Page 226 of 321

224vehicle. In addition to the conditions listed in
theOwner Maintenance Checklist, be alert for any
unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that
your vehicle may need service. If you do notice
something unusual, see that your vehicle is
serviced promptly.
*
[SV01275( ALL)03/95]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts conforming to Ford
specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is
your assurance that Ford-built quality stays in
your vehicle.
%*
[SV01400( 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.
%
*
[SV01600( ALL)06/95]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
*
[SV01700( ALL)06/95]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
%*
[SV01800(MBC )10/95]
q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
*
[SV01850(MBC )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.
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Page 228 of 321
226
*
[SV03600( ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
%*
[SV03650( ALL)03/95]
Opening the Hood
[SV03800( ALL)03/95]
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
located under the lower left corner of the
instrument panel.
[SV04000( ALL)03/95]
2. Go around to the front of the vehicle, and
release the auxiliary catch that is located
under the front edge of the hood at the
center of the vehicle.
[SV04070( BC )05/95]
one third page art:0010537-A
The auxiliary catch under the front edge of the hood
*
[SV04200( BCGV)01/95]
3. Lift the hood until the counterbalanced
hinges hold it open.
*
[SV04400( BCGV)01/95]
Whenever you close the hood, latch it securely.
*
[SV04450( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at
six-month intervals to maintain smooth
and trouble-free operation.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996
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.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996
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![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 231
*
[SV06700( ALL)05/95]
2. Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe before pumping the fuel.
*
[SV06800( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it o FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 231
*
[SV06700( ALL)05/95]
2. Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe before pumping the fuel.
*
[SV06800( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it o](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-232.png)
231
*
[SV06700( ALL)05/95]
2. Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe before pumping the fuel.
*
[SV06800( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it off immediately.
The fuel may dull or soften the paint
if you do not wash it off.
%*
[SV06850( ALL)08/95]
3. Replace the fuel cap completely when you
are finished. Turn it clockwise 1/4 turn until
it is tight. It will click when it is fully
tightened.
*
[SV06875( ALL)10/95]
4. Push the fuel door closed.
[SV06900( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with a
Motorcraft or equivalent fuel cap. If you
do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can damage the
fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision, endangering you and your
passengers.
*
[SV06950( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
%*
[SV07500( ALL)06/95]
Choosing the Right Fuel
[SV07600( ALL)02/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded
fuel is prohibited by law and could damage
your vehicle. The damage may not be covered
by your warranty.
[SV07701( ALL)02/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel
containing manganese-based additives such as
MMT. Additionally, vehicles certified to
California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control
Information label) are designed to operate on
California reformulated gasolines. If California
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Page 235 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 233 [SV09370( ALL)02/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline
specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of
your veh FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 233 [SV09370( ALL)02/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline
specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of
your veh](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-234.png)
233 [SV09370( ALL)02/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline
specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of
your vehicle. We recommend the use of
gasolines that meet the AAMA specification if
they are available.
[SV09380( ALL)02/96]
It should not be necessary to add any
aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you
continue to use a high-quality fuel.
[SV09800( ALL)02/96]
Cleaner air
[SV09900(MBC )02/96]
Ford recommends the use of gasolines to
improve air quality, including reformulated
gasolines, that contain oxygenates such as a
maximum of 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE. There
should be no more than 5% methanol with
cosolvents and additives to protect the fuel
system.
%*
[SV10185( ALL)06/95]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive
Fuels
[SV10195( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury
or death if misused or mishandled. To
minimize the risk that you will be
injured, please read the following
information carefully and observe the
recommended precautions.
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Page 236 of 321
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 234
*
[SV10197( ALL)07/95]
q
Turn vehicle off when refueling
*
[SV10199( ALL)07/95]
q
Do not smoke when refueling. Fuels are
extremely flammable.
*
[SV10201( ALL)07/95]
q
Do not siphon any fuel by mou FORD THUNDERBIRD 1996 10.G Owners Manual 234
*
[SV10197( ALL)07/95]
q
Turn vehicle off when refueling
*
[SV10199( ALL)07/95]
q
Do not smoke when refueling. Fuels are
extremely flammable.
*
[SV10201( ALL)07/95]
q
Do not siphon any fuel by mou](/manual-img/11/5382/w960_5382-235.png)
234
*
[SV10197( ALL)07/95]
q
Turn vehicle off when refueling
*
[SV10199( ALL)07/95]
q
Do not smoke when refueling. Fuels are
extremely flammable.
*
[SV10201( ALL)07/95]
q
Do not siphon any fuel by mouth.
*
[SV10205( ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Gasoline or gasoline blended with
methanol can cause blindness and
possible death when swallowed. If any
fuel is swallowed, call a physician or
poison control center immediately.
*
[SV10209( ALL)07/95]
q
Avoid breathing vapors while refueling.
*
[SV10211( ALL)07/95]
q
If fuel is splashed on the skin, wash with
soap and water.
*
[SV10225( ALL)07/95]
q
If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact
lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15
minutes, and seek medical attention.
*
[SV10227( ALL)08/95]
Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small
amounts of carcinogens, such as benzene.
Long-term exposure to unleaded gasoline vapors
has caused cancer in laboratory animals.
*
[SV10230( ALL)08/95]
If you are taking the medication ªAntabuseº or
other forms of disulfiram for the treatment of
alcoholism, vapor or skin contact with a
gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same
kind of adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic
beverage. In sensitive individuals, serious
personal injury or sickness could result. Consult
a physician promptly if you experience an
adverse reaction.
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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.
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Page 243 of 321
241 [SV18000( BCGV)02/96]
half page art:0010761-D
The engine coolant reservoir
%*
[SV18600( ALL)08/95]
Checking Hoses
*
[SV18700( ALL)11/94]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet. Repair or replace
with Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary.
*
[SV18800( ALL)09/95]
Adding Engine Coolant
*
[SV18900( ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18950( ALL)09/95]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996