1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD engine

249
*
[SV23400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
%*
[SV23500( ALL)01/95]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
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
(VOC's) 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.
%*
[SV23600( ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
*
[SV23700( ALL)03/95]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Substances such as tree
sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness
of wiper blades.
*
[SV23800( ALL)09/95]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do
not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents to clean your wiper blades. These will
damage your blades.
*
[SV23900( ALL)03/95]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply
turn the ignition to the ACC position and turn
your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to the OFF
position. Do not move the wipers manually.
Manually moving the wipers across the
windshield may damage them.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

257 [SV30575( ALL)03/94]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and, while fully applying the brake
pedal, move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage.Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
[SV30625(MBC )03/93]
NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven if
the fluid level is below the low cold
reading on the dipstick.
*
[SV30650( ALL)02/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out
and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
[SV30675(MBC )10/95]
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperature150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC), thefluid
level should be within the hot notched area on
the dipstick. When the vehicle has not been
driven, and the fluid is at room temperature
50ÊF-95ÊF (10ÊC-35ÊC), thefluid level should be
within the cold notched area.
*
[SV30715( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic during hot weather, or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow the fluid to cool before checking.
%*
[SV30725( ALL)08/95]
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
[SV30750( ALL)03/94]
Before adding any fluid, be sure that the correct
type will be used. Use only MERCONHfluid.
*
[SV30775( ALL)03/95]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level to the correct
area on the dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL. If the
level is above the top hole on the dipstick,
excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

258 %
*
[SV30801( ALL)09/95]
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.
[SV30825(MBC )03/93]
one third page art:0011152-A
Detail of the automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[SV31900( ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV32000( ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
[SV32200( BCGV)03/95]
Check the brake fluid at each scheduled engine
oil change or at least once a year. You can do
this by looking at the fluid level in the plastic
reservoir on the master cylinder. Also, see label
on reservoir cap. (To locate the master cylinder,
seeThe Engine Typesin the Index.) The fluid
level should be between the MIN and MAX
marks.
*
[SV32350( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

261
%*
[SV34800( ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV34900( ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV35000( ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
[SV35050( BC )10/95]
3.8L SFI engine
*
[SV35100( ALL)02/95]
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.
*
[SV35200( ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[SV35300( ALL)05/95]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[SV35400(MBC )03/94]
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.
*
[SV35500(MBC )07/94]
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.
*
[SV35600(MBC )03/95]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

263 [SV36155( BC )10/95]
4.6L SFI engine
[SV36170(MBC )03/95]
1. Check the fluid level when the system is
COLD (allow at least one half hour after
driving for the power steering fluid to cool).
[SV36171(MBC )10/95]
2. Locate the power steering reservoir mounted
to the front upper left-hand corner of the
engine.
[SV36178( BC )10/95]
3. Visually verify that the fluid level is above
the MIN line adjacent to the reservoir ªsight
window.º
[SV36182( BC )10/95]
4. If the power steering fluid is below the MIN
line, remove the cap and add fluid in small
amounts until the level is between the MIN
and MAX lines.
[SV36185( BC )10/95]
5. Reinstall the reservoir cap.
[SV36190( BC )10/95]
half page art:0011153-A
Fluid level for power steering
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

269 %
*
[SV39000( ALL)01/95]
High Current Fuses
*
[SV39200( ALL)01/95]
High current fuses are circuit protectors that are
part of the wiring harness for some electrical
equipment. These, like fuses, open when the
circuit load exceeds their amperage rating. High
current fuses may be purchased from your Ford
or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[SV39300(MBC )01/95]
The high current fuse panel is located in the
engine compartment on the left-hand fender
apron.
*
[SV39600( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always disconnect the battery before
servicing high current fuses.
*
[SV39700( ALL)07/95]
Ford recommends that high current fuses be
replaced by a qualified technician.
[SV39900( BC )03/93]
half page art:0011157-A
The high current fuse panel location
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

280
%*
[SV52400( ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
*
[SV52500( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[SV52550( ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
*
[SV52600( ALL)05/95]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[SV52700( ALL)01/95]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[SV52800( ALL)01/95]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[SV52900( ALL)01/95]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[SV52950( ALL)01/95]
q
Do not push start your vehicle.
*
[SV53000( ALL)03/95]
q
Have the services listed in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet performed
according to the specified schedule. The
scheduled maintenance services are required
because they are considered essential to the
life and performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.
*
[SV53075( ALL)03/95]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emissions control devices or systems in
your new Ford Motor Company vehicle or
engine may be performed at your expense by
any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

281
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[SV53150( ALL)05/95]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine
Ford replacement parts. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for the service of components
affecting emission control, such non-Ford parts
should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It
is the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
*
[SV53175( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[SV53200( ALL)05/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[SV53300( ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[SV53400( ALL)01/95]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996