1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD Owners Manual

223
Servicing Your Thunderbird
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Service Made Easy
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Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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When possible, we design parts Ð such as
the headlamp bulbs Ð that can be replaced
without tools.
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We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet.
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This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
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If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
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Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your
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224vehicle. In addition to the conditions listed in
theOwner Maintenance Checklist, be alert for any
unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that
your vehicle may need service. If you do notice
something unusual, see that your vehicle is
serviced promptly.
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Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts conforming to Ford
specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is
your assurance that Ford-built quality stays in
your vehicle.
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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.
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Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
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Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
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q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
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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.
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225
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If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
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Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
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Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
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Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
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If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
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Working with the engine off:
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1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
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2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
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3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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Working with the engine on:
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1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
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2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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226
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RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
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Opening the Hood
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1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
located under the lower left corner of the
instrument panel.
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2. Go around to the front of the vehicle, and
release the auxiliary catch that is located
under the front edge of the hood at the
center of the vehicle.
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one third page art:0010537-A
The auxiliary catch under the front edge of the hood
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3. Lift the hood until the counterbalanced
hinges hold it open.
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Whenever you close the hood, latch it securely.
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NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at
six-month intervals to maintain smooth
and trouble-free operation.
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227
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Engine Compartment
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Your vehicle has one of these types of engines:
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a 3.8 liter SFI engine
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a 4.6 liter SFI engine
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The following pages show diagrams of each
engine type and where to find items that you
should regularly service.
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228 [SV05600( BC )03/93]
full page art:0010327-CA 3.8 liter SFI engine
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229 [SV05750( BC )05/95]
full page art:0010665-G
A 4.6 liter SFI engine
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230 %
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Cleaning the Engine
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A clean engine is more efficient because a
buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator,
keeping the engine warmer than usual.
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Extreme care must be used if a power washer
is used to clean the engine. The high pressure
fluid could penetrate sealed parts and
assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
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In order to avoid possible cracking of the
engine block or fuel injection pump, do not
spray a hot engine or injection pump with
cold water.
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The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
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Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
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Filling the Fuel Tank
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The fuel door is outside the car on the passenger
side near the back. To fill the fuel tank:
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1. After opening the fuel filler door, remove
the cap carefully and slowly by turning it
counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
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RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound while disengaging
the fuel cap, wait until it stops before
completely removing the cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or
others.
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