Page 241 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 239
*
[SV14500( BCGV)11/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 239
*
[SV14500( BCGV)11/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-240.png)
239
*
[SV14500( BCGV)11/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
*
[SV14600( ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
*
[SV14800( ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[SV15000( ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
%*
[SV16300( ALL)06/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[SV16400( ALL)04/95]
Change the engine oil and oil filterper the
following, whichever occurs first.
*
[SV16500( ALL)04/95]
one third page art:0060618-C
*
[SV16800( ALL)06/95]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for additional information.
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![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 240 %
*
[SV16900( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 240 %
*
[SV16900( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-241.png)
240 %
*
[SV16900( 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.
*
[SV17275( ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV17285( ALL)07/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
*
[SV17300( ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17400( ALL)09/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17500( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[SV17600( BCGV)10/95]
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.
%*
[SV17800( ALL)05/94]
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.
*
[SV17850( ALL)05/95]
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 Schedule and Recordbooklet.
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![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 258 %
*
[SV30801( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 258 %
*
[SV30801( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-259.png)
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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Page 283 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 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 For FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 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 For](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-282.png)
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.
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![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 289
*
[SV57600( ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV57700( ALL)01/95]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[S FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 289
*
[SV57600( ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV57700( ALL)01/95]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[S](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-290.png)
289
*
[SV57600( ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV57700( ALL)01/95]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[SV57800( ALL)01/95]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[SV57900( ALL)01/95]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[SV58000( ALL)01/95]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
*
[SV58100( ALL)04/95]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[SV58200( ALL)01/95]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[SV58300( ALL)01/95]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
%*
[SV58350( ALL)01/95]
Engine
*
[SV58400( ALL)01/95]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[SV58500( ALL)01/95]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[SV58600( ALL)01/95]
Fuel system
%*
[SV58700( ALL)07/94]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[SV58900( ALL)03/95]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more), fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
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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 309 of 321

312 Index
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 174
Emission control system,
catalytic converter........... 280
Engine
check engine warning light....... 63
does not start.............. 49
fuel injected engine, starting....... 47
fuel pump shut-off switch........ 53
preparing to start............ 47
service points............. 227
starting................. 48
starting after a collision......... 53
storing your vehicle.......... 289
Engine block heater............ 50
Engine coolant
checking and adding......... 240
checking hoses............ 241
disposal............... 243
low coolant warning light........ 72
preparing for storage......... 290
proper solution............ 242
recovery reservoir........... 240
refill capacities............ 285
specifications............. 287
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description............... 66
mechanical............... 66
Engine fan............... 224
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter....... 239
checking and adding......... 238
dipstick............... 238
disposal............... 240
engine oil pressure gauge........ 69
filter, specifications.......... 286
refill capacities............ 285
specifications............. 287
synthetic oil............. 237
ªbreak-inº oils............. 5
viscosity............... 237
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Page 311 of 321

314 Index
Fuses
charts................ 266
checking and replacing........ 272
circuit breakers............ 273
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap).......... 230
Gasoline (see Fuel)............ 231
Gauges, Mechanical
engine coolant temperature gauge.... 66
engine oil pressure gauge........ 69
fuel gauge............... 65
multi-gauge.............. 62
odometer................ 67
speedometer.............. 67
tachometer............... 68
trip odometer.............. 68
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating.............. 179
definition............... 178
location............... 178
Gearshift
automatic operation.......... 165
console-mounted........... 167
positions............... 165
shift-lock............... 166
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating.............. 179
definition............... 178
location............... 178
H
Hazard flashers.............. 94
Headlamps
autolamp system............ 84
bulb specification........... 279
checking alignment.......... 274
cleaning................ 84
daytime running lights......... 82
File:rcixb.ex
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