Ford THUNDERBIRD 1996 Owner Manual

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Table of Contents

Introductory Information ............................... 1

Safety Restraints .............................................. 7

Starting Your Thunderbird ......................... 45

Warning Lights and Gauges ....................... 55

Instrument Panel Controls .......................... 73

Steering Column Controls .......................... 91

Features .......................................................... 101

Electronic Sound Systems ......................... 131

Driving Your Thunderbird ....................... 165

Roadside Emergencies ................................ 185

Customer Assistance ................................... 203

Reporting Safety Defects ...................... 211

Accessories .................................................... 215

Servicing Your Thunderbird...................... 223

Quick Index .................................................. 297

Index ............................................................... 307

Service Station Information ...................... 324

Introductory Information

Our Guiding Principles

Quality comes first. For your satisfaction, the

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quality of our products and services must be our number one priority.

You are the focus of everything we do. Our

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work must be done with you in mind, providing better products and services than our competition.

Continuous improvement is essential to our

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success. We must strive for excellence in everything we do: in our products — in their safety and value — and in our services, our human relations, our competitiveness, and our profitability.

Employee involvement is our way of life.

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We are a team. We must treat one another with trust and respect.

Dealers and suppliers are our partners. We

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must maintain mutually beneficial relationships with dealers, suppliers, and our other business associates.

Integrity is never compromised. Our conduct

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worldwide must be pursued in a manner that is socially responsible and commands respect for its integrity and for its positive contributions to society.

This Guide

Congratulations on the purchase of your new vehicle. This guide has information about the equipment and the options for your new vehicle. You may not have bought all of the options available to you. If you do not know which information applies to your vehicle, talk to your dealer.

This guide describes equipment and gives specifications for equipment that was in effect when this guide was approved for printing. Ford may discontinue models or change specifications or design without any notice and without incurring obligation.

NOTES and WARNINGS

NOTES give you additional information about

the subject matter you are referencing. WARNINGS remind you to be especially careful

in those areas where carelessness can cause damage to your vehicle or personal injury to yourself, your passengers or other people. Please read all WARNINGS carefully.

RWARNING

Finding Information in This Guide

After you have read this guide once, you will probably return to it when you have a specific question or need additional information. To help you find specific information quickly, you can use the Quick Index or the Index.

The Quick Index at the end of the book provides a page number following each item which indicates where detailed information can be found.

To use the Index, turn to the back of the book and search in the alphabetical listing for the word that best describes the information you need. If the word you chose is not listed, think of other related words and look them up. We have designed the Index so that you can find information under a technical term.

Canadian Owners — French Version

French Owner Guides can be obtained from your dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box 1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.

Record Booklet

The Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet lists the services that are most important for keeping your vehicle in good condition. A record log is also provided to help you keep track of all services performed.

Your vehicle is covered by three types of warranties: Basic Vehicle Warranty, Extended

Warranties on certain parts, and Emissions Warranties.

Read your Warranty Information Booklet carefully to find out about your vehicle’s warranties and your basic rights and responsibilities.

If you lose your Warranty Information Booklet, you can get a new one free of charge. Contact any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, or refer to the addresses and phone numbers on the first page of this owner guide.

Buying a Ford Extended Service Plan

If you bought your vehicle in the U.S., you can buy a Ford Extended Service Plan for your vehicle. This optional contract provides service protection for a longer period of time than the basic warranty that comes with your vehicle.

You do not have to buy this option when you buy your vehicle. However, your option to purchase the Ford Extended Service Plan runs out after 18 months or 18,000 miles. See your dealer for more details about the Ford Extended Service Plan.

If you purchased a Canadian vehicle and did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the time of purchase, you may still be eligible. See your dealer for the details.

Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or break-in period during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in period, you need to pay careful attention to how you drive your vehicle.

Avoid sudden stops. Because your vehicle

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has new brake linings, you should take these steps:

— Watch traffic carefully so that you can

anticipate when to stop. — Begin braking well in advance. — Apply the brakes gradually.

The break-in period for new brake linings lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.

Use only the type of engine oil that Ford

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recommends. See Engine oil recommendations in the Index. Do not use special “break-in” oils.

Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic Powertrain Control Module that limits engine and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out mode to promote durability.

Vehicle

Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage the paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your vehicle as often as necessary to keep it clean.

Take similar precautions if your vehicle is exposed to chemical industrial fallout.

Paint damage resulting from fallout is not related to a defect in paint materials or workmanship and therefore is not covered by warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual improvement in customer satisfaction is a high priority. For this reason, Ford has authorized its dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by environmental fallout within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) of purchase, whichever comes first. Customers may be required to bring their vehicle in for inspection by a Ford representative.

Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle

Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the underside, with a mild detergent.

DO NOT:

Wash your vehicle with hot water

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Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct

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sunlight Wash your vehicle while the body is hot

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Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits and protect the finish.

Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts

Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, fuel, or strong detergents.

Cleaning Plastic Parts

Some of your vehicle’s exterior trim parts are plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning.

Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or petroleum-based cleaners.

If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil remover. If rustproofing is not removed from plastic and rubber parts, it can cause deterioration.

Safety Restraints

The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and your passengers in case of a collision. In most states and in Canada the law requires their use.

Safety belts provide best restraint when:

the seatback is upright

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the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)

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the lap belt is snug and low on the hips

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the shoulder belt is snug against the chest

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the knees are straight forward

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To help you remember to fasten your safety belt, a warning light may come on and a chime may sound. See Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime in the Warning Lights and Gauges chapter.

See the following sections in this chapter for directions on how to properly use these safety belts. Also see Safety Restraints for Children in this chapter for special instructions about using safety belts for children.

RWARNING

Make sure that you and your passengers wear safety belts. Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

RWARNING

Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. Never swing it around the neck over the inside shoulder. Never use a single belt for more than one person or across more than one seating position. Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. Failure to follow these precautions could increase the risk and/or severity of injury in a collision.

RWARNING

Never drive or ride with a twisted or jammed safety belt. If you cannot untwist or unjam the safety belt, see the nearest qualified technician immediately.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision, children should always ride with the seatback upright.

RWARNING

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision.

Lock the doors of your vehicle before driving to lessen the risk of the door coming open in a collision.

Belts

While your vehicle is in motion, the combination lap and shoulder belt adjusts to your movement. However, if you brake hard, corner hard or if your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph (8 km/h) or more, the lap and shoulder belt locks and helps reduce your forward movement.

After you get into your vehicle, close the door and lock it. Then adjust the seat to the position that suits you best.

