engine overheat FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual

21
*
[IS14800( ALL)01/96]
With ignition switch OFF, the fuel gauge
indicator may drift from the ignition switch ON
position.
%*
[IS15700( ALL)03/96]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[IS15800( ALL)02/96]
This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.
[IS15905( BCGV)04/96]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the normal band as your engine coolant warms
up. Under normal driving conditions, the pointer
should stay in the normal band. It is acceptable
for the pointer to fluctuate within the normal
band under normal driving conditions, and
under certain driving conditions such as, heavy
stop and go traffic, or driving up hills in hot
weather, for the pointer to indicate at the top of
the normal band.
[IS16005( BCGV)04/96]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the normal band, the engine is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
% [IS16200( BC )04/96]
one third page art:0011144-D
The engine coolant temperature gauge
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Update:Fri Jun 7 14:35:00 1996

22
*
[IS16400( ALL)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
*
[IS16500( ALL)04/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[IS16600( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn off the engine.
*
[IS16700( ALL)03/96]
3. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE
COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL
THE ENGINE IS COOL.
*
[IS16800( ALL)03/96]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine Coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[IS16900( ALL)03/96]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the
coolant system serviced.
%*
[IS18100( ALL)03/96]
Speedometer
[IS18200( BC )04/96]
one third page art:0011341-B
The speedometer
*
[IS18350( ALL)03/96]
The speedometer tells you how many miles
(kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.
%*
[IS18900( ALL)03/96]
Odometer
*
[IS19000( ALL)01/96]
The odometer tells you the total number of miles
(kilometers) your vehicle has been driven.
File:03rcisb.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:35:00 1996

150 [GF04800( BCGV)12/95]During the Traction Assist
TM
function, which
most often occurs during low speed acceleration
on slippery surfaces, a noise may be heard
coming from the engine compartment. This noise
is created by the ABS pump and is normal and
may last for a few seconds during the
acceleration of the vehicle.
[GF04900( BCGV)05/96]
In general, this system improves your vehicle's
stability and acceleration performance when road
conditions warrant. Traction Assist
TM
is fully
effective up to approximately 25 mph
(40 km/h). At 25 mph (40 km/h) the function
begins to taper off until it no longer operates
above 34 mph (55 km/h).
[GF05000( BCGV)12/95]
If the Traction Assist
TM
system is cycled
excessively, the system will shut down to
prevent the rear brakes from overheating.
During this shutdown period, the word OFF in
the traction assist switch will be illuminated
showing that the traction assist system is
inoperative. A cooling down period is required
to prevent damage to the rear brakes. This time
period varies and depends on brake usage
during the cooling down period. Anti-Lock
braking is not affected and will function
normally during the cool down period.
%
*
[GF05200( ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05400( ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996

163
*
[GF24800( ALL)01/96]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[GF25000( BCGV)01/96]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on
slippery roads, do not downshift into 1
(First) when you are moving faster than
20 mph (30 km/h).
*
[GF25100( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not use the speed control in heavy
traffic or on roads that are winding,
slippery, or unpaved.
[GF25300(MBC )01/96]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may try to ªrockº it out of the
spot. Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward
and reverse gears. At the same time, press
lightly on the accelerator.
*
[GF25400( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
[GF25500( ALL)12/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transmission, or damage the
tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two
of rocking, call for a tow truck.
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 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