1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD charging

14 [IS07350( BC )03/96]
one inch art:0011209-AThe low coolant light
%*
[IS07500( ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
*
[IS07600( ALL)01/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
[IS07700( ALL)04/96]
one inch art:0010119-B
The charging system light
*
[IS07800( ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[IS07900( ALL)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
%*
[IS08400( BCGV)03/96]
Overdrive Off Indicator
[IS08600( ALL)04/96]
one inch art:0010730-B
The overdrive off indicator light
File:03rcisb.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:35:00 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

219 [MC22800(MBC )12/95]
one third page art:0011152-A
Detail of the automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[MC23200( ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC23300( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. When the original
equipment battery is replaced under warranty, it
may be replaced by a Motorcraft
Low-Maintenance Battery.
*
[MC23400( ALL)01/96]
The Low-Maintenance Battery has removable
vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and
for adding water, if necessary. The electrolyte
level should be checked at least every 24 months
or 24,000 miles (40,000 km) in temperatures up
to 90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore often in temperatures
above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the electrolyte level in
each cell up to the level indicator. Do not
overfill.
*
[MC23500( ALL)01/96]
If the level gets low, you can add tap water to
the battery, provided the water isn't hard or
doesn't have a high mineral or alkali content.
However, if possible you should refill the battery
with distilled water. If the battery needs water
quite often, have the charging system checked
for a possible malfunction.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

251 %
*
[CS04500( ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[CS04600( ALL)01/96]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[CS04700( ALL)01/96]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[CS04800( ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[CS04900( ALL)01/96]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[CS05000( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more), fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
*
[CS05100( ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
%*
[CS05200( ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[CS05300( ALL)01/96]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[CS05400( ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[CS05500( ALL)01/96]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[CS05600( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
*
[CS05700( ALL)12/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, it may be
advisable to disconnect the battery cables to
ensure battery charge is maintained for quick
starting.
File:12rccsb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:03:27 1996

288 Index
Anti-theft system (continued)
disarming a triggered system....... 95
triggering............... 92
warning light.............. 16
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 258
Assistance (see Customer assistance).... 255
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............. 25
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 67
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive . . . 151, 154
fluid, adding............. 218
fluid, checking............ 217
fluid, refill capacities......... 248
fluid, specification........... 249
Axle
lubricant specifications......... 249
refill capacities............ 248
traction lok.............. 148
B
Backing up............... 153
Basic vehicle warranty........... 4
Battery................. 219
acid, treating emergencies....... 186
charging system warning light...... 14
disconnecting...........191, 220
how to service............ 219
jumping a disabled battery....... 185
maintenance-free........... 219
proper disposal, recycling....... 220
replacement, specifications....... 247
servicing............... 219
voltage gauge.............. 14
when storing your vehicle....... 251
Brake fluid............... 204
brake warning light........... 10
checking and adding......... 204
description.............. 204
specifications...........205, 249
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996

290 Index
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)........ 120
Cassette tape player (see Electronic
sound system)........ 36,40,45,51
Catalytic converter............ 233
CD player (see Electronic
sound system)........... 25,31
Chains, tires.............. 226
Changing a tire............. 175
Charging system warning light....... 14
Child safety restraints.......... 118
child safety belts........... 136
child safety seats........... 120
Child safety seats............ 120
and air bags............. 120
automatic locking mode
(retractor)...........107, 120
in front seat............. 120
in rear outboard seat......... 129
in rear seat............120, 135
tether anchorage hardware....... 136
Chime
key in ignition............. 73
safety belt............... 12
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 173
see also fuses............. 165
Cleaning your vehicle.......... 243
chrome and aluminum parts...... 243
engine compartment.......... 245
exterior............... 243
exterior lamps............ 244
fabric................ 245
headlamps.............. 244
instrument panel......... 59,245
instrument panel lens......... 245
interior................ 245
interior lamps............. 244
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