To fasten the belt, pull the lap/shoulder belt from the retractor so that the shoulder portion of the belt crosses your shoulder and chest. Be sure the belt is not twisted. If it is, remove the twist. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

Fastening the front seat combination lap and shoulder belt

Fastening the rear seat combination lap and shoulder belt

NOTE: Be sure to read and understand

Important Safety Belt Information at the beginning of this chapter.

Safety Belts for the Front Passenger Outboard Seating Positions

Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for front seat passengers and a locking “cinch tongue” for rear outboard passengers.

Dual locking mode retractors operate in two ways:

Vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt retractor will allow the occupant freedom of movement, locking tight only on hard braking, hard cornering or impacts of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) or more. The retractor can also be made to lock by pulling/jerking on the belt.

Automatic locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt retractor will be automatically locked and remain locked when the combination lap/shoulder

safety belt is buckled, and does not allow the occupant freedom of movement. This mode provides the following:

A tight lap/shoulder belt fit on the occupant.

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Child seat or infant carrier installation

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restraint.

RWARNING

Never install a rear-facing child seat or infant carrier in the right front passenger seat.

This mode must be used when installing a child safety seat on the front passenger seat and rear outboard seats where dual locking retractors are provided.

To switch the retractor from the emergency locking mode to the automatic locking mode, perform the following steps:

1. Buckle the lap/shoulder combination belt.

2. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted, and when allowed to retract, a clicking sound will be heard. At this time, the belt retractor is in the automatic locking mode (child restraint mode).

3. A clicking sound will contnue to be heard as the belt is allowed to retract.

NOTE: When the combination lap/shoulder

belt is unbuckled and allowed to retract completely, the retractor will switch back to the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode. See the detailed instructions under Safety Seats for Children in this chapter.

Safety Belts with Locking Cinch Tongue for Rear Outboard Seating Positions

Your vehicle is equipped with safety seat belts containing a cinch tongue at the rear outboard seating positions.

The locking cinch tongue will slide up and down the belt webbing when the belt is in the stowed position or while putting seat belts on. When the locking cinch tongue of the lap/shoulder combination seat belt is latched into the buckle, the cinch tongue will allow the lap portion to become shorter, but locks the webbing in place to restrict it from becoming longer.

Before you can reach and latch a combination lap and shoulder belt having a cinch tongue into the buckle, you may have to lengthen the lap belt portion of it. To lengthen the lap belt, pull some webbing out of the shoulder belt retractor. While holding the webbing below the tongue, grasp the tip (metal portion) of the tongue so that it is parallel to the webbing and slide the tongue upward. Provide enough lap belt length so that the tongue can reach the buckle.

NOTE: If you grasp the tongue by the tongue

cover to lengthen the belt, the tongue cover will grab the webbing, making it difficult to slide.

Adjusting the cinch tongue rear combination lap and shoulder belt

To fasten a cinch tongue, pull the combination lap and shoulder belt from the retractor so that the shoulder belt portion of the safety belt crosses your shoulder and chest. Be sure the belt is not twisted. If the belt is twisted remove the twist. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle for your seating position until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened to the buckle by pulling on the tongue.

RWARNING

The lap belts should fit snugly and as low as possible around the hips, not around the waist.

RWARNING

All front and rear seat outboard occupants (including pregnant women) should wear lap and shoulder belts, for optimum protection in a collision.

RWARNING

Failure to follow these precautions could increase the risk and/or severity of injury in a collision. 1) Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing it around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person.

Due to folding rear seats, sometimes the buckles and tongues toward the center of the vehicle may be hidden by the rear edge of the seat cushion. Pull them out so they will be accessible.

While you are fastened in the seat belt, the combination lap/shoulder belt with a cinch tongue adjusts to your movement. However, if you brake hard, turn hard, or if your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph (8 km/h) or more, the safety belt will become locked and help reduce your forward movement.

To unfasten all the belts:

1. Push the release button on the end of the buckle. This allows the tongue to unlatch from the buckle.

Unfastening the front outboard lap/shoulder belts

Unfastening the rear outboard lap/shoulder belts

2. While the belt retracts, guide the tongue to its stowed position. If you do not guide the tongue, it may strike you or part of the vehicle.

Positions

The lap belt in the center of the rear seat does not adjust automatically. You must adjust it to fit snugly and as low as possible around your hips. Do not wear it around your waist.

Pull the belt across your hips and insert the tongue into the correct buckle on your seat until you hear a snap and feel it lock. Make sure the buckle is securely fastened.

If you need to lengthen the belt, unfasten it and tip the belt tongue at a right angle to the belt. Pull the belt tongue over your lap until it reaches the buckle.

If you need to shorten the belt, pull on the loose end of the webbing until the belt fits snugly.

To unfasten the belt, push the release button on the buckle. This allows the tongue to unlatch from the buckle.

Because the center lap belt does not have a retractor, it should be shortened and fastened when not in use.

Unfastening center rear seat lap belt

Safety Belt Extension Assembly

For some people, the safety belt may be too short even when it is fully extended. You can add about eight inches (20 cm) to the belt length with a safety belt extension assembly (part number 611C22). Safety belt extensions are available at no cost from your dealer.

RWARNING

Failure to follow these instructions will affect the performance of the safety belts and increase the risk of personal injury.

Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended. Do not use extension to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

Safety Belt Maintenance

Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure that they work properly and are not damaged.

All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar) (if equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching hardware, should be inspected after any collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use

during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

Cleaning the Safety Belts

Clean the safety belts with any mild soap solution that is recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belt webbing because this may weaken it.

System (SRS)

The driver and right front passenger air bags are Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), provided at these seating positions in addition to the lap/shoulder belt, and are designed to supplement the protection provided to properly belted occupants in moderate to severe frontal collisions. The supplemental air bag system does not provide restraint to the lower body.

The Importance of Wearing Safety Belts

RWARNING

Safety belts must be worn by all vehicle occupants to be properly restrained and help reduce the risk of injury in a collision.

RWARNING

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always wear their safety belts, even when an air bag Supplemental Restraint System is provided.

There are four very important reasons to use safety belts even with an air bag system. Use your safety belts to:

help keep you in the proper position (away

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from the air bag) when it inflates reduce the risk of harm in rollover, side or

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rear impact collisions, because an air bag is not designed to inflate in such situations

reduce the risk of harm in frontal collisions

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that are not severe enough to activate the supplemental air bag

reduce the risk of being thrown from your

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vehicle

The Importance of Being Properly Seated

In a collision, the air bag must inflate extremely fast to help provide additional protection for you. In order to do this, the air bag must inflate with considerable force. If you are not seated in a normal riding position with your back against the seatback, the air bag may not protect you properly and could possibly hurt you as it inflates.

