Page 232 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 230 %
*
[SV05850( ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV06000( ALL)04/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because a
buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator,
keeping the engine warmer than usual FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 230 %
*
[SV05850( ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV06000( ALL)04/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because a
buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator,
keeping the engine warmer than usual](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-231.png)
230 %
*
[SV05850( ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV06000( ALL)04/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because a
buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator,
keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[SV06020( ALL)07/95]
q
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.
*
[SV06040( ALL)08/95]
q
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.
*
[SV06060( ALL)07/95]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[SV06080( ALL)04/95]
q
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%
*
[SV06100( ALL)03/95]
Filling the Fuel Tank
*
[SV06240(MBC )05/95]
The fuel door is outside the car on the passenger
side near the back. To fill the fuel tank:
*
[SV06550( ALL)05/95]
1. After opening the fuel filler door, remove
the cap carefully and slowly by turning it
counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
*
[SV06650( ALL)05/95]
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.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996
Page 234 of 321

232reformulated gasoline is not available when you
refuel, your vehicle can be operated on
non-California fuels. However, even though your
engine will perform adequately on other
gasolines, the performance of the emission
control devices and systems may be adversely
affected. Repair of damage caused by using a
fuel that your vehicle was not designed for may
not be covered by your warranty.
[SV08750( ALL)02/96]
Octane recommendation
[SV08800( ALL)02/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline
with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not
recommend gasolines labeled as ªregularº in
high altitude areas that are sold with octane
ratings of 86 or even less.
[SV08900( ALL)05/95]
one inch art:0060001-C[SV09200( ALL)02/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
[SV09355( ALL)02/96]
Fuel Quality
[SV09360( ALL)02/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems try a different brand of fuel.
If the condition persists, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996
Page 237 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 235 %
*
[SV11300( ALL)05/95]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[SV11350( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
modern powertrain components.
*
[SV11500( A FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 235 %
*
[SV11300( ALL)05/95]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[SV11350( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
modern powertrain components.
*
[SV11500( A](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-236.png)
235 %
*
[SV11300( ALL)05/95]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[SV11350( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
modern powertrain components.
*
[SV11500( ALL)07/95]
You may need to crank the engine several times
before the fuel system starts to pump fuel from
the tank to the engine.
[SV11600( ALL)05/95]Calculating Fuel Economy
*
[SV11700( ALL)05/95]
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of
your vehicle, and can be calculated as Miles Per
Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per 100 Kilometers
(L/100K).
*
[SV11750( ALL)05/95]
Do not calculate fuel economy during your
vehicle's break-in period. This would not be an
accurate estimate of how much fuel your vehicle
will normally use.
*
[SV11800( ALL)05/95]
To calculate fuel economy:
*
[SV11900( ALL)05/95]
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the
initial odometer reading.
*
[SV12000( ALL)05/95]
2. Every time you buy fuel, record the
amount (in gallons or liters) purchased.
*
[SV12100( ALL)05/95]
3. After at least 3-5 tankfuls, fill the fuel tank
and record the final odometer reading.
*
[SV12200( ALL)10/95]
4. Use these equations to calculate your fuel
economy:
*
[SV12250( ALL)10/95]
q
English: MPG = (total miles driven)v
(gallons used)
*
[SV12275( ALL)10/95]
q
Metric: L/100k = (liters used)v
(100 kilometers)
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996
Page 238 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 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 act FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 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 act](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-237.png)
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
Page 239 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 237
*
[SV13560( ALL)01/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[SV13570( ALL)02/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[SV13580( ALL)01/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%
*
[ FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 237
*
[SV13560( ALL)01/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[SV13570( ALL)02/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[SV13580( ALL)01/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%
*
[](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-238.png)
237
*
[SV13560( ALL)01/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[SV13570( ALL)02/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[SV13580( ALL)01/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%
*
[SV13600( ALL)02/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
[SV13610( ALL)02/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
*
[SV13650( ALL)03/95]
one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
*
[SV13670( ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680( ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690( ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700( ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
%*
[SV13702( ALL)03/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[SV13703( ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996
Page 240 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 238 %
*
[SV13775( ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800( ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each t FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 238 %
*
[SV13775( ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800( ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each t](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-239.png)
238 %
*
[SV13775( ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800( ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[SV13900( ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000( ALL)02/95]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[SV14025( BCGV)03/95]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[SV14100( ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[SV14200( ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[SV14300( ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[SV14350( BC )10/95]
one inch art:0011218-A
Engine oil dipstick Ð 4.6 liter engines
[SV14450(MBC )03/95]
one inch art:0000970-A
Engine oil dipstick Ð 3.8 liter engines
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996
Page 241 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 239
*
[SV14500( BCGV)11/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 239
*
[SV14500( BCGV)11/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-240.png)
239
*
[SV14500( BCGV)11/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
*
[SV14600( ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
*
[SV14800( ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[SV15000( ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
%*
[SV16300( ALL)06/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[SV16400( ALL)04/95]
Change the engine oil and oil filterper the
following, whichever occurs first.
*
[SV16500( ALL)04/95]
one third page art:0060618-C
*
[SV16800( ALL)06/95]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for additional information.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996
Page 242 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 240 %
*
[SV16900( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 240 %
*
[SV16900( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-241.png)
240 %
*
[SV16900( ALL)09/95]
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.
*
[SV17275( ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV17285( ALL)07/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
*
[SV17300( ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17400( ALL)09/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17500( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[SV17600( BCGV)10/95]
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.
%*
[SV17800( ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
*
[SV17850( ALL)05/95]
The coolant additives also protect the entire
cooling system from internal passageway
corrosion and these additives lubricate the water
pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted
in theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996