Page 176 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 173
%*
[DR10500( ALL)03/95]
Brakes
%*
[DR10600( ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR10650( ALL)05/95]
Braking non ABS models
[DR10800( B )03/95]
Your vehicle has standard power front disc
brakes and rea FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 173
%*
[DR10500( ALL)03/95]
Brakes
%*
[DR10600( ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR10650( ALL)05/95]
Braking non ABS models
[DR10800( B )03/95]
Your vehicle has standard power front disc
brakes and rea](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-175.png)
173
%*
[DR10500( ALL)03/95]
Brakes
%*
[DR10600( ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR10650( ALL)05/95]
Braking non ABS models
[DR10800( B )03/95]
Your vehicle has standard power front disc
brakes and rear drum brakes, (anti-lock disc
brakes on all four wheels are optional). They
adjust automatically as the brake pads or linings
wear down.
*
[DR11100( ALL)04/95]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
[DR11300( ALL)03/95]
On vehicles without anti-lock brakes, extreme
braking can make the wheels lock and slide,
possibly decreasing your control of the steering.
If you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal
and repeat the ªsqueezeº technique.
[DR11310( ALL)05/95]
Braking with ABS brakes
[DR11400( ALL)03/95]
On vehicles with anti-lock brakes, the wheels
will not lock and slide when you press down
hard on the brake pedal. The anti-lock brakes
automatically start releasing and reapplying the
front brakes independently and the rear brakes
together whenever your wheels start to lock. Do
not ªpumpº the brake pedal on vehicles
equipped with anti-lock brakes. When this
happens, you will feel the brake pedal pulse.
This ªpulseº may be an unfamiliar feeling but it
is normal and indicates the ABS is working as
designed.
*
[DR11650( ALL)05/95]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicle's stopping distance. Brake rotor
damage may also eventually occur.
File:rcdrb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996
Page 204 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 201
*
[RE13500(MBC )03/95]
Replacing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[RE13600(MBC )03/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the
lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and, while
applying pressure o FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 201
*
[RE13500(MBC )03/95]
Replacing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[RE13600(MBC )03/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the
lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and, while
applying pressure o](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-203.png)
201
*
[RE13500(MBC )03/95]
Replacing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[RE13600(MBC )03/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the
lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and, while
applying pressure on the key, install the lug nut.
*
[RE13800( ALL)02/95]
If the Engine Cranks But Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
*
[RE13810( ALL)04/95]
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[RE13900( ALL)03/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you
have had a collision, the fuel pump shut-off
switch may have been triggered. The shut-off
switch is a device that stops the fuel pump
when your vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
*
[RE14000( ALL)01/95]
For information on how to check and reset the
fuel pump shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off
switchin the Index.
%
*
[RE14100( ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
*
[RE14201( ALL)05/95]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact
a professional towing service or, if you are a
member, your roadside assistance center.
Recommended towing options include wheel lift
towing or flat bed towing.
[RE14210( BC)01/96]
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.
File:rcreb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:15 1996
Page 247 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 245 [SV21000(MBC )12/91]
q
Close the vent plug.
[SV21100(MBC )03/93]
q
Reinstall the coolant recovery reservoir cap
by installing the cap to the fully installed
position.
[SV21110(MBC )03/93]
q
Reinst FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 245 [SV21000(MBC )12/91]
q
Close the vent plug.
[SV21100(MBC )03/93]
q
Reinstall the coolant recovery reservoir cap
by installing the cap to the fully installed
position.
[SV21110(MBC )03/93]
q
Reinst](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-246.png)
245 [SV21000(MBC )12/91]
q
Close the vent plug.
[SV21100(MBC )03/93]
q
Reinstall the coolant recovery reservoir cap
by installing the cap to the fully installed
position.
[SV21110(MBC )03/93]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap to the pressure
relief position by installing the cap to the
fully installed position, and then backing off
to the first stop.
[SV21200(MBC )03/93]
q
Start and idle engine until the radiator upper
hose is warm (this indicates the thermostat is
open and coolant is flowing through the
entire system).
