1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD wheel

255
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature
grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
%*
[SV28700( ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28800( BCGV)01/95]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[SV28900( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[SV29000( ALL)02/95]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[SV29100( ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
*
[SV29200( ALL)01/95]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV29300( ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

256
*
[SV29400( ALL)10/94]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[SV29500( ALL)05/94]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29600( ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29700( ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29800( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
%
*
[SV30450( ALL)01/95]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[SV30475( ALL)01/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since
your vehicle does not use up transmission fluid.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for replacement intervals. However, if
the transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
%*
[SV30550( ALL)02/95]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
*
[SV30560( ALL)05/95]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20
miles (30 km) of driving. However, if necessary,
you can check the fluid level without having to
drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal
operating temperature if outside temperatures
are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

261
%*
[SV34800( ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV34900( ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV35000( ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
[SV35050( BC )10/95]
3.8L SFI engine
*
[SV35100( ALL)02/95]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV35200( ALL)01/95]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[SV35300( ALL)05/95]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[SV35400(MBC )03/94]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[SV35500(MBC )07/94]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
*
[SV35600(MBC )03/95]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

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.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

310 Index
Chime (continued)
safety belt............... 59
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 273
see also fuses............. 264
Cleaning your vehicle
chrome and aluminum parts....... 6
engine compartment.......... 230
exterior................ 5
exterior lamps............. 84
fabric................ 123
headlamps............... 84
instrument panel............ 74
instrument panel lens.......... 90
interior lamps.............. 89
mirrors................ 124
plastic parts.............. 6
polishing................ 6
rustproofing.............. 6
safety belts............... 18
tail lamps............... 84
upholstery and interior trim...... 123
washing................ 5
wheels................ 256
Climate control system
air conditioning........... 74,77
heating............... 74,77
Clock................... 89
Cold engine starting............ 48
Compact disc radio (see Electronic sound
system)................ 132
Console, description........... 127
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding......... 240
drain and flush............ 244
preparing for storage......... 290
proper solution............ 242
refill capacities............ 285
refill procedure............ 244
specifications............. 287
temperature gauge........... 66
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996

Index 321
Starting your vehicle (continued)
starting a cold engine.......... 48
starting after a collision......... 53
starting a warm engine......... 48
Steering, power............. 172
Steering wheel
horn.................. 95
locking................ 45
speed controls............. 97
tilting................. 96
Storage compartments
center console............ 127
map pockets............. 128
Storing your vehicle........... 288
Sun visor................ 126
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 60
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).... 18
T
Tachometer................ 68
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 279
cleaning................ 84
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 74
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints).......... 27
Tilt steering wheel............ 96
Tires
changing............... 191
checking the pressure......... 251
cleaning............... 256
replacing............... 252
rotating............... 251
snow tires and chains......... 255
storing your vehicle.......... 290
tire grades.............. 253
treadwear.............. 254
wear bands............. 252
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 180
Towing your vehicle, with a tow truck . . 201
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996

Index 323
Vehicle loading
automatic transmissions........ 179
calculating the load.......... 179
Vehicle storage............. 288
Ventilating your vehicle
(see Climate control)........ 76,80
Viscosity (see Engine oil)........ 237
Visor (see Sun visor).......... 126
W
Warm engine, starting........... 48
Warning chimes
key in ignition............. 46
safety belt............... 59
Warranties, radio............ 164
Warranty Information Booklet....... 3
Washer fluid
reservoir............... 248
warning light.............. 72
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR)...... 178
Wheels
anti-theft lug nuts.......... 200
cleaning............... 256
covers................ 198
inspection and maintenance...... 250
ornaments.............. 198
Windows
power windows, operating...... 114
rear, defrosting............. 81
Windshield washer fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid....... 248
checking and replacing wiper blades . . 249
low washer fluid light.......... 72
operation............... 92
reservoir............... 248
specifications............. 249
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996