1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD warning lights

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[PI00425( ALL)05/95]
Table of ContentsIntroductory Information ...............................1
Safety Restraints ..............................................7
Starting Your Thunderbird .........................45
Warning Lights and Gauges .......................55
Instrument Panel Controls ..........................73
Steering Column Controls ..........................91
Features ..........................................................101
Electronic Sound Systems .........................131
Driving Your Thunderbird .......................165
Roadside Emergencies ................................185
Customer Assistance ...................................203
Reporting Safety Defects ......................211
Accessories ....................................................215
Servicing Your Thunderbird ......................223
Quick Index ..................................................297
Index ...............................................................307
Service Station Information ......................324
File:rcpib.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:53:48 1996

7
Safety Restraints
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[SR00500( ALL)04/95]
Important Safety Belt Information
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[SR00600( ALL)03/95]
The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada the law requires their use.
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[SR00800( ALL)01/95]
Safety belts provide best restraint when:
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q
the seatback is upright
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q
the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)
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q
the lap belt is snug and low on the hips
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q
the shoulder belt is snug against the chest
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[SR01300( ALL)01/95]
q
the knees are straight forward
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[SR02100( ALL)05/95]
To help you remember to fasten your safety belt,
a warning light may come on and a chime may
sound. SeeSafety Belt Warning Light and Chimein
theWarning Lights and Gaugeschapter.
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[SR02500( ALL)01/95]
See the following sections in this chapter for
directions on how to properly use these safety
belts. Also seeSafety Restraints for Childrenin this
chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.
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[SR02600( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Make sure that you and your passengers
wear safety belts. Always drive and ride
with your seatback upright and the lap
belt snug and low across the hips.
File:rcsrb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:53:31 1996

45
Starting Your Thunderbird
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[ST03400( ALL)03/95]
Ignition
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[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
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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Update:Mon Feb 19 10:52:09 1996

47
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[ST07000( ALL)03/95]
Fuel-Injected Engines
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When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator before or
during starting. Only use the accelerator when
you have problems getting your vehicle started.
SeeStarting Your Enginein this chapter for
details about when to use the accelerator while
you start your vehicle.
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[ST07300( ALL)03/95]
Starting Your Vehicle
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Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
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RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding
Against Exhaust Fumesin this chapter for
more instructions.
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[ST07600( ALL)01/95]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
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1. Make sure you and all your passengers
buckle your safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
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2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
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[ST08100( BCGV)03/95]
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is set before you turn
the key.
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[ST08400( ALL)03/95]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to theWarning
Lights and Gaugeschapter.
File:rcstb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:52:09 1996

54
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[ST18800( ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
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1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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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.
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[ST19200( ALL)03/95]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
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[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.
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[ST19350( ALL)03/95]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
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[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

55
Warning Lights and
Gauges
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[LG00400( ALL)01/95]
The instrument panel (dashboard) on your
vehicle is divided into several different sections.
The illustrations on the following pages show
the major parts of the instrument panel that are
described in this chapter. Some items shown
may not be on all vehicles.
[LG00500( BCGV)05/94]
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together in the instrument cluster
and the indicator lamp module.
File:rclgb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:51:57 1996

57
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[LG02700( BCGV)06/94]
The Mechanical Cluster
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[LG02800( BCGV)06/93]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
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[LG02900( ALL)03/95]
Brake System Warning Light
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[LG03000( ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a
qualified service technician.
[LG03025( BC )07/93]
one inch art:0010116-D[LG03100( ALL)01/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is
set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition key to START. It normally
goes off shortly after the engine starts and you
release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
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[LG03200( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
File:rclgb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:51:57 1996

62 %
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[LG07200( ALL)01/95]
High Beam Light
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[LG07300( ALL)03/95]
This light comes on when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights.
[LG07400( ALL)05/92]
one inch art:0010125-A% [LG08300( BC )07/93]
Check Gauges Warning Light (if equipped)
[LG08310( BC )03/93]
one inch art:0010128-D*
[LG08400( BC )06/94]
This light will come on when the key is in the
ON position and the:
[LG08500( BC )04/89]
q
engine coolant temperature gauge is high, or
[LG08600( BC )04/89]
q
engine oil pressure gauge is low, or
[LG08700( BC )05/95]
q
when the fuel tank has reached empty
reserve.
[LG08825( BC )03/90]
This light serves as a reminder for you to check
the engine coolant temperature gauge, the
engine oil pressure gauge or the fuel gauge. It
will come on if there is a condition that needs
your attention.
[LG08850( BC )07/93]
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gauge, Engine Oil
Pressure Gauge,orFuel Gaugein this chapter for
more information.
File:rclgb.ex
Update:Mon Feb 19 10:51:57 1996