1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD check transmission fluid

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

258 %
*
[SV30801( 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.
[SV30825(MBC )03/93]
one third page art:0011152-A
Detail of the automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[SV31900( ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV32000( ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
[SV32200( BCGV)03/95]
Check the brake fluid at each scheduled engine
oil change or at least once a year. You can do
this by looking at the fluid level in the plastic
reservoir on the master cylinder. Also, see label
on reservoir cap. (To locate the master cylinder,
seeThe Engine Typesin the Index.) The fluid
level should be between the MIN and MAX
marks.
*
[SV32350( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

262 [SV35700(MBC )12/94]
half page art:0010485-CThe dipstick for power steering fluid
[SV35850( BC )05/95]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford
Specification ESW-M2C33-F, such as Ford
Premium Power Steering Fluid, E6AZ-19582-AA
or is an equivalent Type F Automatic
Transmission Fluid with a Ford registration
number (an 8-digit number beginning with ª2Pº
printed on the fluid container).
*
[SV35900( ALL)01/95]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[SV36100(MBC )02/95]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

264 [SV36200( BC )06/95]Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford's
Specification ESW-M2C33-F, such as Ford
Premium Power Steering Fluid, E6AZ-19582-AA
or an equivalent Type F Automatic Transmission
Fluid with a Ford registration number (an 8-digit
number beginning with ª2Pº printed on the
fluid container).
*
[SV36250(MBC )03/95]
NOTE: If the power steering fluid is low, do
not drive your vehicle for a long
period of time before adding fluid.
This can damage the power steering
pump.
% [SV36300(MBC )12/94]Fuses, High Current Fuses and
Circuit Breakers
*
[SV36400( ALL)03/95]
Fuses (conventional and high current) and circuit
breakers protect your vehicle's wiring system
from overloading. If electrical parts in your
vehicle are not working, the system may have
been overloaded and blown a fuse or tripped a
circuit breaker. Before you replace or repair any
electrical parts, check the appropriate fuses
(conventional and high current) or circuit
breakers.
*
[SV36600( ALL)03/95]
The following charts tell you which fuses or
circuit breakers protect the wiring for each
electrical part of your vehicle. If a fuse blows or
a circuit breaker opens a circuit,allthe parts of
your vehicle that use that circuit will not work.
*
[SV36610( ALL)01/95]
Once you have determined which fuses or circuit
breakers to check, follow the procedures under
Checking and replacing fusesorChecking and
replacing circuit breakersin this chapter.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 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

322 Index
Traction assist.............. 170
Traction-lok rear axle.......... 170
Trailer towing
calculating maximum trailer
weight............... 180
safety chains............. 182
tips................. 184
trailer brakes............. 183
trailer lamps............. 183
Transmission
automatic operation.......... 165
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)............. 256
fluid, refill capacities......... 285
lubricant specifications......... 287
Transmission control switch....... 167
Transmitter (see Remote entry)...... 111
Trip odometer............... 68
Trunk
remote release lever.......... 129
using the keys to open........ 129
using the remote entry system to open . 111
Tune-up specifications (VECI)....... 282
Turn signal
indicator lights............. 65
lever.................. 91
U
Used engine oil, disposal......... 240
V
Vanity mirror.............. 126
Variable interval wipers.......... 93
VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information)
decal................. 282
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . 206
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996

Index 323
Vehicle loading
automatic transmissions........ 179
calculating the load.......... 179
Vehicle storage............. 288
Ventilating your vehicle
(see Climate control)........ 76,80
Viscosity (see Engine oil)........ 237
Visor (see Sun visor).......... 126
W
Warm engine, starting........... 48
Warning chimes
key in ignition............. 46
safety belt............... 59
Warranties, radio............ 164
Warranty Information Booklet....... 3
Washer fluid
reservoir............... 248
warning light.............. 72
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR)...... 178
Wheels
anti-theft lug nuts.......... 200
cleaning............... 256
covers................ 198
inspection and maintenance...... 250
ornaments.............. 198
Windows
power windows, operating...... 114
rear, defrosting............. 81
Windshield washer fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid....... 248
checking and replacing wiper blades . . 249
low washer fluid light.......... 72
operation............... 92
reservoir............... 248
specifications............. 249
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu Feb 15 12:06:08 1996