RWARNING

If a passenger is not properly seated and restrained, an inflating air bag could cause serious injury.

RWARNING

Rear-facing infant seats should never be placed in the front seat.

In rear-facing infant seats, the infant’s head is closer to the air bag. The force of the rapidly inflating air bag could push the top of the rear-facing seat against the vehicle seatback, center console (if so equipped), or center armrests (if so equipped). REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS MUST ALWAYS BE SECURED IN THE REAR SEAT, and other child safety seats and infant seats should be secured in the rear seat whenever possible.

Your vehicle is equipped with a right front passenger air bag. Air bags deploy with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. Front passengers, especially children and small adults, must never sit on the front edge of the seat, stand near the glove compartment of the instrument panel, or lean over near the air bag cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants should sit with their backs against the seatback, move the seat to the most rearward position if possible and use the safety belts. Children weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always should use child or infant seats.

RWARNING

When using forward-facing child seats move the passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as possible. NEVER SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS IN THE FRONT SEAT.

THE FORCE OF THE RAPIDLY INFLATING PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD PUSH THE TOP OF THE REAR-FACING SEAT AGAINST THE VEHICLE SEATBACK OR CENTER CONSOLE/ARMRESTS. REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS MUST ALWAYS BE PLACED IN THE REAR SEAT.

RWARNING

Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the air bag cover on the steering wheel or in front seat areas that may come in contact with a deploying air bag. Failure to follow this instruction may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.

For additional important safety information on the proper use of seat belts, child seats, and infant seats, please read the other sections of this part of the Owner Guide, especially sections entitled Safety Belts for Children and Safety Seats

for Children.

For further information about the proper mounting of equipment in the front seat of this vehicle, please refer to Ford’s brochure entitled

Some Important Information About Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System which can be

obtained by calling Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356. Ask for brochure FPS-8602.

How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System Operates

The driver air bag is in the center of the steering wheel. The right front passenger seat air bag is in the upper right hand section of the instrument panel ledge above the glove compartment. Both air bags are designed to stay out of sight until they are activated.

The location of the air bag and warning labels

If a collision occurs, the sensors sense the severity of the impact and activates the air bags if necessary. The air bag system is designed to deploy in frontal and front-angled collisions more severe than hitting a parked vehicle (of similar size and weight) head-on at about 28 mph (45 km/h). Because the system senses the crash severity rather than vehicle speed, some frontal collisions at speeds above 28 mph (45 km/h) will not inflate the air bag.

The whole inflation and deflation process takes place in a matter of seconds.

RWARNING

Air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

Inflated driver side air bag

Inflated right front passenger side air bag

RWARNING

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, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

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 to the ON position, this light will illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the system is operating normally. NOTE: Maintenance of the air bag system is not required.

A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:

the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,

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or it will not light immediately after the ignition

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is turned on, or a group of five beeps will be heard.

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If any of these things happen, have the air bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the air bag supplemental restraint system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

RWARNING

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles

For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST be disposed of by qualified personnel.

In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law to use safety restraints for children. If small children ride in your vehicle — this generally includes children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or less — you must put them in safety seats that are made specially for children. Safety belts alone do not provide maximum protection for these children. Check your local and state laws for specific requirements.

RWARNING

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision.

RWARNING

Passengers should not be allowed to ride in the cargo area. Persons not riding in a seat with a fastened seat belt are much more likely to suffer serious injury in a collision. Cargo should always be secured to prevent it from shifting and causing damage to the vehicle or harm to passengers.

When possible, put children in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions.

RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

RWARNING

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them.

RWARNING

Never leave a child unattended in your vehicle.

RWARNING

When using forward-facing child seats move the passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as possible. NEVER SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS IN THE FRONT SEAT.

Safety Seats for Children

Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Always follow the safety seat manufacturer’s instructions when installing and using the safety seat.

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more information on top tether straps see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

When installing a child safety seat, be sure to use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position, and make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

Children weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) should use child or infant seats. Forward facing child seats must have the passenger seat moved as far back from the instrument panel as possible.

RWARNING

REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS SHOULD NEVER BE USED IN THE FRONT SEAT. REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS MUST ALWAYS BE PLACED IN THE REAR SEAT. Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious injury.

All child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or by the lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt.

RWARNING

If you do not properly secure the safety seat, the child occupying the seat may be injured during a collision or sudden stop. An unsecured safety seat could also injure other passengers.

RWARNING

Always keep the buckle release button pointing upward and away from the child seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button as shown in the following illustration.

Installing Safety Seats in the Front Outboard Passenger Seating Position

For seating positions equipped with a dual locking mode retractor, use the following procedure.

If you choose to install a child safety seat or infant carrier in the front seating positions, move vehicle seat as far back as possible.

1. Position the child seat in the center of the passenger seat.

2. Pull down on shoulder belt, then grasp shoulder belt and lap belt together. Figure 1.

3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. See Figure 2. Be sure that the belt webbing is not twisted.

Routing the lap/shoulder belt

4. Insert the belt tongue into the buckle for that seating position until you hear and feel the latch engage. Figure 3. Make sure tongue is latched securely to buckle by pulling on tongue.

Buckling the belt

5. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted and a click is heard. At this time, the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (child seat restraint mode). Figure 4.

NOTE: The dual-locking mode retractor must

be in the automatic locking mode to properly restrain a child.

Setting the retractor to automatic locking mode

6. Allow the belt to retract. Pull up on the shoulder webbing. A clicking sound will be heard as the belt retracts. This indicates the retractor is in the automatic locking mode. Push down on the child seat while you pull up on the belt to remove any slack in the belt. Figures 5 and 6.

7. Before placing the child in the child seat, forcibly tilt the seat from side to side, and tug it forward to make sure that the seat is securely held in place, Figure 7.

Checking that the seat is secure

8. Double check that the retractor is in the automatic locking mode. Try to pull more belt out of the retractor. If you cannot, the belt is in the automatic locking mode, Figure 8.

Checking the retractor

9. Check to make sure that the child seat is properly secured prior to each use. If the retractor is not locked, repeat steps 4 through 7.

Installing Child Safety Seats in the Rear Outboard Seating Positions

Your rear outboard seating positions are equipped with a cinch tongue on the safety belts. Use the following procedure for installing a child safety seat in these locations.

1. Grasp the belt webbing below the tongue and pull as much of the belt out of the retractor as possible. Hold the belt out. See Figure 1.