[SV21300(MBC )03/93]
q
Immediately shut off engine. Cover cap
completely with a thick cloth and cautiously
remove radiator pressure cap and add a
50/50 mixture of recommended coolant and
water until system is full.
[SV21400(MBC )03/91]
q
Reinstall the radiator cap securely.
[SV21500(MBC )05/94]
q
Remove the cap from the engine coolant
recovery reservoir and add a 50/50 mixture
of recommended cooling system fluid and
water to the FULL-HOT mark on the engine
coolant recovery reservoir. Check that
reservoir hose is not kinked.
[SV21800(MBC )03/93]
q
Reinstall the reservoir cap.
*
[SV21900(MBC )05/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock, block plug
and vent plug.
*
[SV22000(MBC )03/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
occasions of vehicle use.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996
Page 250 of 321

248battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or
install a new battery, you must allow the
computer to ªrelearnº its idle conditions before
your vehicle will drive properly. To let the
engine do this, put the gearshift in P (Park), turn
off all the accessories, and start the vehicle. Let
the engine idle for at least one minute. (Engine
must be warm in order to ªlearn.º) Also, allow
approximately 10 miles (16 km) of stop and go
traffic for your vehicle's engine to completely
ªrelearnº its idle.
%
*
[SV22200( ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and
Wipers
%*
[SV22250( ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
[SV22300( ALL)12/94]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
periodically, or when the optional lamp indicates
low fluid. The reservoir for washer fluid is
located on the driver's side of the engine
compartment. Visual inspection can determine if
the washer fluid is adequate. Do not operate the
washer when the reservoir is empty.
[SV23000( BC )12/91]
one third page art:0010375-B
The reservoir for the windshield washer fluid
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996
Page 285 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 283
*
[SV53717( ALL)09/95]
OBD II Drive Cycle
[SV53730( ALL)03/95]
The following steps must be run in the order
shown. If steps 2 thru 9 are interrupted, repeat
the preceding step. Any safe driving mo FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 283
*
[SV53717( ALL)09/95]
OBD II Drive Cycle
[SV53730( ALL)03/95]
The following steps must be run in the order
shown. If steps 2 thru 9 are interrupted, repeat
the preceding step. Any safe driving mo](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-284.png)
283
*
[SV53717( ALL)09/95]
OBD II Drive Cycle
[SV53730( ALL)03/95]
The following steps must be run in the order
shown. If steps 2 thru 9 are interrupted, repeat
the preceding step. Any safe driving mode is
acceptable between steps.
*
[SV53735( ALL)06/95]
Always drive vehicle in safe manner according
to traffic conditions and obey all traffic laws.
*
[SV53740( ALL)07/95]
The engine must be warmed up and at
operating temperature before proceeding with
the drive modes of the following OBD II Drive
Cycle.
*
[SV53745( ALL)06/95]
1. Start the engine. Drive or idle (in neutral)
the vehicle for 4 minutes.
*
[SV53747( BCGV)06/95]
2. Idle the vehicle in drive for 40 seconds.
*
[SV53752( BCGV)07/95]
3. Accelerate the vehicle to 45 mph (70 km/h)
at 1/4 to 1/2 throttle for 10 seconds.
*
[SV53757( BCGV)07/95]
4. Drive the vehicle with a steady throttle at
45 mph (70 km/h) for 30 seconds.
*
[SV53763( BCGV)06/95]
5. Idle the vehicle in drive for 40 seconds.
*
[SV53768( BCGV)07/95]
6. Continue to drive the vehicle in city traffic at
speeds between 25 and 40 mph
(40-60 km/h) for 15 minutes. During the 15
minute drive cycle the following modes must
be achieved:
*
[SV53772( ALL)07/95]
a. at least 5 stop and idle modes at 10
seconds each
*
[SV53775( ALL)07/95]
b. acceleration from idles at 1/4 to 1/2
throttle position, and
*
[SV53777( ALL)07/95]
c. choose 3 different speeds to do 1.5
minute steady state throttle drives.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996