1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD ECU

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The positions of the console-mounted gearshift
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[GF08700( ALL)01/96]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired
position, release the brake pedal and use the
accelerator as necessary.
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[GF08800( ALL)05/96]
R (Reverse)
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[GF08900( ALL)05/96]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
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[GF09000( ALL)01/96]
N (Neutral)
[GF09100( ALL)12/95]
As in P (Park), there is no power transferred
through the transmission. However, the final
drive is not locked so the wheels are free to
rotate. The vehicle may be started in the N
position, but the ignition key cannot be
removed.
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Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996

155
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[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)
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[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.
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[GF10900( BCGV)12/95]
You can depress the TCS at any speed.
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[GF11100( ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
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[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.
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[GF11300( ALL)05/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
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[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.
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[GF11500( ALL)05/96]
P (Park)
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[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.
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156
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[GF11700( ALL)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.
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[GF11800( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
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[GF12000(MBC )12/95]
You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) if the lever is
adjacent to the P (Park) and you cannot move it
without pushing in the thumb button.
%
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[GF15500( ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
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[GF15600( ALL)01/96]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
% [GF15700( ALL)12/95]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left front door lock facing or the door latch
post pillar.
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[GF15800( ALL)01/96]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limits than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
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Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996

182
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[ER16000(MBC )03/96]
6. Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug
nuts in the order shown in the following
illustration. As soon as possible, have your
dealer or a qualified service technician check
the lug nuts for proper torque specifications.
% [ER16100( ALL)12/95]
quarter page art:0010350-A
The lug nuts on the wheel
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[ER16200(MBC )03/96]
7. Place any wheel covers and ornaments in the
trunk.
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[ER16300(MBC )03/96]
8. Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. Make
sure the jack is securely fastened so it does
not rattle when you drive.
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[ER16400(MBC )03/96]
9. Unblock the wheels.
% [ER16600(MBC )12/95]
Aluminum Road Wheel Ornaments
(If equipped)
[ER16700(MBC )12/95]
To remove the ornament, stick the tapered end
of the jack handle between the ornament and
wheel and pry off the ornament.
[ER16800(MBC )12/95]
To replace the ornament, stick one side of the
ornament into the center of the wheel and strike
the other side with the palm of your hand.
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Update:Thu May 30 11:01:08 1996

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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[MC00500( ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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[MC00600( ALL)01/96]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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[MC00700( ALL)03/96]
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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[MC00800( ALL)02/96]
q
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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[MC00900( ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
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[MC01000( ALL)01/96]
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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[MC01100( ALL)02/96]
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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197
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[MC01900( ALL)01/96]
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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[MC02000( ALL)01/96]
q
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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[MC02100( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
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[MC02200(MBC )01/96]
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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[MC02300( ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
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[MC02500( BCGV)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
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[MC02600( ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
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[MC02700( ALL)01/96]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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[MC02800( ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine on:
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[MC03000( BCGV)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
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[MC03100( ALL)01/96]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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[MC03200( ALL)01/96]
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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Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

198 %
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[MC03300( ALL)02/96]
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.
[MC03800( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010537-A
The auxiliary catch under the front edge of the hood
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[MC04100( BCGV)12/95]
3. Lift the hood until the counterbalanced
hinges hold it open.
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[MC04300( BCGV)12/95]
Whenever you close the hood, latch it securely.
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[MC04400( ALL)12/95]
NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at
six-month intervals to maintain smooth
and trouble-free operation.
%
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[MC04500( ALL)03/96]
Engine Compartment
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[MC04600(MBC )01/96]
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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[MC05000(MBC )03/96]
The following pages show diagrams of each
engine type and where to find items that you
should regularly service.
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Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

202 %
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Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[MC06700( ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
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[MC06800( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[MC06900( BCGV)01/96]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
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[MC07100( ALL)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
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[MC07200( ALL)01/96]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
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[MC07300( ALL)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[MC07400( BC )03/96]
one inch art:0011218-A
Engine oil dipstick Ð 4.6 liter engines
[MC07600(MBC )12/95]
one inch art:0000970-A
Engine oil dipstick Ð 3.8 liter engines
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996