NOTE: The belt webbing below the tongue is

the lap belt portion of the combination lap/shoulder belt, and the belt webbing above the tongue is the shoulder belt portion of the combination lap/shoulder belt.

2. With your other hand, grasp the tip (metal portion) of the tongue (not the cover) and slide the tongue up the webbing as far as it will go. See Figure 1. Release the tongue, but do not let go of the lap portion of the belt webbing.

3. While still holding the belt webbing below the tongue in one hand, use your other hand to grasp the tip (metal portion) of the tongue and belt webbing together, and again pull out as much of the belt as possible. Then, let go of the lap portion of the belt webbing.

4. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue and webbing through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. See Figure 2. Be sure that the belt webbing is not twisted.

5. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle for that seating position until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely latched to the buckle by pulling on the tongue. See Figure 3.

6. Push down on the child seat and pull up on the shoulder belt portion to tighten the lap belt portion of the combination lap and shoulder belt. See Figure 4.

7. Grasp belt close to child seat and pull on the shoulder belt portion of the combination lap/shoulder belt, then allow the belt to retract and remove all slack to securely tighten the child safety seat in the vehicle. See Figure 5.

8. Before placing the child into the child seat, forcibly tilt the child seat from side-to-side and in forward directions to make sure that the seat is held securely in place. See Figures 6 and 7. If the child seat moves excessively, repeat steps 6 through 8, or properly install the child seat in a different seating position.

9. Check from time to time to be sure that there is no slack in the lap/shoulder belt. The shoulder belt must be snug to keep the lap belt tight during a collision.

Installing a Child Safety Seat at the Rear Center Seating Position with Adjustable Lap Belt

1. Lengthen the lap belt. To lengthen the belt, hold the tongue so that its bottom is perpendicular to the direction of webbing while sliding the tongue up the webbing.

2. Place the child safety seat in the center seating position.

3. Route the tongue and webbing through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle for the center seating position until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened to the buckle by pulling on tongue.

5. Push down on the child seat while pulling on the loose end of the lap belt webbing to tighten the belt.

6. Before placing the child into child seat, forcibly tilt the child seat from side-to-side and in forward direction to ensure that the seat is held securely in place. If the child seat moves excessively, repeat steps 5 through 6, or properly install the child seat in a different position.

Safety Belts for Children

Children who are too large for child safety seats should always wear safety belts. (See instructions with your child seat, or contact its manufacturer, to determine maximum size of child that will safely fit in the seat.)

RWARNING

If safety belts are not properly worn and adjusted as described, the risk of serious injury to the child in a collision will be much greater.

If the shoulder belt portion of one of the lap and shoulder belts can be positioned so that it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit.

RWARNING

If the shoulder belt cannot be properly positioned, the child should sit in the center rear seat and use the lap belt.

To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that encourages safer seating posture and better fit of lap and shoulder belts on the child. A belt-positioning booster should be used if the shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion when the lower legs hang over the edge of the seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the specific needs of your child with your pediatrician.

RWARNING

Do not use a belt-positioning booster with a lap-only belt.

Lap belts and the lap belt portion of lap and shoulder belts should always be worn snugly and below the hips, touching the child’s thighs.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision, children should always ride with the seatback upright.

Starting Your Thunderbird

Understanding the Positions of the Ignition

The positions of the key in the ignition

ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle’s electrical accessories such as the radio and the windshield wipers to operate while the engine is not running.

LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the automatic transmission gearshift lever.

LOCK is the only position that allows you to remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to protect your vehicle from theft.

OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all accessories without locking the steering wheel or the automatic transmission gearshift lever.

ON allows you to test your vehicle’s warning lights (except the brake system warning light) to make sure they work before you start the engine. The key returns to the ON position once the engine is started and remains in this position while the engine runs.

START cranks the engine. Release the key once the engine starts so that you do not damage the starter. The key should return to ON when you release it. The START position also allows you to test the brake warning light.

Removing the Key From the Ignition

1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).

2. Set the parking brake fully.

3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.

4. Remove the key.

NOTE: The automatic transmission gearshift

must be in P (Park) to move the key to the lock position.

If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move the steering wheel left or right until the key turns freely.

If the driver’s door is open while the key is still in the ignition, a warning chime sounds.

RWARNING

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).

RWARNING

Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets alone in your vehicle. They could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadvertent operation of the vehicle. Further, on hot, sunny days, temperatures in a closed vehicle could quickly become high enough to cause severe and possibly fatal injuries to people as well as animals.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, the most important thing to remember is to avoid pressing down on the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when

you have problems getting your vehicle started. See Starting Your Engine in this chapter for details about when to use the accelerator while you start your vehicle.

Preparing to Start Your Vehicle

RWARNING

Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in a stopped vehicle for more than a short period of time with the engine running. Exhaust fumes are toxic. See Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

Before you start your vehicle, do the following:

1. Make sure you and all your passengers buckle your safety belts. See Safety Restraints in the Index for more details.

2. Make sure the headlamps and other accessories are turned off when starting.

3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the parking brake is set before you turn the key.

Before you start your vehicle, you should test the warning lights on the instrument panel to make sure that they work. Refer to the Warning Lights and Gauges chapter.

Starting Your Engine

To start your engine:

1. Follow the steps under Preparing to Start Your Vehicle at the beginning of this section.

2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.

3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when starting your engine. DO NOT use the accelerator while the vehicle is parked.

4. Turn the key to the START position (cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the key to return to the ON position after the engine has started.

rotate the steering wheel slightly because it may be binding.

For a cold engine:

At temperatures 10˚F (-12˚C) and below: If

❑

the engine does not start in fifteen (15) seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF,

wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the engine, then try again.

At temperatures above 10˚F (-12˚C): If the

❑

engine does not start in five (5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the engine, then try again.

For a warm engine:

Do not hold the key in the START position

❑

for more than five (5) seconds at a time. If the engine does not start within five (5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to the OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the starter stops, then try again.

Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter or flood the engine.

After you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal and drive away in the normal manner.

NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that

prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the brake pedal.

If the engine does not start after two attempts:

1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor and hold it.

3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.

4. Release the ignition key when the engine starts.

5. Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up. Then drive away in the normal manner.

If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the switch see Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch later in this chapter.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero temperatures, use an engine block heater (if your vehicle has this option).

Engine Block Heater (If equipped) (Standard in Canada)

Engine block heaters are strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach

-10˚F (-23˚C) or below. 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.

To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter.

RWARNING

To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.

