1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD oil

233
*
[MC35700( ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[MC35800( ALL)12/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
additional money and contribute to the driving
efficiency of your vehicle.
*
[MC35900( ALL)12/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
*
[MC36000( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[MC36100( ALL)12/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
*
[MC36200( ALL)12/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[MC36300( ALL)12/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[MC36400( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%
*
[MC36500( ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC36600( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[MC36700( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

235
*
[MC37600( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[MC37700( ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[MC37800( ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[MC37900( ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC38000( ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[MC38100( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[MC38200( ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

237
*
[MC41900( ALL)01/96]
q
turn signals
*
[MC42100( ALL)05/96]
q
license plate lamps
%*
[MC42300( ALL)01/96]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[MC42400( ALL)01/96]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicle's high beams when you
do not have the high beams on
*
[MC42500( ALL)01/96]
q
the headlamps do not seem to give you
enough light to see clearly at night
*
[MC42600( ALL)01/96]
q
the headlamp beams are pointed substantially
away from a position slightly down and to
the right
%*
[MC42700( ALL)01/96]
Headlamp Bulb
*
[MC42800( ALL)03/96]
The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable
bulbs. When the lamp burns out, simply replace
the bulb, rather than the whole lamp.
*
[MC42900( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully
and keep out of children's reach. Grasp
the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your
hand could cause the bulb to break the
next time the headlamps are operated.
*
[MC43000( ALL)01/96]
Do not remove the burned-out bulb unless you
can immediately replace it with a new one. If a
bulb is removed for an extended period of time,
contaminants may enter the headlamp housing
and affect its performance.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

244 %
*
[MC50000( ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC50100( ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning.
*
[MC50200( ALL)01/96]
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents
or petroleum-based cleaners.
%*
[MC50300( ALL)01/96]
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove
oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil
remover. If rustproofing is not removed from
plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
%*
[MC50400( ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
*
[MC50500( ALL)02/96]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap
solution that is recommended for cleaning
upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the
belt webbing because this may weaken it.
%*
[MC50600( ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
*
[MC50700( ALL)01/96]
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps, as these
may cause scratches or crack the lamps.
%*
[MC50900( ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Interior Lamps
*
[MC51000( ALL)02/96]
Your interior dome lamps and map lamps are
plastic and should be cleaned with a mild
detergent diluted in water. Rinse them with clear
water.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

246
*
[MC52200( BCGV)04/96]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[MC52300( ALL)01/96]
q
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%*
[MC52400( ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC52500( ALL)03/96]
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.
*
[MC52600( ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

250
%*
[CS03000( ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[CS03100( ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[CS03200( ALL)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[CS03300( ALL)01/96]
General
*
[CS03400( ALL)01/96]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[CS03500( ALL)01/96]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[CS03600( ALL)01/96]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
*
[CS03700( ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[CS03800( ALL)01/96]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[CS03900( ALL)01/96]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[CS04000( ALL)01/96]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[CS04100( ALL)01/96]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
*
[CS04200( ALL)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[CS04300( ALL)01/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[CS04400( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
File:12rccsb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:03:27 1996

Index 287
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 11
Accessory position on the ignition..... 72
Additives, engine oil.......... 201
Air bag supplemental restraint system . . 114
and child safety seats......... 120
description.............. 114
driver air bag............ 114
indicator light............. 13
operation.............. 116
passenger air bag........... 117
service and information labels..... 116
tone generator............ 118
Air cleaner filter
location............... 198
specifications............. 247
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system......... 59
semi-automatic temperature
control system............ 62
Alarm, activating remote personal..... 97
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 25
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 207
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 145
see also Brake............ 145
warning light.............. 11
Anti-theft lug nuts and key....... 184
Anti-theft system
arming the system........... 93
description............... 92
disarming an untriggered system..... 94
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996

292 Index
Cooling fan............... 196
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 257
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........257, 263
D
Daytime running light system....... 67
Defrost
rear window.............. 66
windshield............... 60
Dipstick................ 202
automatic transmission fluid...... 217
engine oil.............. 202
power steering fluid.......... 214
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 192
Dispute Settlement Board........ 258
Doors.................. 87
door ajar warning light......... 18
lubricant specifications......... 249
Driving under special conditions..... 162
bad weather............. 162
heavy load.............. 156
high water.............. 164
slippery roads............ 162
tips for safe driving.......... 162
towing a trailer............ 158
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 173
fuses................. 165
Electronic sound system
tuning the radio........ 27,37,46
warranty and service information..... 58
Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 37
Emergencies, roadside
assistance............... 255
battery acid spills........... 186
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996