1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD tow

244 %
*
[MC50000( ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC50100( ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning.
*
[MC50200( ALL)01/96]
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents
or petroleum-based cleaners.
%*
[MC50300( ALL)01/96]
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove
oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil
remover. If rustproofing is not removed from
plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
%*
[MC50400( ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
*
[MC50500( ALL)02/96]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap
solution that is recommended for cleaning
upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the
belt webbing because this may weaken it.
%*
[MC50600( ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
*
[MC50700( ALL)01/96]
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps, as these
may cause scratches or crack the lamps.
%*
[MC50900( ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Interior Lamps
*
[MC51000( ALL)02/96]
Your interior dome lamps and map lamps are
plastic and should be cleaned with a mild
detergent diluted in water. Rinse them with clear
water.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

245
*
[MC51100( ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Instrument Panel Lens
*
[MC51200( ALL)01/96]
Clean the instrument panel lens with a soft cloth
and a glass cleaner, such as Ford Ultra-Clear
Spray Glass Cleaner, or equivalent. Do not use
paper towel or any abrasive cleaner to clean the
lens as these may cause scratches.
%*
[MC51250( ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Seats
*
[MC51300( ALL)01/96]
Leather and vinyl
*
[MC51400( ALL)01/96]
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a
soft, damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning,
wipe the surface with a leather and vinyl cleaner
or a mild soap.
%*
[MC51500( ALL)01/96]
Fabric
*
[MC51600( ALL)01/96]
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom
or a vacuum cleaner. Remove fresh spots
immediately. Follow the directions that come
with the cleaner.
*
[MC51700( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Before using any cleaner, test it on a
small, hidden area of fabric. If the
fabric's color or texture is adversely
affected by a particular cleaner, do not
use it.
*
[MC51800( ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC51900( ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a
buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator,
keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[MC52000( ALL)01/96]
q
Extreme care must be used if a power washer
is used to clean the engine. The high pressure
fluid could penetrate sealed parts and
assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[MC52100( BCGV)04/96]
q
In order to avoid possible cracking of the
engine block or fuel injection pump, do not
spray a hot engine or injection pump with
cold water.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

255
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205( ALL)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210( ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first.
To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto
Club in the United States or Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada), contact
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Additional
Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00215( ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220( ALL)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225( ALL)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230( ALL)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235( ALL)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240( ALL)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
File:14rchsb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:03:54 1996

292 Index
Cooling fan............... 196
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 257
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........257, 263
D
Daytime running light system....... 67
Defrost
rear window.............. 66
windshield............... 60
Dipstick................ 202
automatic transmission fluid...... 217
engine oil.............. 202
power steering fluid.......... 214
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 192
Dispute Settlement Board........ 258
Doors.................. 87
door ajar warning light......... 18
lubricant specifications......... 249
Driving under special conditions..... 162
bad weather............. 162
heavy load.............. 156
high water.............. 164
slippery roads............ 162
tips for safe driving.......... 162
towing a trailer............ 158
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 173
fuses................. 165
Electronic sound system
tuning the radio........ 27,37,46
warranty and service information..... 58
Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 37
Emergencies, roadside
assistance............... 255
battery acid spills........... 186
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

Index 299
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 13
anti-lock brakes (ABS).......... 11
anti-theft................ 16
brake................. 10
charging system............ 14
door ajar................ 18
engine oil pressure........... 18
hazard warning light.......... 77
high beam............... 16
low coolant.............. 13
low fuel................ 19
low washer fluid............ 20
oil pressure.............. 18
overdrive off.............. 14
safety belt............... 12
service engine soon........... 16
theft system.............. 16
turn signal indicator.......... 17
Load limits............... 156
GAWR................ 156
GVWR................ 156
trailer towing............. 158
Lubricant specifications......... 249
Lug nuts................ 178
anti-theft............... 184
standard............... 179
tightening sequence.......... 182
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
booklet)................ 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 195
Master cylinder, brakes......... 204
Mirrors.................. 86
rearview................ 86
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996

302 Index
S
Safe driving tips............. 162
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)..... 103
Safety chains, when towing a trailer.... 160
Safety information relating to
automotive fuels........... 230
Safety restraints
adjusting the
safety belts.........105, 108, 112
automatic locking mode........ 107
automatic locking mode (retractor) . . . 107
center rear lap belt.......... 112
cleaning the safety belts........ 244
extension assembly.......... 113
for adults.............. 103
for children.............. 118
for infants............118, 120
for pregnant women.......... 103
head.................. 99
lap and shoulder belts.......103, 105
maintenance............. 114
proper use.............. 103
replacement............. 114
warning light and chime......... 12
Safety seats for children......... 120
and air bags............. 120
automatic locking mode
(retractor)...........107, 120
in center seating positions....... 135
in front seat............. 120
in rear outboard.........120, 129
in rear seat.............. 120
Seat belts (see Safety restraints)...... 103
Seats................... 99
adjusting the seat, manual....... 100
adjusting the seats, power....... 102
child safety seats........... 120
cleaning upholstery.......... 245
head restraints............. 99
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996

Index 303
Seats (continued)
rear seat access............ 103
reclining the seat........... 101
Serial number (VIN)........... 258
Service concerns............ 256
Servicing your vehicle.......... 195
precautions when servicing...... 196
servicing when you tow........ 192
Shift-lock system............ 152
Shift positions (see Gearshift)....... 151
Shoulder and lap belts
(see Safety restraints).......103, 105
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints) . . . 105
Side mirrors............... 86
adjusting................ 89
Sliding moon roof (see Moon roof)..... 84
Snow tires and chains.......... 225
Spare tire................ 175
changing the tire.........175, 178
conventional spare.......... 177
finding the spare........... 177
removing the spare tire........ 177
storing the flat tire........177, 179
temporary spare........... 175
Spark plugs, specifications........ 247
Special driving conditions........ 162
Specification chart, lubricants....... 249
Speed control
turning off............... 80
when towing a trailer......... 161
Speedometer............... 22
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle..... 139
starting a cold engine......... 140
starting after a collision........ 174
starting a warm engine........ 141
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 185
Steering, power............. 150
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996