1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD coolant temperature

21
*
[IS14800( ALL)01/96]
With ignition switch OFF, the fuel gauge
indicator may drift from the ignition switch ON
position.
%*
[IS15700( ALL)03/96]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[IS15800( ALL)02/96]
This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.
[IS15905( BCGV)04/96]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the normal band as your engine coolant warms
up. Under normal driving conditions, the pointer
should stay in the normal band. It is acceptable
for the pointer to fluctuate within the normal
band under normal driving conditions, and
under certain driving conditions such as, heavy
stop and go traffic, or driving up hills in hot
weather, for the pointer to indicate at the top of
the normal band.
[IS16005( BCGV)04/96]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the normal band, the engine is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
% [IS16200( BC )04/96]
one third page art:0011144-D
The engine coolant temperature gauge
File:03rcisb.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:35:00 1996

142
*
[TO03600( ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
*
[TO03700( ALL)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[TO03800( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[TO03900( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[TO04000( ALL)01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[TO04100( ALL)01/96]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[TO04200( ALL)01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
File:08rctob.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:58:59 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

211
*
[MC15005( ALL)05/96]
Severe winter climate
*
[MC15105( ALL)05/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
-34ÊF [-36ÊC]), it may benecessary to increase
the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that
the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months.
Never increase the engine coolant concentration
above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in
non-extreme climates.
%*
[MC15200( ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
[MC15300( ALL)04/96]
Proper procedures for a complete coolant drain
and flush of the cooling system can be found in
theCar Service Manual. Following these
recommended procedures will ensure that the
specified coolant level and a 50/50 or
appropriate mixture of coolant and water is
maintained.
*
[MC15400( ALL)12/95]
Engine Coolant Refill Procedure
*
[MC15500( ALL)12/95]
When the entire cooling system is drained and
refilled, the following procedure should be used
to ensure a complete fill:
*
[MC15600( ALL)12/95]
NOTE: It is imperative the following
procedure be adhered to. Failure to do
so could result in damage to your
engine.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

214
%*
[MC18300( ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC18400( ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC18500( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
[MC18600( BC )03/96]
3.8L SFI engine
*
[MC18700( ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC18800( ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC18900( ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[MC19000(MBC )01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[MC19200(MBC )01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
*
[MC19400(MBC )03/96]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

Index 287
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 11
Accessory position on the ignition..... 72
Additives, engine oil.......... 201
Air bag supplemental restraint system . . 114
and child safety seats......... 120
description.............. 114
driver air bag............ 114
indicator light............. 13
operation.............. 116
passenger air bag........... 117
service and information labels..... 116
tone generator............ 118
Air cleaner filter
location............... 198
specifications............. 247
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system......... 59
semi-automatic temperature
control system............ 62
Alarm, activating remote personal..... 97
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 25
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 207
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 145
see also Brake............ 145
warning light.............. 11
Anti-theft lug nuts and key....... 184
Anti-theft system
arming the system........... 93
description............... 92
disarming an untriggered system..... 94
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996

Index 291
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
mirrors................ 89
plastic parts............. 244
polishing............... 243
rustproofing............. 243
safety belts.............. 244
tail lamps.............. 244
upholstery and interior trim...... 245
washing............... 243
waxing............... 243
wheels................ 246
Climate control system.......... 59
air conditioning.......... 59,62
heating.............. 59,62
Clock.................. 71
Cold engine starting........... 140
Combination lap and shoulder belts . . . 105
Compact disc player (see Electronic
sound system)............. 26
Compact disc radio (see Electronic sound
system)................ 26
Console, description............ 91
Controls
mirrors................ 86
power seat.............. 102
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 207
checking and adding......... 207
drain and flush............ 211
preparing for storage......... 251
proper solution............ 209
refill capacities............ 248
specifications............. 249
temperature gauge........... 21
warnings............... 207
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