towing FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual

5
*
[II03210( ALL)05/96]
You may purchase Ford ESP from any
participating Ford Motor Company dealer. There
are several Ford ESP plans available in various
time-and-mileage combinations. Each plan can be
tailored to fit your own driving needs, including
reimbursement benefits for towing and rental.
(In Hawaii, rules vary. See your dealer for
details.)
*
[II03240( ALL)05/96]
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive
peace-of-mind protection throughout the United
States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,100 participating Ford Motor
Company dealers.
*
[II03270( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Repairs performed outside the United
States and Canada are not eligible for
ESP coverage.
*
[II03310( ALL)05/96]
This information is subject to change. Ask your
dealer for complete details about Ford ESP
coverage.
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Update:Thu May 30 10:53:51 1996

158
*
[GF17100( ALL)11/92]
After determining this load, you must also make
sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus
the load it carries, is less than its GVWR. Also,
make sure that the weight your vehicle carries
over each axle is less than the GAWR for the
respective axle.
*
[GF17200( ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[GF17300( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improper distribution of your vehicle's
load or carrying weight in excess of the
amount shown on the tire decal can cause
rapid tire wear or loss of vehicle control.
%
*
[GF17400(MBC )01/96]
Trailer Towing
*
[GF17600( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle does not come from the factory
fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are
available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealers.
*
[GF17700( ALL)05/96]
Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on
your vehicle, you must follow certain
precautions for your safety and the good of your
vehicle:
*
[GF17800( ALL)05/96]
q
Stay within the load limits for towing your
vehicle. (SeeTrailer towing specificationsin this
chapter.)
*
[GF17900( ALL)05/96]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF18000( ALL)05/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
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159
*
[GF18100( ALL)05/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
*
[GF18200( ALL)05/96]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should
be on the tongue. However, the tongue load
should never exceed 10% of the maximum
weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
*
[GF18300( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a
temporary spare tire.
[GF18400( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing
vehicle. The amount of weight that you can
safely tow depends on the optional equipment
on your vehicle. See the following chart.
% [GF18500( ALL)12/95]
Trailer towing specifications
[GF18700( BC )12/95]
six pica chart:0010654-D*
[GF19000( ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF19100( ALL)05/96]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[GF19200( ALL)05/96]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the load.
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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193
*
[ER23700( BC )04/96]
three fourths page art:0011391-A
*
[ER23800( ALL)01/96]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator
what kind of vehicle you have. A towing
manual is available from Ford Motor Company
for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for
the proper hook-up and towing procedures for
your vehicle.
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Update:Thu May 30 11:01:08 1996

255
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205( ALL)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210( ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first.
To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto
Club in the United States or Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada), contact
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Additional
Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00215( ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220( ALL)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225( ALL)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230( ALL)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235( ALL)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240( ALL)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
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292 Index
Cooling fan............... 196
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 257
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........257, 263
D
Daytime running light system....... 67
Defrost
rear window.............. 66
windshield............... 60
Dipstick................ 202
automatic transmission fluid...... 217
engine oil.............. 202
power steering fluid.......... 214
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 192
Dispute Settlement Board........ 258
Doors.................. 87
door ajar warning light......... 18
lubricant specifications......... 249
Driving under special conditions..... 162
bad weather............. 162
heavy load.............. 156
high water.............. 164
slippery roads............ 162
tips for safe driving.......... 162
towing a trailer............ 158
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 173
fuses................. 165
Electronic sound system
tuning the radio........ 27,37,46
warranty and service information..... 58
Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 37
Emergencies, roadside
assistance............... 255
battery acid spills........... 186
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Index 293
Emergencies, roadside (continued)
fuel................. 230
jump-starting............. 185
towing................ 192
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 146
Emission control system......... 233
catalytic converter.......... 233
emissions warranty......... 4,233
Engine
does not start............ 141
fuel injected engine, starting...... 139
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 174
preparing to start........... 139
refill capacities............ 248
service points............ 195
starting............... 140
starting after a collision........ 174
storing your vehicle.......... 250
Engine block heater........... 142
Engine coolant............. 207
checking and adding......... 207
checking hoses............ 208
disposal............... 196
drain and flush............ 211
low coolant warning light........ 13
preparing for storage......... 251
proper solution........196, 209, 211
recovery reservoir........198, 207
refill capacities............ 248
specifications............. 249
temperature gauge........... 21
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 21
description............... 21
mechanical............... 21
Engine fan............... 196
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Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996