1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD Owners Manual

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.
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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.
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227
*
[MC29200( ALL)01/96]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC29300( ALL)01/96]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[MC29400( ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC29500( ALL)01/96]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%
*
[MC29600( ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
*
[MC29800(MBC )12/95]
The fuel door is outside the car on the passenger
side near the back. To fill the fuel tank:
*
[MC29900( ALL)01/96]
1. After opening the fuel filler door, remove
the cap carefully and slowly by turning it
counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
*
[MC30000( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
*
[MC30100( ALL)01/96]
2. Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe before pumping the fuel.
*
[MC30200( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it off immediately.
The fuel may dull or soften the paint
if you do not wash it off.
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228 %
*
[MC30300( ALL)03/96]
3. Replace the fuel cap completely when you
are finished. Turn it clockwise 1/4 turn until
it is tight. It will click when it is fully
tightened.
*
[MC30400( ALL)01/96]
4. Push the fuel door closed.
%*
[MC30500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can damage the
fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision.
*
[MC30600( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
%*
[MC30700( ALL)01/96]
Choosing the Right Fuel
*
[MC30801( ALL)03/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded
fuel is prohibited by law and could damage
your vehicle. The damage may not be covered
by your warranty.
*
[MC30901( ALL)04/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel
containing manganese-based additives such as
MMT. Additionally, vehicles certified to
California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control
Information label) are designed to operate on
California reformulated gasolines. If California
reformulated gasoline is not available when you
refuel, your vehicle can be operated on
non-California fuels. However, even though your
engine will perform adequately on other
gasolines, the performance of the emission
control devices and systems may be adversely
affected. Repair of damage caused by using a
fuel that your vehicle was not designed for may
not be covered by your warranty.
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229 [MC31000( ALL)05/96]
Octane recommendation
*
[MC31101( ALL)04/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline
with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.We do not
recommend gasolines labeled as ªregularº in
high altitude areas that are sold with octane
ratings of 86 or even less.
[MC31200( ALL)12/95]
one inch art:0060001-C*
[MC31401( ALL)04/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
%*
[MC31450( ALL)04/96]
Fuel quality
*
[MC31501( ALL)04/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems try a different brand of fuel.
If the condition persists, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
*
[MC31530( ALL)04/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline
specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of
your vehicle. We recommend the use of
gasolines that meet the AAMA specification if
they are available.
*
[MC31560( ALL)04/96]
It should not be necessary to add any
aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you
continue to use a high-quality fuel.
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230
*
[MC31600( ALL)04/96]
Clean air
*
[MC31701( ALL)04/96]
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve
air quality, including reformulated gasolines that
contain oxygenates such as a maximum of 10%
ethanol or 15% MTBE. There should be no more
than 5% methanol with cosolvents and additives
to protect the fuel system.
%*
[MC32000( ALL)01/96]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive
Fuels
*
[MC32100( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury
or death if misused or mishandled.
*
[MC32200( ALL)05/96]
q
Turn vehicle off when refueling.
*
[MC32300( ALL)08/95]
q
Do not smoke when refueling. Fuels are
extremely flammable.
*
[MC32400( ALL)08/95]
q
Do not siphon any fuel by mouth.
*
[MC32500( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Gasoline or gasoline blended with
methanol can cause blindness and
possible death when swallowed. If any
fuel is swallowed, call a physician or
poison control center immediately.
*
[MC32600( ALL)08/95]
q
Avoid breathing vapors while refueling.
*
[MC32700( ALL)08/95]
q
If fuel is splashed on the skin, wash with
soap and water.
*
[MC32800( ALL)08/95]
q
If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact
lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15
minutes, and seek medical attention.
*
[MC32900( ALL)01/96]
Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small
amounts of carcinogens, such as benzene.
Long-term exposure to unleaded gasoline vapors
has caused cancer in laboratory animals.
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231
*
[MC33000( ALL)01/96]
If you are taking the medication ªAntabuseº or
other forms of disulfiram for the treatment of
alcoholism, vapor or skin contact with a
gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same
kind of adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic
beverage. In sensitive individuals, serious
personal injury or sickness could result. Consult
a physician promptly if you experience an
adverse reaction.
%*
[MC33100( ALL)01/96]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[MC33200( ALL)08/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
modern powertrain components.
*
[MC33300( ALL)01/96]
You may need to crank the engine several times
before the fuel system starts to pump fuel from
the tank to the engine.
[MC33400( ALL)12/95]Calculating Fuel Economy
*
[MC33500( ALL)01/96]
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of
your vehicle, and can be calculated as Miles Per
Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per 100 Kilometers
(L/100K).
*
[MC33600( ALL)01/96]
Do not calculate fuel economy during your
vehicle's break-in period. This would not be an
accurate estimate of how much fuel your vehicle
will normally use.
*
[MC33700( ALL)01/96]
To calculate fuel economy:
*
[MC33800( ALL)01/96]
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the
initial odometer reading.
*
[MC33900( ALL)01/96]
2. Every time you buy fuel, record the
amount (in gallons or liters) purchased.
*
[MC34000( ALL)01/96]
3. After at least 3-5 tankfuls, fill the fuel tank
and record the final odometer reading.
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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