1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD check transmission fluid

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

218 [MC21900(MBC )12/95]NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven if
the fluid level is below the low cold
reading on the dipstick.
*
[MC22000( ALL)01/96]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out
and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
[MC22100(MBC )12/95]
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperature150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC), thefluid
level should be within the hot notched area on
the dipstick. When the vehicle has not been
driven, and the fluid is at room temperature
50ÊF-95ÊF (10ÊC-35ÊC), thefluid level should be
within the cold notched area.
*
[MC22300( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic during hot weather, or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow the fluid to cool before checking.
%*
[MC22400( ALL)01/96]
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
[MC22500( ALL)12/95]
Before adding any fluid, be sure that the correct
type will be used. Use only MERCONHfluid.
*
[MC22600( ALL)12/95]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level to the correct
area on the dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL. If the
level is above the top hole on the dipstick,
excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
%*
[MC22700( 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.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 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

Index 305
Trailer towing............. 158
calculating maximum
trailer weight........... 158
safety chains............. 160
tips................. 161
trailer brakes............. 161
trailer lamps............. 161
Transmission
automatic operation.......... 151
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)............ 217
fluid, refill capacities......... 248
lubricant specifications........ 249
Transmission control switch....... 154
Transmitter (see Remote entry)....... 95
Trip odometer.............. 23
Trunk
remote release lever........... 72
using the remote entry system to open . . 96
Tune-up specifications (VECI)...... 235
Turn signal................ 74
indicator lights............. 17
lever................. 74
U
Used engine oil, disposal........ 204
V
Vanity mirror............... 86
Variable interval wipers.......... 75
VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information)
decal................ 235
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . 258
Vehicle loading
automatic transmissions........ 157
calculating the load.......... 157
understanding loading information . . . 156
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996