1997 Ford Thunderbird Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 209

RWARNING Never remove the radiator cap or vent plug while the engine is running or hot. Follow these steps to avoid personal injury that can be caused by escaping steam or engine coolant. 1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool. Even when the engine is cool, be careful when you remove the radiator cap or vent plug. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap and turn it slowly counterclockwise to unscrew. Step back while the pressure releases. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to press the cap down, turn it counterclockwise, and remove it. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot steam may blow out or hot engine coolant may even splash out. 2. 3. 4. 5. Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid E2FZ-19549-AA (in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B) or an equivalent premium engine coolant that meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A. Ford Premium Engine Coolant is an optimized formula that will protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in Ford cooling systems for 4 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). 209