1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD warning

196vibration, or other indication that your vehicle
may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced
promptly.
*
[MC01200( ALL)01/96]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts conforming to Ford
specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is
your assurance that Ford-built quality stays in
your vehicle.
%*
[MC01300( ALL)04/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
%
*
[MC01400( ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
*
[MC01500( ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
%*
[MC01600(MBC )01/96]
q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
*
[MC01700(MBC )01/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
*
[MC01800( ALL)01/96]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

197
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[MC02100( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[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.
*
[MC02300( ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
*
[MC02500( BCGV)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[MC02600( ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[MC02700( ALL)01/96]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02800( ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine on:
*
[MC03000( BCGV)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[MC03100( ALL)01/96]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[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.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

204 [MC08350( ALL)05/96]NOTE: Ford production and after market
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Ford magerial and
design specifications, startup engine
noises or knock may be experienced. It
is recommended you use the
appropriate ªMotorcraftº oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine
application.
*
[MC08400( ALL)02/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
%*
[MC08500( ALL)04/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
*
[MC08600( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC08700( ALL)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
*
[MC08800( ALL)01/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC08900( ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
[MC09000( BCGV)04/96]
Check the brake fluid at each scheduled engine
oil change or at least once a year. You can do
this by looking at the fluid level in the plastic
reservoir on the master cylinder. Also, see label
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

205
on reservoir cap. (To locate the master cylinder,
seeThe Engine Typesin the Index.) The fluid
level should be between the MAX fill mark and
3/8" below the MAX fill line.
*
[MC09200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[MC09300( ALL)01/96]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
%*
[MC09400( ALL)03/96]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the filler cap from the reservoir. Fill the
reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB
or DOT 3 equivalent fluid meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[MC09500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[MC09600( ALL)01/96]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
[MC10000( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010387-A
The brake system fluid reservoir
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

206
*
[MC10100( ALL)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[MC10200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
%
*
[MC10900( ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
%*
[MC11000( ALL)03/96]
Washer Fluid
[MC11100( ALL)04/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
periodically. The reservoir for washer fluid is
located on the driver's side of the engine
compartment. Do not operate the washer when
the reservoir is empty.
[MC11300( BC )12/95]
one third page art:0010375-B
The reservoir for the windshield washer fluid
*
[MC11500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
%*
[MC11600( ALL)02/96]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

207
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
%
*
[MC11700( ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC11800( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[MC11900( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[MC12100( BCGV)01/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
%*
[MC12200( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
*
[MC12300( ALL)02/96]
The coolant additives also protect the entire
cooling system from internal passageway
corrosion and these additives lubricate the water
pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted
in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

208 [MC12500( BCGV)03/96]
half page art:0010761-DThe engine coolant reservoir
%*
[MC12700( ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
[MC12800( ALL)04/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet. Repair or replace with
Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary.
*
[MC12900( ALL)01/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
*
[MC13000( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC13100( ALL)01/96]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

209 [MC13200(MBC )12/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the radiator cap or vent
plug while the engine is running or hot.
[MC13400( ALL)12/95]
Follow these steps to avoid personal injury that
can be caused by escaping steam or engine
coolant.
[MC13500(MBC )12/95]
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool. Even when the engine is
cool, be careful when you remove the
radiator cap or vent plug.
[MC13700( ALL)04/96]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to unscrew.
*
[MC13800( ALL)04/96]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
[MC13900( ALL)04/96]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press the cap
down, turn it counterclockwise, and remove
it.
*
[MC14000(MBC )04/96]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
*
[MC14505( ALL)05/96]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid
E2FZ-19549-AA (in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B)
or an equivalent premium engine coolant that
meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A. Ford
Premium Engine Coolant is an optimized
formula that will protect all metals and rubber
elastomers used in Ford cooling systems for 4
years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996