For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before you start your vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not damage the engine, so you can plug it in at night to start your vehicle the following morning.

NOTE: Be sure to disconnect the engine block

heater before driving your vehicle.

Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes

Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

RWARNING

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:

your vehicle is raised for service

❑

the sound of the exhaust system changes

❑

your vehicle has been damaged in a collision

❑

Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.

If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, the heating or air conditioning system should be set to any function except MAX A/C or AUTO.

If you use the heater, set the fan speed on

❑

MEDIUM or HIGH with the function control on any position except OFF and the temperature control at any desired position.

If you use the air conditioner, set the fan

❑

speed on MEDIUM or HIGH with the function control on any position except OFF or MAX and the temperature control at any desired position.

Not Start or Does Not Start After a Collision

Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch

If the engine cranks but does not start or does not start after a collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.

Once the shut-off switch is triggered, you must reset the switch by hand before you can start your vehicle. The switch is on the left side of the trunk.

The fuel pump shut-off switch

RWARNING

If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing service.

If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or substantial jolt:

1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.

3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red reset button down. If the button is already set, you may have a different mechanical problem.

4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF position.

5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel. If you see or smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If you do not see or smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle again.

6. Check all vehicle warning lights before driving the vehicle.

Vehicles with automatic transmissions cannot be started by pushing. Follow the directions under

If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Start.

Warning Lights and Gauges

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.

In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges are grouped together in the instrument cluster and the indicator lamp module.

Mechanical cluster

The following warning lights and gauges are on the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to possible problems with your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are optional. The following sections detail what each of these indicators means.

Brake System Warning Light

The warning light for the brakes can show two things — that the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is low, the brake system should be checked by a qualified service technician.

This light comes on when the parking brake is set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when you turn the ignition key to START. It normally goes off shortly after the engine starts and you release the parking brake. If the light stays on after you have fully released the parking brake, have the hydraulic brake system serviced.

RWARNING

The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.

Anti-Lock Brake System Light (If equipped)

This warning light will go on each time you start your vehicle. If it remains on for longer than five seconds, you should shut off your engine and restart. If the anti-lock brake light stays on, this indicates that the anti-lock feature is disabled and should receive immediate attention by a qualified service technician. Normal braking is not affected unless the brake warning light is also lit.

The Anti-Lock Brake System has self-check capabilities. As previously described, the system turns on the anti-lock light each time you start your engine. After the engine is started and the anti-lock light is out, the system performs another test the first time the vehicle reaches 14 mph (22 km/h). The system turns on the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) pump motor for approximately 1/2 second. At this time a mechanical noise may be heard. This is a normal part of the self-check feature. If a malfunction is found during this check the anti-lock light will come on.

RWARNING

If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or comes on while driving, have the braking system checked by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.

NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock

system, and the brake warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled but normal brake function remains operational.

Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime

This warning light and chime remind you to fasten your safety belt. The following conditions will take place:

If the safety belt is not buckled when the key

❑

is turned to the ON position, the light will come on for 1 to 2 minutes and the chime will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.

If the safety belt is buckled while the light is

❑

on and the chime is sounding, both the light and chime will turn off.

If the safety belt is buckled before the key is

❑

turned to the ON position, the light will come on for 1 to 2 minutes.

Air Bag Readiness Light

The air bag system uses a readiness light to indicate the condition of the system. If the system is functioning properly, the light will stay on for 6 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.

If there is a problem with the system, two things may happen: the readiness light will either flash or stay lit up, or you will hear a beeping sound. If either of these things happen, have the air bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.

Charging System Light

This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and that you need to have the electrical system checked.

This light comes on 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.

If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is running, have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.

Overdrive Off Indicator

This light tells you that the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) on the gearshift lever has been pushed. When the light is on, the transmission will not shift into overdrive. Depressing the button on the shifter will return the vehicle to “overdrive on” mode. The transmission will be in the “overdrive on” mode when the vehicle is started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected when the vehicle was last shut off.

NOTE: If the light does not come on when the

TCS is depressed or if the light flashes when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced at the first opportunity. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the transmission.

High Beam Light

This light comes on when the headlamps are turned to high beam or when you flash the lights.

Check Gauges Warning Light (if equipped)

This light will come on when the key is in the ON position and the:

engine coolant temperature gauge is high, or

❑

engine oil pressure gauge is low, or

❑

when the fuel tank has reached empty

❑

reserve.

This light serves as a reminder for you to check the engine coolant temperature gauge, the engine oil pressure gauge or the fuel gauge. It will come on if there is a condition that needs your attention.

See Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge, Engine Oil Pressure Gauge,orFuel Gauge in this chapter for more information.

Check Engine Warning Light

The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) system consists of the hardware and software necessary to monitor the operation of the powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to check the function of the vehicle’s powertrain control system during normal operation. If an emission problem is detected, the Check Engine Warning Light (in the cluster) is turned on.

Modification or additions to the vehicle may cause incorrect operation of the OBD II system. Additions such as burglar alarms, cellular phones, and CB radios must be carefully installed. Do not install these devices by tapping into or running wires close to powertrain control system wires or components.

The light comes on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON, but it should turn off when the engine starts. If the light does not come on when you turn the ignition to ON or if it comes on and stays on when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. This indicates a possible problem with one of the vehicle’s emission control systems. You do not need to have your vehicle towed in.

If the light turns on and off at one (1) second intervals while you are driving the vehicle, it means that the engine is misfiring. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the engine or catalytic convertor. Have your vehicle serviced at the first opportunity. You do not need to have your vehicle towed in.

If the light turns on and off on rare occasions while you are driving, it means that a malfunction occurred and the condition corrected itself.

An example of a condition which corrects itself occurs when an engine running out of fuel begins to misfire. In this case, the Check Engine Warning Light may turn on and will then set a Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the engine was misfiring while the last of the fuel was being consumed. After refueling, the Check Engine Warning Light will turn off after the vehicle has completed three consecutive warm up cycles without a misfire condition occurring. A warm up cycle consists of engine start from a cold condition (engine at ambient temperature) and running until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

On the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light will turn off as soon as the engine begins to crank. It is not necessary to have the engine serviced.

Under certain conditions, the Check Engine Warning Light may come on if the fuel cap is not properly installed. If the Check Engine Warning Light comes on and you suspect that the fuel cap is not properly installed, pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible and turn off the engine. Remove and replace the fuel cap, making sure it is properly seated.

After completing the three consecutive warm up cycles and on the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light should turn off. If the light does not go off after the fourth engine restart, have your vehicle serviced by your dealer or a qualified technician.

