1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD power steering fluid

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

215 [MC19600(MBC )12/95]
half page art:0010485-C
The dipstick for power steering fluid
[MC19900( ALL)05/96]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford
Specification MerconHATF XT-2-QDX or an
equivalent.
*
[MC20000( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC20100(MBC )03/96]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

216 [MC20300( BC )03/96]4.6L SFI engine
[MC20400(MBC )12/95]
1. Check the fluid level when the system is
COLD (allow at least one half hour after
driving for the power steering fluid to cool).
[MC20500(MBC )04/96]
2. Locate the power steering reservoir mounted
to the front upper left-hand corner of the
engine.
[MC20600(MBC )12/95]
3. Visually verify that the fluid level is above
the MIN line adjacent to the reservoir ªsight
window.º
[MC20700(MBC )12/95]
4. If the power steering fluid is below the MIN
line, remove the cap and add fluid in small
amounts until the level is between the MIN
and MAX lines.
[MC20800(MBC )12/95]
5. Reinstall the reservoir cap.
[MC20900( BC )04/96]
half page art:0011153-A
Fluid level for power steering
File:11rcmcb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:02:59 1996

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

292 Index
Cooling fan............... 196
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 257
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........257, 263
D
Daytime running light system....... 67
Defrost
rear window.............. 66
windshield............... 60
Dipstick................ 202
automatic transmission fluid...... 217
engine oil.............. 202
power steering fluid.......... 214
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 192
Dispute Settlement Board........ 258
Doors.................. 87
door ajar warning light......... 18
lubricant specifications......... 249
Driving under special conditions..... 162
bad weather............. 162
heavy load.............. 156
high water.............. 164
slippery roads............ 162
tips for safe driving.......... 162
towing a trailer............ 158
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 173
fuses................. 165
Electronic sound system
tuning the radio........ 27,37,46
warranty and service information..... 58
Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 37
Emergencies, roadside
assistance............... 255
battery acid spills........... 186
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996

Index 301
Power steering
dipstick............... 214
driving with power steering...... 150
fluid, checking and adding...... 214
fluid, refill capacity.......... 248
fluid, specifications.......... 249
servicing............... 150
Prop rod, hood............. 198
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems).... 25
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 249
refill capacity............. 248
Rear window............... 88
defroster................ 66
Refill capacities for fluids........ 248
Relays................. 165
Remote control, trunk........... 72
Remote entry system........... 95
locking/unlocking doors........ 96
opening the trunk........... 96
panic alarm.............. 97
replacement/additional transmitters . . . 98
replacing the batteries.......... 97
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult................ 103
child................. 118
head.................. 99
infant................ 118
Roadside assistance........... 255
Roadside emergencies.......... 165
Rotating the tires............ 222
File:rcixb.ex
Update:Thu May 30 11:06:50 1996