1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD Owners Manual

94
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Do not try to clean the windshield when the
washer fluid container is empty or activate the
washers at any time for more than 15 seconds
continuously. This could damage the washer
pump system.
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RWARNING
In freezing weather, the washer solution
may freeze on the windshield and obscure
your vision. Always warm up the
windshield with the defroster before you
use the washer fluid. If you cannot see
through the windshield clearly, it can
increase the risk of being involved in a
collision.
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For information about refilling the washer fluid
or replacing your windshield wiper blades, see
Windshield washer fluid and Wipersin the Index.
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Hazard Flasher
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To alert other drivers to hazardous situations,
push in the hazard flasher on the top of the
steering column. The same switch turns the
flashers off.
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The flashers work whether your vehicle is
running or not. The flashers work for up to two
hours when the battery is fully charged and in
good condition without draining the battery
excessively. If the flashers run for longer than
two hours or if the battery is not fully charged,
the battery can be drained.
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one third page art:0010216-B
The control switch for the hazard flashers
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Horn
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To sound the horn, push the center pad area of
the steering wheel.
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half page art:0001012-B
The horn on the steering wheel
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96
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Tilt Steering
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RWARNING
Never adjust the steering wheel when the
vehicle is moving.
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The lever to tilt the steering wheel
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To change the position of the steering wheel,
pull the release lever on the column toward you.
Tip the steering wheel to the desired position.
Release the lever to lock the steering wheel in
place.
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97
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Speed Control (If equipped)
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If your vehicle has speed control, you can
automatically maintain a constant speed at or
above 30 mph (50 km/h).
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Use of radio transmitting equipment that is not
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or
in Canada the Canadian Radio and
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
approved may cause the speed control to
malfunction. Therefore, use only properly
installed FCC (CRTC in Canada) approved radio
transmitting equipment in your vehicle.
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NOTE: When driving in hilly terrain, at high
elevations, or when pulling a trailer, it
may be desirable to drive with the
transmission in the Overdrive off
mode. This can be done by depressing
the Transmission Control Switch on
the transmission gear selection lever.
Driving in this mode prevents the
transmission from shifting excessively
when ascending grades, and helps
maintain speed when going down
steep hills.
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NOTE: Do not shift to N (Neutral) when using
the speed control. This will cause the
engine to overspeed.
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When driving uphill, especially with a heavy
load, significant speed drops may occur. If the
speed drops more than 10 mph (16 km/h) the
automatic speed control will, by design, be
suspended. Some vehicles may require
temporary resumption of manual speed control
while ascending steep grades in order to
maintain the selected speed.
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half page art:0001014-BThe speed control switches on the steering wheel
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To set the speed control:
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1. Press and release the ON switch.
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2. Accelerate to the desired speed above
30 mph (50 km/h) using the accelerator
pedal.
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3. Press the SET ACCEL switch and release it
immediately to set your speed. If you keep
this switch pressed, your speed will continue
to increase.
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4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle will maintain the speed you set.
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If you drive up or down a steep hill, your
vehicle may momentarily slow down or speed
up, even though the speed control is on. This is
normal.
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99
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NOTE: If your speed increases above your set
speed while driving in D (Drive) on a
downhill grade, you may want to
depress the Transmission Control
Switch located on the shift lever to
turn off overdrive to reduce vehicle
speed. Speed control cannot reduce the
vehicle speed if it goes above your set
speed on a downhill grade.
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RWARNING
Do not use the speed control in heavy
traffic or on roads that are winding,
slippery, or unpaved.
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Accelerating With the Speed Control
Operating
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You can use the accelerator pedal to speed up
momentarily. When you take your foot off the
accelerator, the vehicle will return to the set
speed.
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Resetting the Speed Control
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To reset the speed control to alower speed, use
one of the following procedures:
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q
COAST ÐPress and hold the COAST switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle slows
down to the desired speed.
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q
Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle
attains the desired speed, press the SET
ACCEL switch and release it immediately.
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If vehicle speed is reduced below 30 mph
(50 km/h) by any of the above methods, then
you must manually accelerate to a speed over
30 mph (50 km/h) and reset the system.
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100
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To reset the speed control toa higher speed,
follow one of these procedures:
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q
ACCEL ÐPress and hold the SET ACCEL
switch. Release the switch when the vehicle
has accelerated to the desired speed.
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q
Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, press the
SET ACCEL switch and release it
immediately.
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Cancelling and Resuming a Set Speed
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If you press the brake pedal, speed control is
suspended. You can return to the set speed by
pressing the RESUME switch, as long as you did
not press the OFF switch. You must be driving
at least 30 mph (48 km/h).
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Your vehicle will gradually return to the
previously set speed and then maintain it.
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To Turn Speed Control Off
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Press the OFF switch.
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Speed control is also turned OFF each time the
vehicle ignition is shut off.
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101
Features
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Your vehicle has a variety of features designed
for your comfort, convenience and safety. Read
this chapter to find out about standard and
optional features.
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Doors
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Anti-theft front door lock knobs
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Anti-theft lock knobs are designed to prevent
unlocking the door by pulling up on the lock
knob. To unlock and open the front door from
inside the vehicle, pull on the inside door
handle.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:50:02 1996