1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD light

151
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[GF05600( BCGV)12/95]
Speed Sensitive Power Steering
(If equipped)
[GF05800( BC )12/95]
The steering system in 4.6L engine vehicles is
speed sensitive. This means that the steering
effort is light for parking and heavier for
highway driving. However, if you have to
swerve around an object or another vehicle, your
steering will have full power assist.
%
*
[GF06500( ALL)12/95]
Driving with an Automatic
Overdrive Transmission
[GF06600(MBC )12/95]
The gearshift lever is floor mounted.
*
[GF06700( BCGV)12/95]
The automatic overdrive transmission operates
very much like a regular automatic transmission,
except it offers the extra overdrive feature.
%*
[GF06800( ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
*
[GF06900( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
[GF07100(MBC )04/96]
To move the shifter out of P (Park), the ignition
key must be turned to the ON position and the
shift lever thumb button must be pushed in.
*
[GF07200( ALL)12/95]
To operate:
*
[GF07300( ALL)12/95]
1. Start the engine.
*
[GF07400( ALL)12/95]
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[GF07500( ALL)12/95]
3. Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996

154 %
*
[GF09200( ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF09400(MBC )05/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift is console-mounted on
the floor. The Transmission Control Switch (TCS)
is located on the gearshift handle. The
Transmission Control Indicator Light (O/D OFF)
is located on the instrument panel. You can put
the gearshift lever in any of the several
positions.
[GF09700(MBC )12/95]
The OVERDRIVE OFF light is off (not
illuminated) during normal vehicle operation.
This allows the transmission to upshift and
downshift from 1st through 4th gears. When the
TCS is pressed, the Transmission Control
Indicator Light will illuminate (O/D OFF) on the
instrument panel. When this O/D OFF is
illuminated the transmission will upshift and
downshift from 1st through 3rd gears.
[GF09800( ALL)12/95]
If the O/D OFF light does not come ªonº when
the TCS is depressed or if the light ªFLASHESº
when you are driving, have your vehicle
serviced at the first opportunity. If this condition
persists, damage could occur to the transmission.
*
[GF09900( BCGV)05/96]
To return the transmission to normal operation
(1st through 4th gear) depress the TCS again.
This switch may be used to cancel overdrive any
time the vehicle is being driven. Each time your
vehicle is started, the overdrive system will
automatically be in the normal overdrive mode
and the light will not be illuminated.
%*
[GF10200(MBC )01/96]
When to use D (Overdrive)
*
[GF10300( ALL)12/95]
Overdrive is the usual driving position for an
automatic overdrive transmission. It works the
same way Drive works, automatically upshifting
or downshifting as the vehicle speeds or slows.
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996

155
*
[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)
*
[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.
*
[GF10900( BCGV)12/95]
You can depress the TCS at any speed.
*
[GF11100( ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[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.
*
[GF11300( ALL)05/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[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.
*
[GF11500( ALL)05/96]
P (Park)
*
[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.
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996

159
*
[GF18100( ALL)05/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
*
[GF18200( ALL)05/96]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should
be on the tongue. However, the tongue load
should never exceed 10% of the maximum
weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
*
[GF18300( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a
temporary spare tire.
[GF18400( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing
vehicle. The amount of weight that you can
safely tow depends on the optional equipment
on your vehicle. See the following chart.
% [GF18500( ALL)12/95]
Trailer towing specifications
[GF18700( BC )12/95]
six pica chart:0010654-D*
[GF19000( ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF19100( ALL)05/96]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[GF19200( ALL)05/96]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the load.
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996

161 %
*
[GF21600( ALL)05/96]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[GF21700( ALL)05/96]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that
your trailer's brakes meet local and federal
regulations.
*
[GF21900( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
%*
[GF22000( ALL)05/96]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[GF22100( ALL)05/96]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
*
[GF22300( ALL)05/96]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting
system.
%*
[GF22400( ALL)05/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF22500( ALL)05/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[GF22800(MBC )12/95]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, depress the
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996

163
*
[GF24800( ALL)01/96]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[GF25000( BCGV)01/96]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on
slippery roads, do not downshift into 1
(First) when you are moving faster than
20 mph (30 km/h).
*
[GF25100( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not use the speed control in heavy
traffic or on roads that are winding,
slippery, or unpaved.
[GF25300(MBC )01/96]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may try to ªrockº it out of the
spot. Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward
and reverse gears. At the same time, press
lightly on the accelerator.
*
[GF25400( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
[GF25500( ALL)12/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transmission, or damage the
tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two
of rocking, call for a tow truck.
File:09rcgfb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:59:34 1996

175
*
[ER08200( ALL)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ER08300( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ER08400( ALL)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ER08500( ALL)01/96]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
*
[ER08600( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[ER08700( ALL)03/96]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ER08800( ALL)01/96]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
%
*
[ER09300( ALL)02/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[ER09400( ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER09500( ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
[ER09700(MBC )02/96]
You have a high pressure temporary spare tire.
This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire and
is designed for emergency use only. Use it only
when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon
as you can. This spare tire is marked with the
words ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that you
can easily identify it.
File:10rcerb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:01:08 1996

185
*
[ER19400(MBC )12/95]
Removing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[ER19500(MBC )02/96]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Make
sure that you hold the key square to the lug nut.
If you hold the key on an angle, you may
damage the key and the lug nut.
*
[ER19600(MBC )12/95]
Place the lug nut wrench over the lug nut key
and apply pressure on the key with the wrench.
Turn the wrench in a counterclockwise direction
to remove the lug nut.
*
[ER19700(MBC )12/95]
Reinstalling the anti-theft lug nut
*
[ER19800(MBC )12/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the
lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and, while
applying pressure on the key, install the lug nut.
%
*
[ER19900( ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
*
[ER19950( ALL)02/96]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the
lights on or any electrical equipment on after
you turn the engine off. If this happens, you
may be able to jump-start your vehicle with a
booster battery.
*
[ER20000( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
*
[ER20100( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
File:10rcerb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:01:08 1996