1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD instrument panel

168Transmission Control Indicator Light (O/D OFF)
is located on the instrument panel. You can put
the gearshift lever in any of the several
positions.
[DR01951(MBC )03/95]
The OVERDRIVE OFF light is off (not
illuminated) during normal vehicle operation.
This allows the transmission to upshift and
downshift from 1st through 4th gears. When the
TCS is pressed, the Transmission Control
Indicator Light will illuminate (O/D OFF) on the
instrument panel. When this O/D OFF is
illuminated the transmission will upshift and
downshift from 1st through 3rd gears.
[DR01957( ALL)11/94]
If the O/D OFF light does not come ªonº when
the TCS is depressed or if the light ªFLASHESº
when you are driving, have your vehicle
serviced at the first opportunity. If this condition
persists, damage could occur to the transmission.
*
[DR01961( BCGV)01/95]
To return the transmission to normal operation
(1st through 4th gear) depress the TCS again.
This switch may be used to cancel overdrive any
time the vehicle is being driven. Each time your
vehicle is started, the overdrive system will
automatically be in the normal overdrive mode
and the light will not be illuminated.
%*
[DR02010(MBC )01/95]
When to use D (Overdrive)
*
[DR02100( ALL)01/95]
Overdrive is the usual driving position for an
automatic overdrive transmission. It works the
same way Drive works, automatically upshifting
or downshifting as the vehicle speeds or slows.
*
[DR02200( ALL)01/95]
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth
gear Ð an overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at an appropriate consistent speed for
any length of time. This fourth gear will increase
your fuel economy when you travel at cruising
speeds.
File:rcdrb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996

174
*
[DR11700( ALL)03/95]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
%*
[DR11800( ALL)03/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
[DR11900( ALL)05/94]
Ford Motor Company has not found any
detrimental effects of popular mobile radio
transmitting equipment installed on vehicles
with the anti-lock brake system, if the equipment
is installed according to the manufacturer's
instructions. However, if mobile radio
transmitting equipment is installed in your
vehicle and, if either the anti-lock brake system
cycles or the check anti-lock light comes on at
any time other than right after you turn the key
to ON or during a sudden stop, have your
mobile radio dealer inspect the installation.
%*
[DR12000( ALL)03/95]
Parking Brake
*
[DR12050( ALL)01/95]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[DR12500( BCGV)03/95]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below
the bottom of the instrument panel to the left of
the brake pedal.
[DR12900( BC )03/95]
To set the parking brake while parking your
vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right
foot and hold it while you push the parking
brake down firmly with your left foot. The brake
system warning light will glow.
File:rcdrb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996

175 [DR13500( BC )03/95]
one third page art:0010315-A
The parking brake
*
[DR13800( BCGV)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
[DR14050( BC )03/95]
To release the parking brake, press down on the
pedal until you hear a click. Lift your foot off
the pedal. The brake is now released and will
reset to lock the next time you press the pedal,
located below the lower left corner of the
instrument panel. The Brake System Warning
Light will glow if the parking brake is not fully
released when the engine is running.
*
[DR14200( ALL)03/95]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
*
[DR14300( ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
File:rcdrb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996

183 %
*
[DR22150( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[DR22200( ALL)01/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that
your trailer's brakes meet local and federal
regulations.
[DR22250( ALL)03/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, provisions have been made
under the instrument panel for installation of an
electronic brake controller.
*
[DR22300( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
%*
[DR22350( ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[DR22400( ALL)01/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
[DR22450( ALL)03/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, the proper lamp wiring and
equipment has been installed at the factory. The
trailer feed wire (supplied in a box in the
luggage compartment) needs a connector
compatible with your trailer prior to installation.
*
[DR22500( ALL)01/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting
system.
File:rcdrb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996

226
*
[SV03600( ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
%*
[SV03650( ALL)03/95]
Opening the Hood
[SV03800( ALL)03/95]
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
located under the lower left corner of the
instrument panel.
[SV04000( ALL)03/95]
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.
[SV04070( BC )05/95]
one third page art:0010537-A
The auxiliary catch under the front edge of the hood
*
[SV04200( BCGV)01/95]
3. Lift the hood until the counterbalanced
hinges hold it open.
*
[SV04400( BCGV)01/95]
Whenever you close the hood, latch it securely.
*
[SV04450( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at
six-month intervals to maintain smooth
and trouble-free operation.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

265 [SV36800( BC )07/93]
half page art:0010412-B
The instrument panel fuse panel location
[SV37300( BC )11/93]
half page art:0010413-C
The instrument panel fuse panel
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

266 %
*
[SV37500( ALL)02/95]
The Instrument Panel Fuses, Circuit
Breakers and Relays
[SV37900( BC )02/96]
thirty-four pica chart:0010392-JFile:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

272 %
*
[SV41210( ALL)06/95]
Checking and Replacing Fuses
*
[SV41215( ALL)02/95]
If you need to check a fuse, follow these steps:
[SV41225( BC )03/93]
1. Find the fuse panel underneath the
instrument panel, to the left of the steering
column.
[SV41245( BCGV)03/93]
2. Check the fuse to see if it is blown. Look
through the clear side of the fuse to see if
the metal wire inside is separated. If it is,
the fuse should be replaced.
[SV41550( ALL)05/92]
quarter page art:0010416-A
The side view of a fuse
[SV41700( BC )04/89]
3. Replace the fuse with one that has the right
amperage rating. (See the following chart.)
To remove the fuse use the pulling tool
attached to the inside cover of the fuse
panel. There are also four spare fuses
attached to the cover.
[SV41900( ALL)07/95]
eight pica chart:0001092-BFile:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996