1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD brake

178
*
[DR16900( ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR17000( ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
%
*
[DR17100( ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR17200( ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
% [DR17300( ALL)05/94]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left front door lock facing or the door latch
post pillar.
*
[DR17400( ALL)01/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limit than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR17500( ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
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

184 %
*
[DR22600( ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR22650( ALL)01/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[DR22950(MBC )09/93]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, depress the
Transmission Control Switch (TCS). This will
also give the engine more power going up hills
and better engine braking going down hills.
%*
[DR23000( ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
*
[DR23100( ALL)01/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[DR23200( ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
File:rcdrb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996

186
*
[RE00900( ALL)05/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[RE01000( ALL)03/95]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to jump-start
and connecting the jumper cables in the order they
are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
*
[RE01100( ALL)03/95]
Preparing Your Vehicle
[RE01150( ALL)11/90]
NOTE: also see label on battery.
*
[RE01200( ALL)03/95]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
*
[RE01300( ALL)03/95]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[RE01400( ALL)04/95]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[RE01500( ALL)03/95]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
*
[RE01600( ALL)02/95]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles.
Turning on the fan helps protect the
electrical system from voltage surges. Turn
off all other switches and lights in both
vehicles to prevent possible damage to either
vehicle's electrical systems.
File:rcreb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:15 1996

191
%*
[RE03900( ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
*
[RE04000( ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
%*
[RE04100( ALL)03/95]
The Temporary Spare Tire
[RE04225(MBC )03/94]
You have a high pressure temporary spare tire.
This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire and
is designed for emergency use only. Use it only
when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon
as you can. This spare tire is marked with the
words ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that you
can easily identify it.
*
[RE04250( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Extended use of other than
conventional spare tires on a
Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness.
This loss of effectiveness does not
affect normal driving and should not
be noticeable to the driver.
*
[RE04300( ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire
continuously or do not follow these
precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly
injuring yourself or others.
File:rcreb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:15 1996

194 %
*
[RE07300( ALL)03/95]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[RE07525( BCGV)03/95]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. Put the gearshift in P (Park). Set the
parking brake and block the wheel that is
diagonally opposite the tire that you are
changing.
[RE07550( BCGV)05/95]
When one of the back wheels is off the ground,
the transmission alone will not prevent the
vehicle from moving or slipping off the jack,
even if the vehicle is in P (Park). To prevent the
vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block the
wheel (both directions) that is diagonally
opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
*
[RE07560( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
*
[RE07875( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
*
[RE07900( ALL)05/95]
2. Get out the spare tire and jack.
[RE08000( BC )11/92]
3. Remove any optional wheel covers or
hubcaps with the tapered end of a wheel nut
wrench. Insert the handle of the wrench and
twist it against the inner wheel cover flange.
For more about removing wheel covers, see
the information later in this chapter.
File:rcreb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:15 1996

225
*
[SV01900( ALL)06/95]
q
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.
*
[SV02000( ALL)06/95]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[SV02100( ALL)08/95]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[SV02200( ALL)06/95]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[SV02600(MBC )03/95]
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.
*
[SV02800( ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine off:
*
[SV03000( BCGV)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[SV03100( ALL)06/95]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[SV03150( ALL)06/95]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV03200( ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
*
[SV03400( BCGV)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[SV03501( ALL)03/95]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

236
*
[SV12300( ALL)05/95]
Comparisons With EPA Estimates
*
[SV12400( ALL)05/95]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from
laboratory tests under simulated road conditions
and may not reflect the actual conditions you
experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that
you will achieve the fuel economy shown.
*
[SV12650( ALL)05/95]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[SV12700( ALL)05/95]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[SV12800( ALL)05/95]
q
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
*
[SV12850( ALL)05/95]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[SV12900( ALL)05/95]
q
Sudden stops
*
[SV12950( ALL)05/95]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[SV13000( ALL)05/95]
q
Using speed control in hilly terrain
*
[SV13100( ALL)05/95]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[SV13200( ALL)05/95]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[SV13300( ALL)05/95]
q
Heavy loads
*
[SV13400( ALL)05/95]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
*
[SV13510( ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[SV13520( ALL)01/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
additional money and contribute to the driving
efficiency of your vehicle.
*
[SV13530( ALL)01/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
*
[SV13540( ALL)01/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[SV13550( ALL)01/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996