Page 163 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 160
*
[AS44530(MBC )02/95]
Error 2Ð Tape eject or load failure. Your
cassette tape player will go into the pause mode.
Push ªEJCTº to eject the tape. If the tape doesnt
eject, refer the problem to FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 160
*
[AS44530(MBC )02/95]
Error 2Ð Tape eject or load failure. Your
cassette tape player will go into the pause mode.
Push ªEJCTº to eject the tape. If the tape doesnt
eject, refer the problem to](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-162.png)
160
*
[AS44530(MBC )02/95]
Error 2Ð Tape eject or load failure. Your
cassette tape player will go into the pause mode.
Push ªEJCTº to eject the tape. If the tape doesn't
eject, refer the problem to qualified personnel for
service.
*
[AS44540(MBC )02/95]
Tips on Caring for the Cassette Player and
Tapes
*
[AS44550(MBC )02/95]
In order to keep your cassette tape player
performing the way it was meant to, read and
follow these simple precautions:
*
[AS44560(MBC )02/95]
q
Using a Ford Cassette Cleaning Cartridge to
clean the tape player head after 10-12 hours
of play will help maintain the best playback
sound and proper tape operation.
*
[AS44570(MBC )02/95]
q
Only cassettes that are 90 minutes long or
less should be used. Tapes longer than 90
minutes are thinner and subject to breakage
or may jam the tape player mechanism.
*
[AS44580(MBC )02/95]
q
Protect cassettes from exposure to direct
sunlight, high humidity and extreme heat or
cold. If they are exposed to extreme
conditions, allow them to reach a moderate
temperature before playing.
*
[AS44590(MBC )01/95]
q
Loose labels on cassette tapes can become
lodged in the mechanism. Remove any loose
label material before inserting cassette.
*
[AS44600(MBC )01/95]
q
Do not leave a tape in the cassette tape
player. High heat in the vehicle can cause the
cassette to warp.
File:rcasb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:49:06 1996
Page 165 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 162
*
[AS61900( ALL)01/95]
To minimize these conditions, a stereo/mono
blend circuit has been incorporated into this
system. This feature automatically switches a
weak stereo signal to a clearer monau FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 162
*
[AS61900( ALL)01/95]
To minimize these conditions, a stereo/mono
blend circuit has been incorporated into this
system. This feature automatically switches a
weak stereo signal to a clearer monau](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-164.png)
162
*
[AS61900( ALL)01/95]
To minimize these conditions, a stereo/mono
blend circuit has been incorporated into this
system. This feature automatically switches a
weak stereo signal to a clearer monaural signal,
which improves the quality of reception.
*
[AS62000( ALL)01/95]
Several sources of static are normal conditions
on AM frequencies. These can be caused by
power lines, electric fences, traffic lights and
thunderstorms.
*
[AS62100( ALL)01/95]
Another reception phenomenon isStrong Signal
Capture and Overload. This can occur when
listening to a weak station and when passing
another broadcast tower. The close station may
capture the more distant station, although the
displayed frequency does not change. While
passing the tower, the station may switch back
and forth a few times before returning to the
original station.
*
[AS62200( ALL)01/95]
When several broadcast towers are present
(common in metropolitan areas) several stations
may overload the receiver, resulting in
considerable station changing, mixing and
distortion.
*
[AS62300( ALL)01/95]
Automatic gain control circuitry for both AM
and FM bands has been incorporated into this
system to reduce strong signal capture and
overload.
File:rcasb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:49:06 1996
Page 170 of 321
167 % [DR01300( BC )03/93]
half page art:0010307-F
The positions of the console-mounted gearshift
*
[DR01500( ALL)11/94]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired
position, release the brake pedal and use the
accelerator as necessary.
%*
[DR01700( ALL)01/95]
R (Reverse)
*
[DR01800( ALL)02/95]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
*
[DR01830( ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
[DR01860( ALL)05/94]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transmission
are not locked. Your vehicle will roll freely, even
on the slightest incline, unless the parking brake
or brakes are on.
