1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD automatic transmission

45
Starting Your Thunderbird
*
[ST03400( ALL)03/95]
Ignition
%*
[ST03500( ALL)01/95]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
[ST03750( ALL)12/94]
quarter page art:0010035-B
The positions of the key in the ignition
%*
[ST03901( BCGV)03/95]
ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle's
electrical accessories such as the radio and the
windshield wipers to operate while the engine is
not running.
% [ST04001( ALL)12/94]
LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
automatic transmission gearshift lever.
*
[ST04101( ALL)01/95]
LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.
*
[ST04200( ALL)03/95]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transmission gearshift lever.
*
[ST04300( ALL)03/95]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
File:rcstb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:52:09 1996

46
*
[ST04400( ALL)03/95]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
%*
[ST04900( ALL)02/95]
Removing the Key From the Ignition
*
[ST05600( BCGV)03/95]
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).
*
[ST05800( ALL)01/95]
2. Set the parking brake fully.
*
[ST05900( BCGV)03/95]
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
*
[ST06050( BCGV)03/95]
4. Remove the key.
[ST06660( BCGV)03/95]
NOTE: The automatic transmission gearshift
must be in P (Park) to move the key to
the lock position.
%*
[ST06675( ALL)05/95]
If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move
the steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.
%*
[ST06700( ALL)03/95]
If the driver's door is open while the key is still
in the ignition, a warning chime sounds.
*
[ST06825( BCGV)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
*
[ST06875( ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets alone in your vehicle. They could
accidentally injure themselves or others
through inadvertent operation of the
vehicle. Further, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe and possibly fatal injuries to
people as well as animals.
File:rcstb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:52:09 1996

54
*
[ST18800( ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ST18900( ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST19000( ALL)03/95]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST19100( ALL)03/95]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
*
[ST19200( ALL)03/95]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[ST19300( ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ST19350( ALL)03/95]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
*
[ST19400( ALL)01/95]
Pushing
[ST19600( BCGV)03/95]
Vehicles with automatic transmissions cannot be
started by pushing. Follow the directions under
If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Start.
File:rcstb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:52:09 1996

97
%*
[SC08600( ALL)03/91]
Speed Control (If equipped)
*
[SC08800( ALL)03/95]
If your vehicle has speed control, you can
automatically maintain a constant speed at or
above 30 mph (50 km/h).
*
[SC08900( ALL)05/95]
Use of radio transmitting equipment that is not
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or
in Canada the Canadian Radio and
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
approved may cause the speed control to
malfunction. Therefore, use only properly
installed FCC (CRTC in Canada) approved radio
transmitting equipment in your vehicle.
[SC09150( BCGV)12/94]
NOTE: When driving in hilly terrain, at high
elevations, or when pulling a trailer, it
may be desirable to drive with the
transmission in the Overdrive off
mode. This can be done by depressing
the Transmission Control Switch on
the transmission gear selection lever.
Driving in this mode prevents the
transmission from shifting excessively
when ascending grades, and helps
maintain speed when going down
steep hills.
*
[SC09200( ALL)03/95]
NOTE: Do not shift to N (Neutral) when using
the speed control. This will cause the
engine to overspeed.
[SC09250( ALL)12/94]
When driving uphill, especially with a heavy
load, significant speed drops may occur. If the
speed drops more than 10 mph (16 km/h) the
automatic speed control will, by design, be
suspended. Some vehicles may require
temporary resumption of manual speed control
while ascending steep grades in order to
maintain the selected speed.
File:rcscb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:50:25 1996

165
Driving Your Thunderbird
%*
[DR00500( ALL)03/93]
Driving with an Automatic
Overdrive Transmission
[DR00510(MBC )05/94]
The gearshift lever is floor mounted.
*
[DR00700( BCGV)01/95]
The automatic overdrive transmission operates
very much like a regular automatic transmission,
except it offers the extra overdrive feature.
%*
[DR00800( ALL)01/95]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
*
[DR00950( ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
[DR00965(MBC )03/95]
To move the shifter out of P (Park), the ignition
key must be turned to either the OFF or the ON
position and the thumb button must be pushed
in. This vehicle is also equipped with the brake
shift interlock safety feature which prevents
shifting the transmission out of the P (Park)
position without the brake pedal being
depressed if the key is in the ON position.
*
[DR00975( ALL)03/95]
To operate:
*
[DR00980( ALL)01/95]
1. Start the engine.
*
[DR00985( ALL)01/95]
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[DR00990( ALL)01/95]
3. Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).
File:rcdrb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:48:37 1996

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

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

257 [SV30575( ALL)03/94]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and, while fully applying the brake
pedal, move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage.Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
[SV30625(MBC )03/93]
NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven if
the fluid level is below the low cold
reading on the dipstick.
*
[SV30650( ALL)02/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out
and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
[SV30675(MBC )10/95]
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperature150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC), thefluid
level should be within the hot notched area on
the dipstick. When the vehicle has not been
driven, and the fluid is at room temperature
50ÊF-95ÊF (10ÊC-35ÊC), thefluid level should be
within the cold notched area.
*
[SV30715( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic during hot weather, or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow the fluid to cool before checking.
%*
[SV30725( ALL)08/95]
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
[SV30750( ALL)03/94]
Before adding any fluid, be sure that the correct
type will be used. Use only MERCONHfluid.
*
[SV30775( ALL)03/95]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level to the correct
area on the dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL. If the
level is above the top hole on the dipstick,
excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996