1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD tires

224 %
*
[MC27400( ALL)01/96]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[MC27500( ALL)01/96]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their
Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded
into the tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has
set.
*
[MC27600( ALL)01/96]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic
tires for use on passenger cars. They do not
apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires
with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49
Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
*
[MC27700( ALL)01/96]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire
quality grades:The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly
as the government has written it.
%*
[MC27800( ALL)01/96]
Treadwear
*
[MC27900( ALL)01/96]
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

225
*
[MC28000( ALL)01/96]
Traction A B C
*
[MC28100( ALL)05/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
[MC28150( ALL)04/96]
RWARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straight ahead) traction
tests and does not include cornering
(turning) traction.
*
[MC28200( ALL)01/96]
Temperature A B C
*
[MC28300( ALL)05/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

226 [MC28325( ALL)04/96]
RWARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
*
[MC28350( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
%*
[MC28400( ALL)01/96]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[MC28500( BCGV)03/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[MC28700( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[MC28900( ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[MC29000( ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
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

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

252 [CS05800( ALL)12/95]NOTE: If battery cables are disconnected, it
will be necessary to reset memory
features.
%*
[CS05900( ALL)01/96]
Brakes
*
[CS06000( ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[CS06100( ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[CS06200( ALL)01/96]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[CS06300( ALL)01/96]
Miscellaneous
*
[CS06400( ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[CS06500( ALL)01/96]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts and prevent
corrosion.
File:12rccsb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:03:27 1996

290 Index
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)........ 120
Cassette tape player (see Electronic
sound system)........ 36,40,45,51
Catalytic converter............ 233
CD player (see Electronic
sound system)........... 25,31
Chains, tires.............. 226
Changing a tire............. 175
Charging system warning light....... 14
Child safety restraints.......... 118
child safety belts........... 136
child safety seats........... 120
Child safety seats............ 120
and air bags............. 120
automatic locking mode
(retractor)...........107, 120
in front seat............. 120
in rear outboard seat......... 129
in rear seat............120, 135
tether anchorage hardware....... 136
Chime
key in ignition............. 73
safety belt............... 12
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 173
see also fuses............. 165
Cleaning your vehicle.......... 243
chrome and aluminum parts...... 243
engine compartment.......... 245
exterior............... 243
exterior lamps............ 244
fabric................ 245
headlamps.............. 244
instrument panel......... 59,245
instrument panel lens......... 245
interior................ 245
interior lamps............. 244
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996

Index 301
Power steering
dipstick............... 214
driving with power steering...... 150
fluid, checking and adding...... 214
fluid, refill capacity.......... 248
fluid, specifications.......... 249
servicing............... 150
Prop rod, hood............. 198
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems).... 25
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 249
refill capacity............. 248
Rear window............... 88
defroster................ 66
Refill capacities for fluids........ 248
Relays................. 165
Remote control, trunk........... 72
Remote entry system........... 95
locking/unlocking doors........ 96
opening the trunk........... 96
panic alarm.............. 97
replacement/additional transmitters . . . 98
replacing the batteries.......... 97
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult................ 103
child................. 118
head.................. 99
infant................ 118
Roadside assistance........... 255
Roadside emergencies.......... 165
Rotating the tires............ 222
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996