User manual FORD THUNDERBIRD-1997

[. . . ] Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Instrumentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Electronic Sound Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Controls and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ] They adjust automatically as the brake pads or linings wear down. Use the "squeeze" technique -- push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing down, which lets you steer properly. On vehicles without anti-lock brakes, extreme braking can make the wheels lock and slide, possibly decreasing your control of the steering. If you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal and repeat the "squeeze" technique. Braking with ABS brakes On vehicles with anti-lock brakes, the wheels will not lock and slide when you press down hard on the brake pedal. The anti-lock brakes automatically start releasing and reapplying the front brakes independently and the rear brakes together whenever your wheels start to lock. Do not "pump" the brake pedal on vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes. When this happens, you will feel the brake pedal pulse. This "pulse" may be an unfamiliar feeling but it is normal and indicates the ABS is working as designed. 145 Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase your vehicle's stopping distance. Brake rotor damage may also eventually occur. NOTE: If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do not apply your brakes continuously. If you apply your brakes continuously, they may overheat and become less effective. Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However, if the squeal becomes louder or more frequent, have your brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified service technician. Ford Motor Company has not found any detrimental effects of popular mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with the anti-lock brake system, if the equipment is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. However, if mobile radio transmitting equipment is installed in your vehicle and, if either the anti-lock brake system cycles or the check anti-lock light comes on at any time other than right after you turn the key to ON or during a sudden stop, have your mobile radio dealer inspect the installation. Parking Brake The parking brake should be used whenever you park your vehicle. The parking brake pedal is suspended just below the bottom of the instrument panel to the left of the brake pedal. 146 To set the parking brake while parking your vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right foot and hold it while you push the parking brake down firmly with your left foot. The brake system warning light will glow. The parking brake RWARNING Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. To release the parking brake, press down on the pedal until you hear a click. The brake is now released and will reset to lock the next time you press the pedal, located below the lower left corner of the instrument panel. [. . . ] Safety restraints adjusting the safety belts . . 302 Index 162 103 160 230 112 107 107 112 244 113 103 118 120 103 99 105 114 103 114 12 120 120 120 135 120 129 120 103 99 100 102 120 245 99 Seats (continued) rear seat access . Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints) . Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints) Side mirrors . [. . . ]