Turn Signal Indicator Lights

The turn signal arrow will flash to indicate the direction in which you are going to be turning.

Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge

The fuel gauge displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the ignition switch is ON. For proper fuel gauge indication after adding fuel, turn the ignition switch OFF while refueling the vehicle.

The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion. The most accurate reading is obtained with the vehicle on level ground.

With ignition switch OFF, the fuel gauge indicator may drift from the ignition switch ON position.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

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.

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.

If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves above the NORMAL band, the engine is overheating and continued operation may cause engine damage.

The engine coolant temperature gauge

If your engine coolant overheats:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Turn off the engine.

3. Let the engine cool. DO NOT REMOVE

COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.

4. Check the coolant level following the instructions on checking and adding coolant to your engine, see Engine Coolant in the Index. If you do not follow these instructions, you or others could be injured.

If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system serviced.

Speedometer

The speedometer

The speedometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.

Odometer

The odometer tells you the total number of miles (kilometers) your vehicle has been driven.

Trip Odometer

If you want to track your mileage up to 999.9 miles (kilometers), use the trip odometer. Simply set the trip odometer to zero by pressing the reset button firmly when beginning the distance you wish to measure.

Since the trip odometer displays distance independent of the odometer it will not always advance to the next mile (kilometer) at the same time as the odometer.

Tachometer

The tachometer

The tachometer displays the approximate engine revolutions per minute (rpm), or how fast the engine is running.

You can drive your vehicle at most rpm points on the tachometer but you must stay out of the red zone.

Regardless of the type of transmission in your vehicle, if you drive with the tachometer pointer in the red zone, you may damage the engine.

Battery Voltage Gauge (If Equipped)

This gauge shows you the battery voltage when the ignition key is in the ON position.

If the battery is operating under cold weather conditions, the pointer may indicate in the upper range of the NORMAL band while the battery is charging. If you are running electrical accessories (when the engine is off, or idling at a low speed), the pointer may move toward the lower end of the NORMAL band.

If it stays outside the NORMAL band, have your vehicle’s electrical system checked as soon as it is safely possible.

Battery voltage gauge

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge

This gauge indicates the engine oil pressure, not the oil level. However, if your engine’s oil level is low, it could affect the oil pressure. With the engine running, the pointer should move into the NORMAL band. If the pointer drops below the NORMAL band while the engine is running, you have lost oil pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine damage.

Engine oil pressure gauge

If you lose engine oil pressure:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Shut off the engine immediately or severe engine damage could result.

3. Check the engine’s oil level, following the instructions on checking and adding engine oil, see the Engine Oil in the Index. If you do not follow these instructions, you or others could be injured. To assure an accurate reading, your car should be on level ground.

4. If the level is low, add oil as necessary before you start the engine again. Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the pointer is below the NORMAL band, regardless of the oil level. Contact your nearest dealer for further service actions.

For more information about adding oil, see Engine Oil Recommendations in the Index.

(If equipped)

The following warning lights are on the indicator lamp module. All of the warning lights alert you to possible problems. Some of the lights listed are optional. The following section details what each of these indicators mean.

The indicator lamp module

Door Ajar Light (If equipped)

This light tells you when any door is not completely shut. It glows when the key is in the ON position.

The door ajar light

Low Coolant Light

This light indicates that the level of the engine coolant is low inside the coolant recovery bottle and that you should add more coolant. See Engine Coolant in the Index.

The low coolant light

Low Fuel Light

This light comes on when your fuel gauge indicates approximately 1/16 of a tank. Your car must be turned to ON for this light to come on. This light will either flicker or glow steadily.

The low fuel light

Washer Fluid Low Light

This light comes on if the reservoir is less than a quarter full when you turn on the windshield washers.

The low washer fluid light

The instrument panel

Instrument Panel Controls

The main controls for the climate control system, clock, and radio are on the instrument panel.

NOTE: Any cleaner or polish that increases the

gloss (shine) of the upper part of the instrument panel should be avoided. The dull finish in this area is to help protect the driver from undesirable windshield reflection.

Your vehicle has one of two different climate control systems. The two systems are:

a manual heating and air conditioning system

❑

a semi-automatic temperature control

❑

system (if equipped)

If you are not sure which system your vehicle has, see the diagrams on the following pages.

The Manual Heating and Air Conditioning System

You can heat the inside of your vehicle, defrost the windshield, and turn on the air conditioning with the three knobs in the center of the instrument panel:

FAN

❑

TEMP

❑

SELECT

❑

The knobs that control the manual heating and air conditioning system

To heat the interior of your vehicle, turn the SELECT knob to FLOOR, turn the TEMP knob to the end of the red range (full right) and turn the FAN knob to HI. Temperature and fan speed can be adjusted as desired.

To defrost the windshield and side windows, turn the SELECT knob to defrost V, turn the TEMP knob to the end of the red range (full right) and turn the FAN knob to HI. Temperature and fan speed can be adjusted as desired.

To heat the interior and defrost the windshield and side windows, at the same time, turn the SELECT knob to FLOOR & DEF, turn the TEMP knob to the end of the red range (full right) and turn the FAN knob to HI.

To direct either heated or cooled air to the panel registers and the floor at the same time, turn the SELECT knob to PANEL & FLOOR, turn the TEMP knob for the temperature desired and set the fan speed as desired.

To cool your vehicle using outside air, turn the SELECT knob to A/C, turn the TEMP knob all the way to the end of the blue range (full left) and turn the FAN knob to the desired speed between LO and HI. A/C provides quieter system operation than MAX A/C, but it is not as efficient as MAX A/C which uses recirculated air.

To ventilate your car with outside air, during mild weather, turn the SELECT knob to PANEL, turn the TEMP knob for the temperature desired and set the FAN knob to the speed desired.

Under normal conditions, the SELECT knob should be left in any position other than MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe” through the outside air inlet duct.

To cool your vehicle quickly in warm weather, turn the SELECT knob to MAX A/C, turn the TEMP knob all the way to the end of the blue range (full left) and turn the FAN knob to HI. MAX A/C uses recirculated air and is the most fuel efficient way to cool your vehicle and can also be used in heavy traffic to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. MAX A/C can also be used in high humidity areas for more efficient operation.

If the interior of your vehicle is very warm, drive for the first few minutes with the windows open. This forces most of the hot, stale air out of the vehicle and allows the air conditioning to work faster.

Adjusting the panel register airflow

The instrument panel registers may be adjusted to your comfort needs. The thumbwheel controls the volume of air and the knob in the center of the register controls direction up or down or side to side.

