Page 90 of 301
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 88 %
*
[CF42400( BCGV)12/95]
Using the Illuminated Entry System
(If equipped)
[CF42600( BC )05/96]
The interior lights turn on when you lift the
outside door handle on the drivers side door or
when y FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 88 %
*
[CF42400( BCGV)12/95]
Using the Illuminated Entry System
(If equipped)
[CF42600( BC )05/96]
The interior lights turn on when you lift the
outside door handle on the drivers side door or
when y](/manual-img/11/5383/w960_5383-89.png)
88 %
*
[CF42400( BCGV)12/95]
Using the Illuminated Entry System
(If equipped)
[CF42600( BC )05/96]
The interior lights turn on when you lift the
outside door handle on the driver's side door or
when you press UNLOCK, TRUNK, or PANIC
on a programmed remote entry transmitter if
your vehicle is equipped with remote entry.
[CF42700( BCGV)05/96]
These lights automatically turn off after 25
seconds or when you turn the ignition key to
ON or ACC. The inside lights will not turn off if
you have turned them on manually or if a door
is opened.
%
*
[CF43405( ALL)04/96]
Windows
%*
[CF43415( BCGV)12/95]
Using the Power Windows
[CF43420(MBC )12/95]
Each door has a power control that opens and
closes the window on that door. The driver's
door has a master control panel that operates the
windows.
*
[CF43430( ALL)12/95]
Power windows can only be opened or closed
when the ignition switch is in the ON or ACC
position.
*
[CF43435( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let children play with the power
windows.
File:05rccfb.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:36:35 1996
Page 106 of 301
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 104
*
[SS11400( ALL)02/96]
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
theInstrumentationchapter.
*
[SS FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 104
*
[SS11400( ALL)02/96]
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
theInstrumentationchapter.
*
[SS](/manual-img/11/5383/w960_5383-105.png)
104
*
[SS11400( ALL)02/96]
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
theInstrumentationchapter.
*
[SS11500( ALL)02/96]
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.
*
[SS11600( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
*
[SS11700( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Always drive and ride with your seatback
upright and the lap belt snug and low
across the hips.
*
[SS11800( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies and attaching hardware should
be inspected by a qualified technician
after any collision. Safety belt assemblies
not in use during a collision should also
be inspected and replaced if either
damage or improper operation is noted.
File:06rcssb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:58:44 1996
Page 119 of 301
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 117
*
[SS23701( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The air bag will inflate only once. The
system is designed to function on a
one-time-only basis. If the air bag is
inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT
FUNCTION AGAIN AND FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 117
*
[SS23701( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The air bag will inflate only once. The
system is designed to function on a
one-time-only basis. If the air bag is
inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT
FUNCTION AGAIN AND](/manual-img/11/5383/w960_5383-118.png)
117
*
[SS23701( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The air bag will inflate only once. The
system is designed to function on a
one-time-only basis. If the air bag is
inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT
FUNCTION AGAIN AND MUST BE
REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If the air
bag is not replaced, this will increase the
risk of injury in a subsequent collision.
[SS23801( ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
consists of:
*
[SS23901( ALL)03/96]
q
driver and passenger air bag modules (which
include the inflators and air bags),
[SS24001( ALL)05/96]
q
one or more impact and safing sensors,
[SS24101( ALL)05/96]
q
a system diagnostic module,
[SS24201( ALL)05/96]
q
a readiness light and tone,
[SS24301( ALL)05/96]
q
and the electrical wiring which connects the
components.
[SS24350( ALL)04/96]
The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits,
the air bag electrical system, the air bag
readiness light, the air bag power, and the air
bag inflators.
[SS24401( ALL)05/96]
Determining if System Is Operational
*
[SS24501( ALL)03/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses
a readiness light and a tone to indicate the
condition of the system. The readiness light is in
the instrument cluster. When you turn the
ignition key to ON, this light will illuminate for
approximately six (6) seconds and then turn off.
This indicates that the system is operating
normally. NOTE: Routine maintenance of the air
bag system is not required.
