*
[ER20200( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[ER20300( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[ER20400( ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[ER20500( ALL)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in
the order they are given. If in doubt, call for
road service.
%*
[ER20600( ALL)02/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
[ER20700( ALL)02/96]
NOTE: also see label on battery.
*
[ER20800( ALL)02/96]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
*
[ER20900( ALL)02/96]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
File:10rcerb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:01:08 1996

192
%*
[ER23500( ALL)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
*
[ER23600( ALL)01/96]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact
a professional towing service or, if you are a
member, your roadside assistance center.
[ER23660( BC )03/96]
Do not tow with slingbelt equipment when
towing your Thunderbird from the rear. Ford
Motor Company has not developed or approved
a T-hook sling-type procedure. When slingbelt
towing from the front, the towbar will deform
the soft fascia (bumper). However, it will return
to an acceptable shape. In both cases, wheel lift
or flatbed equipment is recommended.
File:10rcerb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:01:08 1996

195
Maintenance and Care
%*
[MC00200( ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
*
[MC00300( ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[MC00400( ALL)01/96]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
*
[MC00500( ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
*
[MC00600( ALL)01/96]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
*
[MC00700( ALL)03/96]
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
*
[MC00800( ALL)02/96]
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
*
[MC00900( ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*
[MC01000( ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
*
[MC01100( ALL)02/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet be performed for
the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance
Checklist, be alert for any unusual noise,
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

196vibration, or other indication that your vehicle
may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced
promptly.
*
[MC01200( ALL)01/96]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts conforming to Ford
specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is
your assurance that Ford-built quality stays in
your vehicle.
%*
[MC01300( ALL)04/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
%
*
[MC01400( ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
*
[MC01500( ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
%*
[MC01600(MBC )01/96]
q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
*
[MC01700(MBC )01/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
*
[MC01800( ALL)01/96]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 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

207
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
%
*
[MC11700( ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC11800( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[MC11900( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[MC12100( BCGV)01/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
%*
[MC12200( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
*
[MC12300( ALL)02/96]
The coolant additives also protect the entire
cooling system from internal passageway
corrosion and these additives lubricate the water
pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted
in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

211
*
[MC15005( ALL)05/96]
Severe winter climate
*
[MC15105( ALL)05/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
-34ÊF [-36ÊC]), it may benecessary to increase
the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that
the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months.
Never increase the engine coolant concentration
above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in
non-extreme climates.
%*
[MC15200( ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
[MC15300( ALL)04/96]
Proper procedures for a complete coolant drain
and flush of the cooling system can be found in
theCar Service Manual. Following these
recommended procedures will ensure that the
specified coolant level and a 50/50 or
appropriate mixture of coolant and water is
maintained.
*
[MC15400( ALL)12/95]
Engine Coolant Refill Procedure
*
[MC15500( ALL)12/95]
When the entire cooling system is drained and
refilled, the following procedure should be used
to ensure a complete fill:
*
[MC15600( ALL)12/95]
NOTE: It is imperative the following
procedure be adhered to. Failure to do
so could result in damage to your
engine.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996