1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD coolant reservoir

72 % [LG17230( BC )07/93]Low Coolant Light
[LG17235( BC )07/93]
This light indicates that the level of the engine
coolant is low inside the coolant recovery bottle
and that you should add more coolant. See
Engine Coolantin the Index.
[LG17240( BC )07/93]
one inch art:0011209-A
The low coolant light
%*
[LG17250( BC )07/93]
Low Fuel Light
[LG17255( BC )05/95]
This light comes on when your fuel gauge
indicates approximately 1/16 of a tank. Your car
must be turned to ON for this light to come on.
This light will either flicker or glow steadily.
[LG17260( BC )07/93]
one inch art:0011210-A
The low fuel light
% [LG17265( BC )07/93]
Washer Fluid Low Light
*
[LG17270( BC )02/95]
This light comes on if the reservoir is less than a
quarter full when you turn on the windshield
washers.
[LG17275( BC )07/93]
one inch art:0011211-A
The low washer fluid light
File:rclgb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:51:57 1996

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

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

242 [SV19000(MBC )05/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the radiator cap or vent
plug while the engine is running or hot.
[SV19030( ALL)05/95]
Follow these steps to avoid personal injury that
can be caused by escaping steam or engine
coolant.
[SV19040(MBC )03/95]
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool. Even when the engine is
cool, be careful when you remove the
radiator cap or vent plug.
[SV19145( ALL)03/95]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick towel
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to unscrew.
*
[SV19150( ALL)09/95]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
[SV19160( ALL)12/94]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press the cap
down, turn it, and remove it.
*
[SV19170(MBC )09/95]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
*
[SV19190( ALL)09/95]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicle's coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
% [SV19200( ALL)06/95]
Add engine coolant only to the reservoir.If the
coolant level is low, add a 50/50 or appropriate
mixture of water and the type of engine coolant
that Ford specifies. You may add water by itself
only in an emergency, but you should replace it
with a 50/50 or appropriate mixture as soon as
possible.
*
[SV19300( ALL)01/95]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add more than a
quart (liter) of engine coolant more than once a
month.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

244
*
[SV19500( ALL)09/95]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid
E2FZ-19549-AA (in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B)
or an equivalent engine coolant that meets Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A.
*
[SV19550( ALL)09/95]
Leave the engine coolant in all year. Make sure
that the coolant will not freeze at the
temperature level in which you drive during
winter months. Keep a mixture of engine coolant
in your engine that has a protection rating of at
least-34ÊF (-37ÊC), orwhatever protection rating
is appropriate for the climate in which you live.
%*
[SV20100( ALL)08/95]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
*
[SV20200( ALL)11/94]
Proper procedures for a complete coolant drain
and flush of the cooling system can be found in
theCar Service Manual. Following these
recommended procedures will ensure that the
specified coolant level and a 50/50 or
appropriate mixture of coolant and water is
maintained.
*
[SV20300( ALL)08/95]
Engine Coolant Refill Procedure
*
[SV20400( ALL)01/95]
When the entire cooling system is drained and
refilled, the following procedure should be used
to ensure a complete fill:
*
[SV20450( ALL)05/95]
NOTE: It is imperative the following
procedure be adhered to. Failure to do
so could result in damage to your
engine.
[SV20500(MBC )03/95]
3.8L engine only
[SV20601(MBC )03/94]
q
Open the vent plug.
[SV20700(MBC )03/93]
q
Remove coolant recovery reservoir cap.
[SV20801(MBC )03/93]
q
Remove radiator pressure cap.
[SV20900(MBC )05/94]
q
With the engine off and cool, add a 50/50
mixture of recommended cooling system fluid
and water to the radiator until full, then add
to the reservoir until the reservoir is at the
FULL-HOT level.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

245 [SV21000(MBC )12/91]
q
Close the vent plug.
[SV21100(MBC )03/93]
q
Reinstall the coolant recovery reservoir cap
by installing the cap to the fully installed
position.
[SV21110(MBC )03/93]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap to the pressure
relief position by installing the cap to the
fully installed position, and then backing off
to the first stop.
[SV21200(MBC )03/93]
q
Start and idle engine until the radiator upper
hose is warm (this indicates the thermostat is
open and coolant is flowing through the
entire system).
[SV21300(MBC )03/93]
q
Immediately shut off engine. Cover cap
completely with a thick cloth and cautiously
remove radiator pressure cap and add a
50/50 mixture of recommended coolant and
water until system is full.
[SV21400(MBC )03/91]
q
Reinstall the radiator cap securely.
[SV21500(MBC )05/94]
q
Remove the cap from the engine coolant
recovery reservoir and add a 50/50 mixture
of recommended cooling system fluid and
water to the FULL-HOT mark on the engine
coolant recovery reservoir. Check that
reservoir hose is not kinked.
[SV21800(MBC )03/93]
q
Reinstall the reservoir cap.
*
[SV21900(MBC )05/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock, block plug
and vent plug.
*
[SV22000(MBC )03/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
occasions of vehicle use.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 1996

246 [SV22010( BC )05/95]4.6L engine only
*
[SV22014( ALL)03/95]
q
With the engine OFF and cool, remove the
pressure cap, located on the coolant reservoir.
Remove the heater hose and clamp, located
on the rear of the intake manifold.
*
[SV22021( ALL)03/95]
q
Add a 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and
water to the coolant reservoir. Refer toRefill
Capacitieslater in this chapter for the correct
amount. Add coolant to the reservoir until
the coolant continuously flows out of the tube
in the rear of engine. Reattach hose and
secure clamp.
[SV22026( ALL)03/95]
q
Continue to fill the reservoir until the coolant
is at the FULL COLD level.
*
[SV22031( ALL)05/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap to the fully
installed position.
*
[SV22036( ALL)05/95]
q
Start and idle the engine until the radiator
upper hose is warm (this indicates the
thermostat is open and coolant is flowing
through the entire system).
*
[SV22041( ALL)03/95]
q
Immediately shut off the engine and let cool.
Cautiously remove the pressure relief cap and
add a 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and
water until the coolant is at the COLD FILL
level in the coolant reservoir.
*
[SV22046( ALL)03/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap securely.
*
[SV22050( ALL)03/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock.
*
[SV22055( ALL)03/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
occasions of vehicle use.
File:rcsvb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:46:54 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