1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD light

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

290
*
[SV59000( ALL)01/95]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
%*
[SV59200( ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV59300( ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV59400( ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV59500( ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV59600( ALL)01/95]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
*
[SV59650( ALL)03/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, it may be
advisable to disconnect the battery cables to
ensure battery charge is maintained for quick
starting.
[SV59675( ALL)05/94]
NOTE: If battery cables are disconnected, it
will be necessary to reset memory
features.
%*
[SV59700( ALL)01/95]
Brakes
*
[SV59800( ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[SV59900( ALL)01/95]
Tires
*
[SV60000( ALL)05/95]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[SV60100( ALL)01/95]
Miscellaneous
*
[SV60200( ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[SV60300( ALL)03/95]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts and prevent
corrosion.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

Index 307
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 58
Accessory position on the ignition..... 45
Additives, engine oil.......... 237
Air bag supplemental restraint system
description............... 18
disposal................ 25
driver air bag............. 18
indicator light............. 60
operation............... 21
proper seating............. 19
tone generator............. 25
wearing safety belts........... 18
Air cleaner filter, location........ 227
Air conditioning
manual heating and air conditioning
system............... 74
semi-automatic temperature control
system............... 77
Alarm, activating remote personal.... 112
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 240
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 173
see also Brake............ 173
warning light.............. 58
Anti-theft lug nuts and key....... 200
Anti-theft system
arming the system.......... 106
description.............. 104
disarming an untriggered system.... 108
disarming a triggered system..... 109
triggering.............. 108
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 203
Audio system
(see Electronic sound system)..... 131
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996

308 Index
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 84
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive..... 165
fluid, checking............ 256
fluid, refill capacities......... 285
fluid, specification........... 287
Axle, traction lok............ 170
B
Backing up............... 167
Basic vehicle warranty........... 3
Battery
acid, treating emergencies....... 185
charging system warning light...... 60
disconnecting............. 248
how to service............ 247
jumping a disabled battery....... 185
maintenance-free........... 247
proper disposal, recycling....... 247
replacement, specifications....... 286
voltage gauge.............. 69
when storing your vehicle....... 290
Brake fluid
brake warning light........... 57
specifications............. 287
Brakelamp
bulb replacement........... 279
high-mount brakelamp........ 277
Brakes
adjustment.............. 173
anti-lock............... 173
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............. 58
applying the brakes.......... 173
brake warning light........... 57
fluid, checking and adding....... 258
fluid, refill capacities......... 259
fluid, specifications.......... 287
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996

Index 309
Brakes (continued)
front disc.............. 173
new brake linings............ 4
noise................ 174
parking............... 174
trailer................ 183
when storing your vehicle....... 290
Brake-shift interlock........... 166
Break-in period.............. 4
Bulbs, replacing
headlamps.............. 275
specifications............. 279
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 212
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 212
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 285
Carbon monoxide in exhaust........ 51
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)......... 27
Cassette tape player
(see Electronic sound system) . . . 141, 150
Catalytic converter........... 280
CD player
(see Electronic sound system)..... 131
Chains, tires.............. 255
Changing a tire............. 191
Charging system gauge.......... 69
Charging system warning light....... 60
Child safety restraints........... 25
child safety belts............ 43
child safety seats............ 27
Child safety seats
and air bags............ 20,27
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 29
in front seat.............. 29
in rear outboard seat.......... 35
in rear seat............... 42
Chime
key in ignition............. 46
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996

Index 311
Cooling fan............... 224
Cruise control (see Speed control)..... 97
Customer Assistance Center,
Ford (U.S.).............. 206
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada............ 206
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel)..... 73
Daytime running light system....... 82
Defrost
rear window.............. 81
windshield............. 75,79
Dispute Settlement Board........ 207
Doors
door ajar warning light......... 71
lubricant specifications........ 287
Driving under special conditions
bad weather............. 176
heavy load.............. 178
high water.............. 177
slippery roads............ 176
towing a trailer............ 180
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 273
fuses................ 264
operating when the engine is off..... 45
Electronic sound system
radio reception............ 161
tuning the radio.........133, 152
warranty and service information . . . 164
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 142
Emergencies, roadside
assistance.............. 203
battery acid spills........... 185
jump-starting............. 185
towing................ 201
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996

312 Index
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 174
Emission control system,
catalytic converter........... 280
Engine
check engine warning light....... 63
does not start.............. 49
fuel injected engine, starting....... 47
fuel pump shut-off switch........ 53
preparing to start............ 47
service points............. 227
starting................. 48
starting after a collision......... 53
storing your vehicle.......... 289
Engine block heater............ 50
Engine coolant
checking and adding......... 240
checking hoses............ 241
disposal............... 243
low coolant warning light........ 72
preparing for storage......... 290
proper solution............ 242
recovery reservoir........... 240
refill capacities............ 285
specifications............. 287
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description............... 66
mechanical............... 66
Engine fan............... 224
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter....... 239
checking and adding......... 238
dipstick............... 238
disposal............... 240
engine oil pressure gauge........ 69
filter, specifications.......... 286
refill capacities............ 285
specifications............. 287
synthetic oil............. 237
ªbreak-inº oils............. 5
viscosity............... 237
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996

Index 313
Entry system
illuminated.............. 103
remote................ 110
Exhaust fumes.............. 51
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Federal Communications Commission . . . 163
Flashers, hazard.............. 94
Flashing the lights............. 92
Flat tire................ 191
Floor mats............... 130
Fluid refill capacities.......... 285
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 206
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 207
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 4
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 212
Ford of Canada Customer
Assistance Centre........... 212
Foreign registration........... 213
French owner guides, how to obtain.... 3
Fuel
capacity............... 285
filling your vehicle with fuel...... 230
filter, specifications.......... 286
fuel gauge............... 65
low fuel warning light......... 72
storing your vehicle.......... 289
Fuel cap, removing........... 230
Fuel filter, specifications......... 286
Fuel gauge................ 65
Fuel pump shut-off switch, starting
after a collision............. 53
Fuse panels
engine compartment......... 269
high current fuse panel........ 270
instrument panel........... 264
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996