1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD Owners Manual

192
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Towing Your Vehicle
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If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact
a professional towing service or, if you are a
member, your roadside assistance center.
[ER23660( BC )03/96]
Do not tow with slingbelt equipment when
towing your Thunderbird from the rear. Ford
Motor Company has not developed or approved
a T-hook sling-type procedure. When slingbelt
towing from the front, the towbar will deform
the soft fascia (bumper). However, it will return
to an acceptable shape. In both cases, wheel lift
or flatbed equipment is recommended.
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193
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three fourths page art:0011391-A
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When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator
what kind of vehicle you have. A towing
manual is available from Ford Motor Company
for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for
the proper hook-up and towing procedures for
your vehicle.
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195
Maintenance and Care
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Service Made Easy
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Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
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This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
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If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
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Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet be performed for
the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance
Checklist, be alert for any unusual noise,
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196vibration, or other indication that your vehicle
may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced
promptly.
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Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts conforming to Ford
specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is
your assurance that Ford-built quality stays in
your vehicle.
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NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
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Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
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Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
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q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
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RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
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q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
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197
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q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
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Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
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Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
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If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
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Working with the engine off:
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1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
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2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
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3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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Working with the engine on:
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1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
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2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
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198 %
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Opening the Hood
[MC03400( ALL)12/95]
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
located under the lower left corner of the
instrument panel.
[MC03600( ALL)12/95]
2. Go around to the front of the vehicle, and
release the auxiliary catch that is located
under the front edge of the hood at the
center of the vehicle.
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one third page art:0010537-A
The auxiliary catch under the front edge of the hood
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3. Lift the hood until the counterbalanced
hinges hold it open.
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Whenever you close the hood, latch it securely.
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NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at
six-month intervals to maintain smooth
and trouble-free operation.
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Engine Compartment
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Your vehicle has one of these types of engines:
[MC04800(MBC )02/96]
q
a 3.8 liter SFI engine
[MC04900(MBC )12/95]
q
a 4.6 liter SFI engine
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The following pages show diagrams of each
engine type and where to find items that you
should regularly service.
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199 [MC05300( BC )12/95]
full page art:0010327-C
A 3.8 liter SFI engine
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200 [MC05400( BC )12/95]
full page art:0010665-GA 4.6 liter SFI engine
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