%*
[DR01900( ALL)01/95]
Driving
[DR01940( BC )07/93]
Your vehicle's gearshift is console-mounted on
the floor. The Transmission Control Switch (TCS)
is located on the gearshift handle. The
File:rcdrb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996
Page 171 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 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 o FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 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 o](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-170.png)
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
Page 172 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 169 [DR02500(MBC )05/95]
When to use D (Overdrive) Ð with
transmission control switch activated
(O/D OFF light illuminated)
*
[DR02600(MBC )01/95]
Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrain FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 169 [DR02500(MBC )05/95]
When to use D (Overdrive) Ð with
transmission control switch activated
(O/D OFF light illuminated)
*
[DR02600(MBC )01/95]
Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrain](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-171.png)
169 [DR02500(MBC )05/95]
When to use D (Overdrive) Ð with
transmission control switch activated
(O/D OFF light illuminated)
*
[DR02600(MBC )01/95]
Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrain. If the transmission shifts back and forth
between Third and Fourth gears while you are
driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle does
not have adequate power for climbing hills,
depress the TCS.
*
[DR02605( BCGV)01/95]
You can depress the TCS at any speed.
*
[DR02610( ALL)01/95]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[DR02620( ALL)01/95]
Use 2 (Second) for start-up on slippery roads or
to give you more engine braking to slow your
vehicle on downgrades.
*
[DR02700( ALL)01/95]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[DR02800( ALL)03/95]
Use 1 (Low) when driving down steep grades. It
gives more engine braking to slow your vehicle
than 2 (Second) on the downgrades. You can
upshift from 1 (Low) to 2 (Second) or from
1 (Low) to Overdrive at any speed.
*
[DR03000( ALL)01/95]
P (Park)
*
[DR03100( ALL)01/95]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park). This locks the
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
rotating.
*
[DR03200( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996
Page 174 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 171
*
[DR09782( BC )01/95]
The Traction Assist
TM
system can be manually
turned off, to allow wheelspin if you want, by
pushing the TRACTION ASSIST switch (located
on the console) when the vehicle is FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 171
*
[DR09782( BC )01/95]
The Traction Assist
TM
system can be manually
turned off, to allow wheelspin if you want, by
pushing the TRACTION ASSIST switch (located
on the console) when the vehicle is](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-173.png)
171
*
[DR09782( BC )01/95]
The Traction Assist
TM
system can be manually
turned off, to allow wheelspin if you want, by
pushing the TRACTION ASSIST switch (located
on the console) when the vehicle is not in the
Traction Assist
TM
mode. The word ªOFFº in the
switch will light up to indicate the system is off.
The Traction AssistTM
system will automatically
be on each time the engine is started. During
ordinary driving, it is recommended to leave the
system turned on. The Traction Assist
TM
system
will then always be ready to operate when
needed.
[DR09783( BC )03/94]
one third page art:0011288-A
The Traction Assist
TM
switch
[DR09785( BCGV)03/95]
During the Traction Assist
TM
function, which
most often occurs during low speed acceleration
on slippery surfaces, a noise may be heard
coming from the engine compartment. This noise
is created by the ABS pump and is normal and
may last for a few seconds during the
acceleration of the vehicle.
*
[DR09790( BCGV)03/95]
In general, this system improves your vehicle's
stability and acceleration performance when road
conditions warrant. Traction Assist
TM
is fully
effective up to approximately 25 mph
(40 km/h). At 25 mph (40 km/h) the function
begins to taper off until it no longer operates
above 34 mph (55 km/h).
File:rcdrb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996
Page 175 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 172 [DR09793( BCGV)01/95]If the Traction Assist
TM
system is cycled
excessively, the system will shut down to
prevent the rear brakes from overheating.
During this shutdown period, the word OFF in
the FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 172 [DR09793( BCGV)01/95]If the Traction Assist
TM
system is cycled
excessively, the system will shut down to
prevent the rear brakes from overheating.
During this shutdown period, the word OFF in
the](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-174.png)
172 [DR09793( BCGV)01/95]If the Traction Assist
TM
system is cycled
excessively, the system will shut down to
prevent the rear brakes from overheating.
During this shutdown period, the word OFF in
the traction assist switch will be illuminated
showing that the traction assist system is
inoperative. A cooling down period is required
to prevent damage to the rear brakes. This time
period varies and depends on brake usage
during the cooling down period. Anti-Lock
braking is not affected and will function
normally during the cool down period.
[DR09795( BCGV)05/95]
NOTE: Traction-Lok axles are not an available
option on vehicles equipped with
traction assist.
*
[DR09800( ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR09900( ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR09950( ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[DR10000( ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[DR10200( BCGV)12/94]
Speed Sensitive Power Steering
(If equipped)
[DR10401( BC )06/94]
The steering system in 4.6L engine vehicles is
speed sensitive. This means that the steering
effort is light for parking and heavier for
highway driving. However, if you have to
swerve around an object or another vehicle, your
steering will have full power assist.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996
Page 177 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 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 FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-176.png)
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