File:06rcssb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:58:44 1996
Page 141 of 301
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 140
*
[TO01300( ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO01400( ALL) FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 140
*
[TO01300( ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO01400( ALL)](/manual-img/11/5383/w960_5383-140.png)
140
*
[TO01300( ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO01400( ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
*
[TO01500( ALL)01/96]
To start your engine:
*
[TO01600( ALL)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
*
[TO01700( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[TO01800( ALL)01/96]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
*
[TO01900( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
*
[TO02000( ALL)01/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
%*
[TO02100( ALL)01/96]
For a cold engine:
*
[TO02200( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
*
[TO02300( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
File:08rctob.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:58:59 1996
Page 143 of 301
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 142
*
[TO03600( ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engines idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engines
idle speed normally runs higher than when its
warmed up. These faster engine s FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 142
*
[TO03600( ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engines idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engines
idle speed normally runs higher than when its
warmed up. These faster engine s](/manual-img/11/5383/w960_5383-142.png)
142
*
[TO03600( ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
*
[TO03700( ALL)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[TO03800( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[TO03900( 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.
*
[TO04000( ALL)01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[TO04100( ALL)01/96]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[TO04200( ALL)01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
File:08rctob.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:58:59 1996
Page 148 of 301
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 147 [GF02500( BC )12/95]
To set the parking brake while parking your
vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right
foot and hold it while you push the parking
brake down firmly with your left foot. T FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 147 [GF02500( BC )12/95]
To set the parking brake while parking your
vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right
foot and hold it while you push the parking
brake down firmly with your left foot. T](/manual-img/11/5383/w960_5383-147.png)
147 [GF02500( BC )12/95]
To set the parking brake while parking your
vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right
foot and hold it while you push the parking
brake down firmly with your left foot. The brake
system warning light will glow.
[GF02800( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010315-A
The parking brake
*
[GF03100( BCGV)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
[GF03300( BC )12/95]
To release the parking brake, press down on the
pedal until you hear a click. Lift your foot off
the pedal. The brake is now released and will
reset to lock the next time you press the pedal,
located below the lower left corner of the
instrument panel. The Brake System Warning
Light will glow if the parking brake is not fully
released when the engine is running.
*
[GF03600( ALL)01/96]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996
Page 149 of 301
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 148
*
[GF03700( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
[GF03800( ALL) FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 148
*
[GF03700( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
[GF03800( ALL)](/manual-img/11/5383/w960_5383-148.png)
148
*
[GF03700( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
[GF03800( ALL)12/95]
The parking brake system is designed for static
parking only and is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
% [GF03900( ALL)12/95]Traction-Lok Axle (If equipped)
[GF04000( ALL)12/95]
This axle provides added traction on slippery
surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a
poor traction surface. Under normal conditions
the Traction-Lok axle functions as a standard
rear axle.
*
[GF04100( ALL)03/96]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
*
[GF04200( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996
Page 152 of 301
![FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 151
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[GF05600( BCGV)12/95 FORD THUNDERBIRD 1997 10.G Owners Manual 151
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[GF05600( BCGV)12/95](/manual-img/11/5383/w960_5383-151.png)
151
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[GF05600( BCGV)12/95]
Speed Sensitive Power Steering
(If equipped)
[GF05800( BC )12/95]
The steering system in 4.6L engine vehicles is
speed sensitive. This means that the steering
effort is light for parking and heavier for
highway driving. However, if you have to
swerve around an object or another vehicle, your
steering will have full power assist.
%
*
[GF06500( ALL)12/95]
Driving with an Automatic
Overdrive Transmission
[GF06600(MBC )12/95]
The gearshift lever is floor mounted.
*
[GF06700( BCGV)12/95]
The automatic overdrive transmission operates
very much like a regular automatic transmission,
except it offers the extra overdrive feature.
%*
[GF06800( ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
*
[GF06900( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
[GF07100(MBC )04/96]
To move the shifter out of P (Park), the ignition
key must be turned to the ON position and the
shift lever thumb button must be pushed in.
*
[GF07200( ALL)12/95]
To operate:
*
[GF07300( ALL)12/95]
1. Start the engine.
*
[GF07400( ALL)12/95]
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[GF07500( ALL)12/95]
3. Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996