Controlling the airflow from panel registers

The Semi Automatic Temperature Control System (If equipped)

System Characteristics

The Semi Automatic Temperature Control System (SATC) is designed to provide comfort consistent with the temperature setting you select. The discharge air temperature and fan speed will be automatically controlled to bring the vehicle to the desired set temperature, as fast as possible, and then gradually be changed to maintain that temperature. The system also gives you the capability of manually adjusting the location of the discharge air and fan speed for desired comfort or specific operating requirements.

The controls for the Semi-Automatic Temperature Control system

System Controls

Digital display

The temperature you select for your driving comfort is displayed here. You can change the temperature by pressing either the COOL or the WARM button. You may also display outside temperature for four seconds by depressing the OUTSIDE TEMP button.

Cool button

This button is used to LOWER the temperature setting. Press the button once to lower the displayed temperature one degree. Holding the button in will continuously reduce the temperature setting in one degree increments until you either release it or 65˚F (18˚C) is reached.

If the button is pressed after 65˚F (18˚C) is reached, only 60˚F (16˚C) will be displayed and the system will provide continuous maximum cooling.

Warm button

This button is used to RAISE the temperature setting. Press the button once to raise the displayed temperature one degree. Holding the button in will continuously increase the temperature setting in one degree increments until you either release it or 85˚F (29˚C) is reached.

If the button is pressed after 85˚F (29˚C) is reached, only 90˚F (32˚C) will be displayed and the system will provide continuous maximum heating.

System Operation

To heat the inside of your vehicle, turn the SELECT knob to FLOOR and turn the FAN knob to AUTO. The fan will remain off until the engine reaches operating temperature or until 3-1/2 minutes have elapsed. As the interior of your vehicle warms up, the discharge air temperature and the fan speed will be automatically and gradually changed to maintain the set temperature. If you prefer a fixed fan speed, turn the fan speed switch to the desired setting.

To defrost the windshield and side windows, turn the SELECT knob to Defrost V, turn the FAN knob to HI and set the temperature as necessary to clear the windshield.

To direct either cooled or heated air to the panel registers and the floor at the same time, turn the SELECT knob to PANEL & FLOOR, push the COOL or WARM button for the desired temperature and set the FAN speed as desired.

To cool your car quickly in warm weather, turn the SELECT knob to MAX A/C and turn the FAN knob to AUTO. As the vehicle interior cools down, the discharge air temperature and fan speed will automatically and gradually be changed to maintain the set temperature with airflow from the instrument panel registers.

If the interior of your vehicle is very warm, drive for the first few minutes with the windows open. This will force the hot, stale air out and allow the air conditioning to work faster.

To cool your vehicle with outside air, turn the SELECT knob to A/C and turn the FAN knob to AUTO or to a fixed speed setting as you desire. Cooling your vehicle in this manner provides a quieter system operation, but it will not cool as efficiently and is not as fuel efficient as MAX A/C which uses recirculated air.

To ventilate your vehicle with outside air, turn the SELECT knob to PANEL and the FAN knob to AUTO. The fan will remain off until the engine is warm enough to provide heat. However, if the interior temperature is above the set temperature, the fan will turn on immediately. Temperature may be set as desired and FAN speed can be selected.

A/C compressor override

The A/C compressor can be disengaged for more economical driving. This can be done by turning the SELECT knob to PANEL. The A/C compressor is automatically engaged by the control in MAX A/C, NORM A/C, FLOOR & DEF, and DEFROST positions if the outside temperature is above 45˚F (7˚C).

(If equipped)

The defroster for the rear window clears frost, fog, or thin ice from both the inside and outside of the rear window.

The button for the rear window defroster is located on the lower right side of the instrument panel, just left of the climate control panel.

The button that controls the rear window defroster

Clear away any snow that is on the rear window before using the defroster. With the engine running, push the defrost button.

After approximately 10 minutes, the defroster will turn off. If the window is still not clear, turn the defroster on again.

The defroster will turn off when the ignition key is turned to the OFF position.

The heating elements are bonded to the inside of the rear window. Do not use sharp objects to scrape the inside of the rear window or use abrasive cleaners to clean it. Doing so could damage the heating elements.

Daytime Running Light System

(Canadian vehicles only)

The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system turns the high beam headlamps on, with a reduced light output, when:

The headlamp system is in the OFF position,

❑

and The vehicle is running, and

❑

The vehicle has a fully released parking

❑

brake.

NOTE: If you have a vehicle with an

automatic lighting system, the DRL system is active until the automatic system turns on the headlamps.

NOTE: The high beam indicator will not turn

on in the flash-to-pass mode during nighttime driving.

NOTE: You may notice that the lights flicker

when the vehicle is turned on or off. This is a normal condition.

RWARNING

The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system will not illuminate the tail lamps and parking lamps. Turn on your headlamps at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a collision.

Turning On the Exterior Lights

To turn on the headlamps, parking lamps, side markers, and tail lamps, use the rotary knob that is to the left of the steering wheel.

The knob that controls the headlamps and parking lamps (shown with autolamp feature — other models similar)

When you turn on the headlamps, the parking lamps, tail lamps, and side markers automatically turn on. But you can turn on the parking lamps, tail lamps, and side markers without turning on the headlamps.

For more information about how the high beams work, refer to the Steering Column Controls chapter.

Chime for headlamps on

This chime sounds if the driver or any passenger door is open when the parking lamps or headlamps are on. The chime sounds until you close the door, turn off the lamps or turn the ignition to the ON position.

Cleaning the Exterior Lamps

Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents or abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps, as these may cause scratches or crack the lamps.

Setting the Autolamp Delay System (If equipped)

The autolamp sets the headlamps to turn on and off automatically. You can use the autolamp to:

turn on the lamps automatically at night

❑

turn off the lamps automatically during

❑

daylight keep the lamps on for up to three minutes

❑

after you turn the key to OFF.

The controls for the autolamp

To set the autolamp:

1. Make sure the headlamp knob is in the OFF position. If the knob for the headlamps is ON, you cancel the autolamp.

2. Turn the ignition key to ON or start your vehicle.

3. Find the autolamp thumbwheel to the right of the panel dim thumbwheel.

4. Turn the thumbwheel up to the beginning of the MAX position (within the DELAY range).

5. The autolamp automatically turns the lamps on and off for you.

Do not put any articles on top of the photocell that is located in the top left corner of the instrument panel. This photocell controls the autolamp. If you cover it, the photocell reacts as if it is nighttime, and the lamps turn on.

To turn the autolamp off, move the thumbwheel back to OFF.

