Page 156 of 301
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 155
*
[GF10400( ALL)12/95]
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth
gear Ðan overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at an appropriate consistent speed for
any length of time. This fourth gea FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 155
*
[GF10400( ALL)12/95]
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth
gear Ðan overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at an appropriate consistent speed for
any length of time. This fourth gea](/manual-img/11/5383/w960_5383-155.png)
155
*
[GF10400( ALL)12/95]
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth
gear Ðan overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at an appropriate consistent speed for
any length of time. This fourth gear will increase
your fuel economy when you travel at cruising
speeds.
% [GF10500(MBC )12/95]
When to use D (Overdrive) Ð with
transmission control switch activated (O/D
OFF light illuminated)
*
[GF10700(MBC )12/95]
Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrain. If the transmission shifts back and forth
between Third and Fourth gears while you are
driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle does
not have adequate power for climbing hills,
depress the TCS.
*
[GF10900( BCGV)12/95]
You can depress the TCS at any speed.
*
[GF11100( ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[GF11200( ALL)12/95]
Use 2 (Second) for start-up on slippery roads or
to give you more engine braking to slow your
vehicle on downgrades.
*
[GF11300( ALL)05/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[GF11400( ALL)12/95]
Use 1 (Low) when driving down steep grades. It
gives more engine braking to slow your vehicle
than 2 (Second) on the downgrades. You can
upshift from 1 (Low) to 2 (Second) or from 1
(Low) to Overdrive at any speed.
*
[GF11500( ALL)05/96]
P (Park)
*
[GF11600( ALL)12/95]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park). This locks the
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
rotating.
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996
Page 175 of 301
174
%*
[ER07300( ALL)01/96]
If the Engine Cranks but Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
% [ER07400( ALL)12/95]
Fuel System Shut-off Switch
[ER07500( ALL)05/96]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does
not start after a collision, the fuel system shut-off
switch may have been activated. The shut-off
switch is a device intended to stop the fuel
system when your vehicle has been involved in
a substantial jolt.
*
[ER07600( BCGV)04/96]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must
reset the switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle. The switch is on the left side of the
trunk.
[ER07900( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010013-E
The fuel pump shut-off switch
*
[ER08100( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
File:10rcerb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:01:08 1996
Page 212 of 301
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 212 [MC15700(MBC )12/95]3.8L engine only
[MC15800(MBC )12/95]
q
Open the vent plug.
[MC15900(MBC )12/95]
q
Remove coolant recovery reservoir cap.
[MC16000(MBC )12/95]
q
Remove radiator pressure cap.
[ FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 212 [MC15700(MBC )12/95]3.8L engine only
[MC15800(MBC )12/95]
q
Open the vent plug.
[MC15900(MBC )12/95]
q
Remove coolant recovery reservoir cap.
[MC16000(MBC )12/95]
q
Remove radiator pressure cap.
[](/manual-img/11/5383/w960_5383-211.png)
212 [MC15700(MBC )12/95]3.8L engine only
[MC15800(MBC )12/95]
q
Open the vent plug.
[MC15900(MBC )12/95]
q
Remove coolant recovery reservoir cap.
[MC16000(MBC )12/95]
q
Remove radiator pressure cap.
[MC16100(MBC )12/95]
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.
[MC16200(MBC )12/95]
q
Close the vent plug.
[MC16300(MBC )12/95]
q
Reinstall the coolant recovery reservoir cap
by installing the cap to the fully installed
position.
[MC16400(MBC )12/95]
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.
[MC16500(MBC )12/95]
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).
[MC16600(MBC )12/95]
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.
[MC16700(MBC )12/95]
q
Reinstall the radiator cap securely.
[MC16800(MBC )12/95]
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.
[MC16900(MBC )12/95]
q
Reinstall the reservoir cap.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996
Page 220 of 301
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 220 %
*
[MC23600( ALL)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC23700( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 220 %
*
[MC23600( ALL)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC23700( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility](/manual-img/11/5383/w960_5383-219.png)
220 %
*
[MC23600( ALL)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC23700( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[MC23800( ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
%*
[MC24000( BCGV)12/95]
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control
conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or
install a new battery, you must allow the
computer to ªrelearnº its idle conditions before
your vehicle will drive properly. To let the
engine do this, put the gearshift in P (Park), turn
off all the accessories, and start the vehicle. Let
the engine idle for at least one minute. (Engine
must be warm in order to ªlearn.º) Also, allow
approximately 10 miles (16 km) of stop and go
traffic for your vehicle's engine to completely
ªrelearnº its idle.
%
*
[MC24300( ALL)02/96]
Wiper Blades
*
[MC24400( ALL)01/96]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Substances such as tree
sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness
of wiper blades.
*
[MC24500( ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996
Page 236 of 301
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 236 %
*
[MC38300( ALL)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC38400( ALL)04/96]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Main FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 236 %
*
[MC38300( ALL)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC38400( ALL)04/96]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Main](/manual-img/11/5383/w960_5383-235.png)
236 %
*
[MC38300( ALL)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC38400( ALL)04/96]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies that
additional city and highway driving is necessary
to complete the check of the OBD II system.
*
[MC38601( ALL)05/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes of
city and highway driving as described below:
*
[MC38701( ALL)05/96]
q
At least twenty minutes driving in stop and
go, city type traffic with at least four idle
periods.
*
[MC38801( ALL)05/96]
q
At least ten minutes of driving on an
expressway or highway.
[MC38901( ALL)04/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the
engine must be warmed up and at operating
temperature. Once started, the vehicle must not
be turned off during these driving modes.
%
*
[MC41200( ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC41300( ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
*
[MC41400( ALL)01/96]
q
headlamps
*
[MC41500( ALL)01/96]
q
tail lamps
*
[MC41600( ALL)01/96]
q
brakelamps
*
[MC41700( ALL)01/96]
q
hazard flasher
*
[MC41800( ALL)01/96]
q
high-mount brakelamp
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996