1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD parking brake

202 %
*
[MC06500( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC06600( ALL)01/96]
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:
*
[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).
*
[MC07100( ALL)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[MC07200( ALL)01/96]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[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

217 [MC21100(MBC )05/96]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford
Specification MerconHATF XT-2-QDX or an
equivalent.
*
[MC21200(MBC )01/96]
NOTE: If the power steering fluid is low, do
not drive your vehicle for a long
period of time before adding fluid.
This can damage the power steering
pump.
%
*
[MC21300( ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[MC21400( ALL)03/96]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since
your vehicle does not use up transmission fluid.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the
transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
%*
[MC21500( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
*
[MC21600( ALL)01/96]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20
miles (30 km) of driving. However, if necessary,
you can check the fluid level without having to
drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal
operating temperature if outside temperatures
are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
[MC21700( ALL)12/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and, while fully applying the brake
pedal, move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage.Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
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

Index 289
Brakelamp............... 239
bulb replacement.........239, 241
high-mount brakelamp........ 239
Brakes................. 145
adjustment.............. 145
anti-lock............... 145
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............ 11
applying the brakes.......... 145
brake warning light........... 10
fluid, checking and adding...... 204
fluid, refill capacities.......204, 248
fluid, specifications........205, 249
front disc.............. 145
if brakes do not grip well....... 145
master cylinder............ 204
new brake linings............ 6
noise................ 145
parking............... 146
power braking............ 145
servicing............... 145
stopping distances.......... 162
trailer................ 161
when storing your vehicle....... 252
Brake-shift interlock........... 152
Break-in period.............. 6
Brights (high beams)........... 16
Bulbs, replacing............. 236
halogen............... 237
headlamps.............. 237
high-mount brakelamp........ 239
specifications............. 242
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 263
Canada, warranty information....... 4
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 263
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 248
Carbon monoxide in exhaust....... 143
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996

Index 293
Emergencies, roadside (continued)
fuel................. 230
jump-starting............. 185
towing................ 192
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 146
Emission control system......... 233
catalytic converter.......... 233
emissions warranty......... 4,233
Engine
does not start............ 141
fuel injected engine, starting...... 139
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 174
preparing to start........... 139
refill capacities............ 248
service points............ 195
starting............... 140
starting after a collision........ 174
storing your vehicle.......... 250
Engine block heater........... 142
Engine coolant............. 207
checking and adding......... 207
checking hoses............ 208
disposal............... 196
drain and flush............ 211
low coolant warning light........ 13
preparing for storage......... 251
proper solution........196, 209, 211
recovery reservoir........198, 207
refill capacities............ 248
specifications............. 249
temperature gauge........... 21
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 21
description............... 21
mechanical............... 21
Engine fan............... 196
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996

300 Index
Mirrors (continued)
side view mirrors............ 86
side view mirrors (power)........ 89
vanity mirror, illuminated........ 86
Moon roof................ 84
Motorcraft parts............. 247
N
New vehicle break-in........... 6
O
Octane rating.............. 227
Odometer................. 22
description............... 22
trip odometer.............. 23
Oil filter..............203, 247
Oil (see Engine oil)........... 201
Oil viscosity.............. 201
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system . . . 236
Overdrive................ 154
Overseas offices............. 264
P
Panic alarm feature, remote entry system . . 97
Parking brake.............. 146
operation............... 146
warning light.............. 10
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)........ 247
PCV valve, specifications......... 247
Power distribution box (see Fuses).... 165
Power door locks............. 87
Power features
door locks............... 87
mirrors............... 86,89
moon roof............... 84
seats................. 102
windows................ 88
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996