1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD instrument cluster

8 %
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[IS00600( ALL)01/96]
The instrument panel (dashboard) on your
vehicle is divided into several different sections.
The illustrations on the following pages show
the major parts of the instrument panel that are
described in this chapter. Some items shown
may not be on all vehicles.
*
[IS00800( BC )04/96]
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together on the instrument panel.
We call this grouping a cluster.
File:03rcisb.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:35:00 1996

13 %
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[IS06300( ALL)03/96]
Air Bag Readiness Light
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[IS06400( ALL)04/96]
The air bag system uses a readiness light and a
tone to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When
you turn the ignition key to the ON position,
this light will light up for six (6) seconds and
then turn off. This indicates that the system is
operating normally. NOTE: Regularly scheduled
maintenance of the air bag system is not
required.
*
[IS06500( ALL)04/96]
If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash,
remains on, or you hear a beeping sound, have
the system serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.
[IS06700( BC )04/96]
one inch art:0000653-C
The air bag readiness light
% [IS07150( BC )03/96]
Low Coolant Light
[IS07200(MBC )04/96]
This light tells you that the coolant is low inside
the coolant recovery bottle and that you should
add more coolant.
[IS07300(MBC )04/96]
This light comes on for a few seconds when
your ignition key is turned to start, but should
turn off when the engine starts. If this light stays
on, check the level of coolant inside the recovery
bottle. SeeEngine Coolantin the Index.
File:03rcisb.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:35:00 1996

75 %
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[CF27700( ALL)01/96]
Turn Signals
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[CF27800( ALL)01/96]
Move the lever up to signal a right turn. Move
it down to signal a left turn. The corresponding
indicator light in the instrument cluster will
flash.
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[CF27900( ALL)01/96]
If the turn signal stays on after you turn, move
the lever back to the center (off) position.
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[CF28000( ALL)01/96]
For lane changes, move the lever far enough to
signal but not to latch. The lever will return to
the off position when you release it.
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[CF28200( ALL)01/96]
High Beams
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[CF28300( ALL)01/96]
To turn on the high beams, turn the headlamp
control knob to the headlamp ON position and
push the turn signal lever away from you until
it latches. When the high beams are ON, the
high beam indicator light on the instrument
panel comes on.
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[CF28400( ALL)01/96]
To turn off the high beams, pull the lever
toward you until it latches. The high beam
indicator light turns off.
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[CF28700( ALL)01/96]
Flashing the Lights
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[CF28800( ALL)01/96]
To flash the headlamps, pull the lever toward
you for a moment and then release it. The
headlamps will flash whether the headlamp
knob is in the on or off position.
%
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[CF28900( ALL)01/96]
Windshield Wipers and Washer
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[CF29000( ALL)04/96]
To turn on the windshield wipers, the ignition
key must be turned to the ON or ACC position.
[CF29100( ALL)12/95]
Rotate the end of the lever away from you to
activate the wipers. The first seven detents are
interval wipe positions, the eighth detent is the
LO position and the ninth detent is the HI
position.
File:05rccfb.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:36:35 1996

93
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[CF53700(MBC )01/96]
q
disable the starting circuit to prevent the
vehicle from being started
[CF53900(MBC )12/95]
To tell the difference between a PANIC alarm
and a triggered Anti-theft alarm:
[CF54000(MBC )12/95]
q
only the Anti-Theft alarm will cause the
alarm indicator lamp (located in the
instrument cluster) to flash on and off.
[CF54100(MBC )12/95]
q
only the Anti-Theft alarm will disable the
start circuit so that the vehicle can not be
started.
[CF54200(MBC )05/96]
q
the Anti-Theft alarm will not stop by pushing
the PANIC control on the Remote Entry
transmitter.
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[CF54300(MBC )12/95]
For more information on the PANIC alarm, see
Remote Entry Systemin the Index.
%*
[CF54400(MBC )03/96]
Arming the system
[CF54500(MBC )12/95]
To arm the system, do the following steps in
sequence:
*
[CF54600(MBC )01/96]
1. Remove the key from the ignition. The hood
must be closed to arm the system.
[CF54700( BC )03/96]
At this point, the anti-theft system automatically
monitors the ignition keylock cylinder. If the
lock cylinder is forcibly removed, the anti-theft
alarm system will trigger. To arm the remaining
portion of the system, follow steps 2-4.
*
[CF54800(MBC )05/96]
2. Open any door. The alarm indicator light
will start flashing to remind you to arm the
system.
[CF54900(MBC )05/96]
3. Lock the doors by using the power door
lock switch or by pressing the remote entry
transmitter LOCK control.
[CF55000(MBC )12/95]
The alarm indicator will now glow steadily.
File:05rccfb.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:36:35 1996

117
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[SS23701( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The air bag will inflate only once. The
system is designed to function on a
one-time-only basis. If the air bag is
inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT
FUNCTION AGAIN AND MUST BE
REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If the air
bag is not replaced, this will increase the
risk of injury in a subsequent collision.
[SS23801( ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
consists of:
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[SS23901( ALL)03/96]
q
driver and passenger air bag modules (which
include the inflators and air bags),
[SS24001( ALL)05/96]
q
one or more impact and safing sensors,
[SS24101( ALL)05/96]
q
a system diagnostic module,
[SS24201( ALL)05/96]
q
a readiness light and tone,
[SS24301( ALL)05/96]
q
and the electrical wiring which connects the
components.
[SS24350( ALL)04/96]
The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits,
the air bag electrical system, the air bag
readiness light, the air bag power, and the air
bag inflators.
[SS24401( ALL)05/96]
Determining if System Is Operational
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[SS24501( ALL)03/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses
a readiness light and a tone to indicate the
condition of the system. The readiness light is in
the instrument cluster. When you turn the
ignition key to ON, this light will illuminate for
approximately six (6) seconds and then turn off.
This indicates that the system is operating
normally. NOTE: Routine maintenance of the air
bag system is not required.
File:06rcssb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:58:44 1996

214
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[MC18300( ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
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[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
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[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.
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[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.
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[MC18900( ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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

283 [QI02400( B )05/96]
full page art:0011118-E
Instrument Cluster
File:16rcqib.ex
Update:Mon Jun 24 12:13:41 1996

Index 297
Heating
manual heating and air
conditioning system......... 59
semi-automatic system......... 62
High beams
indicator light............. 16
operation............. 67,75
High-mount brakelamp......... 239
description.............. 239
replacing the bulb.......... 239
Hitch................. 160
Hood................. 198
latch location............. 198
lubrication specifications........ 249
release lever............. 198
working under the hood....... 196
Horn................... 78
Hoses, checking............. 208
I
Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN) . . . 258
Idle, relearning.........191, 196, 220
Ignition
chime................. 73
positions of the ignition......... 72
removing the key............ 73
Indicator lights and chimes (see Lights) . . . 8
Infant seats (see Safety seats)....... 118
Instrument cluster, mechanical....... 9
Instrument panel............. 59
cleaning............... 245
lighting up panel and interior...... 70
Interval wipers.............. 75
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996