You can set the autolamp so the lamps stay on for up to three minutes after you turn your vehicle off.

To keep the lamps on after you leave your vehicle, turn the thumbwheel as far into the MAX range as you want.

If you move the thumbwheel only slightly into the DELAY area, your lamps will stay on for only a moment after you turn your vehicle off. The further you move the thumbwheel into the DELAY area (toward the MAX position), the longer the lamps will stay on after you turn your vehicle off.

Lighting Up the Interior and Instrument Panel

Manual operation

With the light knob in the parking lamps or the headlamps position, you can brighten or dim the lights in the instrument panel. To do this, use the thumbwheel to the left of the steering wheel. This wheel also turns on the interior lights with the light knob on or off.

The thumbwheel controls the light on the instrument panel and the interior light

Using the Automatic Illuminated Entry System (If equipped)

The interior lights turn on when you lift the outside door handle on either front door, when any button of the keyless entry system is pushed or when you press UNLOCK, TRUNK, or PANIC on a programmed remote entry transmitter if your vehicle is equipped with remote entry.

These lights automatically turn off after 25 seconds or when you turn the ignition key to ON or ACC. The inside lights will not turn off if you have turned them on manually or if a door is open.

Tips on the illuminated entry system:

The illuminated entry timer will not turn off

❑

the courtesy lamp if that lamp has been turned on manually or by the door switch.

Occasionally, you will need to clean the lens

❑

of the door lock assembly. Use Ford Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate, a mild soap, or household ammonia and water solution. Apply with a soft cloth or cotton swab, followed by a clear water rinse.

Turning on the Map and Reading Lamps

Your vehicle has two map lamps for the passenger and the driver. To turn on the map lamps, push the switch next to each lamp.

Map lamp (with optional moon roof)

Front seat map and dome lamps (without optional moon roof)

The dual beam map lamps are located on each side of the dome lamp. Each map lamp can be turned on by the switches on the lamp.

Rear Seat Courtesy Lamps

Your vehicle has rear seat courtesy lamps which are activated when the interior lights are turned on. These lamps are located on the quarter trim panels.

Cleaning the Interior Lamps

Your interior dome lamps and map lamps are plastic and should be cleaned with a mild detergent diluted in water. Rinse them with clear water.

The digital clock

1. To set the hour, press and hold the H button. When the desired hour appears, release the button.

2. To set the minutes, press and hold the M button. When the desired minute appears, release the button.

Cleaning the Instrument Panel Lens

Clean the instrument panel lens with a soft cloth and a glass cleaner, such as Ford Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, or equivalent. Do not use paper towel or any abrasive cleaner to clean the lens as these may cause scratches.

Steering Column Controls

The controls on the steering column and wheel are designed to give you easy access to the controls while you are driving.

You can use the turn signal lever on the left side of the steering column to:

operate the turn signals

❑

turn the high beams on/off

❑

flash the lights

❑

turn the windshield wipers and washer

❑

on/off

The turn signal lever

Turn Signals

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.

If the turn signal stays on after you turn, move the lever back to the center (off) position.

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.

High Beams

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.

To turn off the high beams, pull the lever toward you until it latches. The high beam indicator light turns off.

NOTE: When the headlamps are on low beam,

the outer two headlamps are on. When the headlamps are on high beam, the two outer headlamps will turn off and the inner headlamps turn on.

Flashing the Lights

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.

To turn on the windshield wipers, the ignition key must be turned to the ON or ACC position.

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.

To turn the wipers off, turn the knob toward you to the OFF position.

Variable Interval Wipers

In addition to two speed wipers, your vehicle has wipers that you can set to operate at varying intervals. For example, you can set the interval so they wipe less often when it drizzles or more often in heavier rain.

The variable interval wiper on the turn signal lever

To set the interval wipers, turn the knob at the end of the turn signal lever toward or away from you until the wipers are going at the desired interval.

Windshield Washer

To clean the windshield, push in the end of the wiper knob. For a constant spray, keep the knob pushed in. After you release the knob, the wipers operate for two to three cycles before turning off (if the wipers were OFF) or returning to HI, LO, or the interval setting selected.

If the washer does not work, check the washer fluid level and fill it if it is low. See the Servicing Your Thunderbird chapter. If there is enough fluid, consult your nearest Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Do not try to clean the windshield when the washer fluid container is empty or activate the washers at any time for more than 15 seconds continuously. This could damage the washer pump system.

RWARNING

In freezing weather, the washer solution may freeze on the windshield and obscure your vision. Always warm up the windshield with the defroster before you use the washer fluid. If you cannot see through the windshield clearly, it can increase the risk of being involved in a collision.

For information about refilling the washer fluid or replacing your windshield wiper blades, see Windshield washer fluid and Wipers in the Index.

To alert other drivers to hazardous situations, push in the hazard flasher on the top of the steering column. The same switch turns the flashers off.

The flashers work whether your vehicle is running or not. The flashers work for up to two hours when the battery is fully charged and in good condition without draining the battery excessively. If the flashers run for longer than two hours or if the battery is not fully charged, the battery can be drained.

The control switch for the hazard flashers

To sound the horn, push the center pad area of the steering wheel.

The horn on the steering wheel

RWARNING

Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.

The lever to tilt the steering wheel

To change the position of the steering wheel, pull the release lever on the column toward you. Tip the steering wheel to the desired position. Release the lever to lock the steering wheel in place.

If your vehicle has speed control, you can automatically maintain a constant speed at or above 30 mph (50 km/h).

Use of radio transmitting equipment that is not Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or in Canada the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved may cause the speed control to malfunction. Therefore, use only properly installed FCC (CRTC in Canada) approved radio transmitting equipment in your vehicle.

NOTE: When driving in hilly terrain, at high

elevations, or when pulling a trailer, it may be desirable to drive with the transmission in the Overdrive off mode. This can be done by depressing the Transmission Control Switch on the transmission gear selection lever. Driving in this mode prevents the transmission from shifting excessively when ascending grades, and helps maintain speed when going down steep hills.

NOTE: Do not shift to N (Neutral) when using

the speed control. This will cause the engine to overspeed.

When driving uphill, especially with a heavy load, significant speed drops may occur. If the speed drops more than 10 mph (16 km/h) the automatic speed control will, by design, be suspended. Some vehicles may require temporary resumption of manual speed control while ascending steep grades in order to maintain the selected speed.

Ford THUNDERBIRD 1996 Owner Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Introductory Information

Safety Restraints

Starting Your Thunderbird

Warning Lights and Gauges

Steering Column Controls