1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD maintenance schedule

217 [MC21100(MBC )05/96]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford
Specification MerconHATF XT-2-QDX or an
equivalent.
*
[MC21200(MBC )01/96]
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.
%
*
[MC21300( ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[MC21400( ALL)03/96]
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 Schedulebooklet 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.
%*
[MC21500( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
*
[MC21600( ALL)01/96]
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).
[MC21700( ALL)12/95]
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.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

222 %
*
[MC26000( ALL)01/96]
Tire Rotation
*
[MC26100( ALL)01/96]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires
perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly
and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the
following diagram.
*
[MC26200( ALL)12/95]
For tire rotation intervals, see theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet. If you notice that the tires wear
unevenly, have them checked.
[MC26400( B )12/95]
half page art:0010731-E
Rotating the tires
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

232
*
[MC34100( ALL)01/96]
4. Use these equations to calculate your fuel
economy:
*
[MC34200( ALL)01/96]
q
English: MPG = (total miles driven)v
(gallons used)
*
[MC34300( ALL)01/96]
q
Metric: L/100k = (liters used)v
(100 kilometers)
*
[MC34400( ALL)01/96]
Comparisons With EPA Estimates
*
[MC34500( ALL)05/96]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from
laboratory tests under simulated road conditions
and may not reflect the actual conditions you
experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that
you will achieve the fuel economy shown.
*
[MC34600( ALL)01/96]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[MC34700( ALL)01/96]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[MC34800( ALL)01/96]
q
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
*
[MC34900( ALL)01/96]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[MC35000( ALL)01/96]
q
Sudden stops
*
[MC35100( ALL)01/96]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[MC35200( ALL)01/96]
q
Using speed control in hilly terrain
*
[MC35300( ALL)01/96]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[MC35400( ALL)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[MC35500( ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC35600( ALL)01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

234
*
[MC36800( ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[MC36900( ALL)01/96]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC37000( ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC37100( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[MC37200( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not push start your vehicle.
*
[MC37300( ALL)02/96]
q
Have the services listed in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet performed according to the
specified schedule. The scheduled
maintenance services are required because
they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
*
[MC37400( ALL)01/96]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emissions control devices or systems in
your new Ford Motor Company vehicle or
engine may be performed at your expense by
any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[MC37500( ALL)01/96]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine
Ford replacement parts. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for the service of components
affecting emission control, such non-Ford parts
should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It
is the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

Index 299
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 13
anti-lock brakes (ABS).......... 11
anti-theft................ 16
brake................. 10
charging system............ 14
door ajar................ 18
engine oil pressure........... 18
hazard warning light.......... 77
high beam............... 16
low coolant.............. 13
low fuel................ 19
low washer fluid............ 20
oil pressure.............. 18
overdrive off.............. 14
safety belt............... 12
service engine soon........... 16
theft system.............. 16
turn signal indicator.......... 17
Load limits............... 156
GAWR................ 156
GVWR................ 156
trailer towing............. 158
Lubricant specifications......... 249
Lug nuts................ 178
anti-theft............... 184
standard............... 179
tightening sequence.......... 182
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
booklet)................ 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 195
Master cylinder, brakes......... 204
Mirrors.................. 86
rearview................ 86
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996