wheel FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owner's Guide

197
*
[MC01900( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[MC02000( ALL)01/96]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[MC02100( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[MC02200(MBC )01/96]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
*
[MC02300( ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
*
[MC02500( BCGV)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[MC02600( ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[MC02700( ALL)01/96]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02800( ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine on:
*
[MC03000( BCGV)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[MC03100( ALL)01/96]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC03200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
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Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

214
%*
[MC18300( ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC18400( ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC18500( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
[MC18600( BC )03/96]
3.8L SFI engine
*
[MC18700( ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC18800( ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC18900( ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[MC19000(MBC )01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[MC19200(MBC )01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
*
[MC19400(MBC )03/96]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

225
*
[MC28000( ALL)01/96]
Traction A B C
*
[MC28100( ALL)05/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
[MC28150( ALL)04/96]
RWARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straight ahead) traction
tests and does not include cornering
(turning) traction.
*
[MC28200( ALL)01/96]
Temperature A B C
*
[MC28300( ALL)05/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

246
*
[MC52200( BCGV)04/96]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[MC52300( ALL)01/96]
q
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%*
[MC52400( ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC52500( ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[MC52600( ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
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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

Index 291
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
mirrors................ 89
plastic parts............. 244
polishing............... 243
rustproofing............. 243
safety belts.............. 244
tail lamps.............. 244
upholstery and interior trim...... 245
washing............... 243
waxing............... 243
wheels................ 246
Climate control system.......... 59
air conditioning.......... 59,62
heating.............. 59,62
Clock.................. 71
Cold engine starting........... 140
Combination lap and shoulder belts . . . 105
Compact disc player (see Electronic
sound system)............. 26
Compact disc radio (see Electronic sound
system)................ 26
Console, description............ 91
Controls
mirrors................ 86
power seat.............. 102
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 207
checking and adding......... 207
drain and flush............ 211
preparing for storage......... 251
proper solution............ 209
refill capacities............ 248
specifications............. 249
temperature gauge........... 21
warnings............... 207
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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