Page 234 of 321

232reformulated gasoline is not available when you
refuel, your vehicle can be operated on
non-California fuels. However, even though your
engine will perform adequately on other
gasolines, the performance of the emission
control devices and systems may be adversely
affected. Repair of damage caused by using a
fuel that your vehicle was not designed for may
not be covered by your warranty.
[SV08750( ALL)02/96]
Octane recommendation
[SV08800( ALL)02/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline
with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not
recommend gasolines labeled as ªregularº in
high altitude areas that are sold with octane
ratings of 86 or even less.
[SV08900( ALL)05/95]
one inch art:0060001-C[SV09200( ALL)02/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
[SV09355( ALL)02/96]
Fuel Quality
[SV09360( ALL)02/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems try a different brand of fuel.
If the condition persists, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
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        Page 282 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 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 req FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 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 req](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-281.png)
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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        Page 284 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 282
*
[SV53500( ALL)02/92]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicles plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or defo FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 282
*
[SV53500( ALL)02/92]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicles plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or defo](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-283.png)
282
*
[SV53500( ALL)02/92]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[SV53600( ALL)01/95]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[SV53700( ALL)05/95]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
%*
[SV53702( ALL)07/95]
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
Testing
*
[SV53715( ALL)07/95]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies a
ªneed for additional mixed city and highway
driving to complete the checkº of the OBD II
system. As soon as all of the OBD II system
checks are successfully completed, the OBD II
system is set to the ready condition. The amount
of driving required to reach the ready condition
varies with individual driving patterns. To
complete this requirement in the minimum
amount of time, refer to the OBD II Drive Cycle
defined below. If the vehicle owner cannot or
does not want to do the additional driving
required by law, a service center can perform
this drive cycle as it would any other type of
repair work.
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        Page 290 of 321
288 [SV55900( BC )03/95]
fourteen pica chart:0010585-K
*
[SV56400( ALL)11/95]
NOTE: Rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
%
*
[SV57000( ALL)01/95]
Vehicle Storage
*
[SV57100( ALL)01/95]
Maintenance Tips
*
[SV57150( ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[SV57200( ALL)01/95]
General
*
[SV57300( ALL)01/95]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[SV57400( ALL)01/95]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[SV57500( ALL)01/95]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
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        Page 304 of 321

Index 307
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 58
Accessory position on the ignition..... 45
Additives, engine oil.......... 237
Air bag supplemental restraint system
description............... 18
disposal................ 25
driver air bag............. 18
indicator light............. 60
operation............... 21
proper seating............. 19
tone generator............. 25
wearing safety belts........... 18
Air cleaner filter, location........ 227
Air conditioning
manual heating and air conditioning
system............... 74
semi-automatic temperature control
system............... 77
Alarm, activating remote personal.... 112
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 240
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 173
see also Brake............ 173
warning light.............. 58
Anti-theft lug nuts and key....... 200
Anti-theft system
arming the system.......... 106
description.............. 104
disarming an untriggered system.... 108
disarming a triggered system..... 109
triggering.............. 108
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 203
Audio system
(see Electronic sound system)..... 131
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        Page 307 of 321

310 Index
Chime (continued)
safety belt............... 59
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 273
see also fuses............. 264
Cleaning your vehicle
chrome and aluminum parts....... 6
engine compartment.......... 230
exterior................ 5
exterior lamps............. 84
fabric................ 123
headlamps............... 84
instrument panel............ 74
instrument panel lens.......... 90
interior lamps.............. 89
mirrors................ 124
plastic parts.............. 6
polishing................ 6
rustproofing.............. 6
safety belts............... 18
tail lamps............... 84
upholstery and interior trim...... 123
washing................ 5
wheels................ 256
Climate control system
air conditioning........... 74,77
heating............... 74,77
Clock................... 89
Cold engine starting............ 48
Compact disc radio (see Electronic sound
system)................ 132
Console, description........... 127
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding......... 240
drain and flush............ 244
preparing for storage......... 290
proper solution............ 242
refill capacities............ 285
refill procedure............ 244
specifications............. 287
temperature gauge........... 66
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        Page 312 of 321

Index 315
Headlamps (continued)
flashing................ 92
high beam............... 92
replacing bulbs............ 275
turning on and off........... 83
Head restraints............. 118
Heating
manual heating and air conditioning
system............... 74
semi-automatic system......... 77
High beams, indicator light........ 62
High-mount brakelamp
description.............. 277
replacing the bulb.......... 278
Hitch................. 182
Hood
latch location............. 226
lubrication specifications........ 287
release lever............. 226
Horn................... 95
Hoses, checking............. 241
I
Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN) . . . 206
Idle
relearning.............. 248
speed................. 49
Ignition
chime................. 46
positions of the ignition......... 45
removing the key............ 46
Indicator lamp module.......... 71
Infant seats (see Safety seats)........ 27
Instrument cluster, mechanical....... 56
Instrument panel
cleaning................ 90
lighting up panel and interior...... 86
location of components......... 73
Interval wipers.............. 93
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Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996