1996 Ford Thunderbird Common Problems, Issues, Recalls, and Reliability

  • 1996 Ford Thunderbird Problem With Idle Air Bypass Valve May Cause Engine Performance Problems

    If you experience difficulty starting the engine when cold, stalling at idle, or hesitations during acceleration, it may be the idle air bypass valve . This valve helps the vehicle idle steady when the accelerator pedal is not pressed.

  • 1996 Ford Thunderbird Blown/Cracked Head Gasket Can Cause White Smoke From Exhaust

    White smoke coming from the exhaust could indicate that a head gasket has blown or there is a cracked cylinder head . Our technicians tell us that removal and inspection of the cylinder heads will be required to confirm a crack is present.

  • 1996 Ford Thunderbird Coolant Leaking From Intake Manifold

    The 1996-1997 Ford Thunderbird with the optional 4.6L Modular V8 and plastic intake manifold is known for engine overheating, even with normal use, and a coolant leak from the front of the manifold. This will often trigger the check engine light and low engine coolant warning light .

    The engine coolant leak is from a factory defect, which causes cracking on the front coolant passage of the intake manifold. In a very short time, this leak will lead to engine overheating issues, especially while the vehicle is idling.

    Between 1999 and 2001, Ford released an updated version of this engine, known as the 'PI' version with a metal coolant passage on the front of the intake manifold, to prevent future issues.

    There is no factory authorized repair for the intake manifold, and replacement is required to correct the engine coolant leak and overheating issues.

  • 1996 Ford Thunderbird Smelling Coolant and Overheating With No Visible Leaks

    The 4.6L V8 engine used in the Ford Thunderbird from 1994-1997 is known for displaying the normal symptoms of a coolant leak, including overheating, especially when the vehicle is idling, the strong smell of coolant from the engine, and illumination of the low engine coolant warning light .

    This leak is difficult to locate as it is buried underneath the intake manifold , and only begins to leak coolant onto the ground in advanced stages of disrepair. This leak springs from the heater tube, which allows coolant to flow between the water pump and HVAC heater core .

    When the connection for this tube begins to leak, the coolant burns on the hot engine, and produces a sweet smell that is unmistakably engine coolant.

    The remedy can be complicated, and will necessitate removal of the intake manifold, heater tube, and possibly the water pump. After removal of these items, the connector may be replaced, or a set of o-rings, depending on the year of the vehicle.

  • 1996 Ford Thunderbird Damage to engine wire harness due to broken motor mount

    Engine misfire could be caused by worn or broken motor mounts that raise the motor on one side while the vehicle is accelerating. The stress on the engine control wiring harness can cause breaks in the injector or sensor wires, which then causes drivability concerns such as poor fuel economy and engine misfires.

1996 Ford Thunderbird Questions and Answers

Related Questions

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 6 CYL

    related to body, window, switch

    I need to get my driverside power window up in my 1996 Ford THunderbird. The passengerside still works. Both switches are operable. Its nighttime so too late to take it all apart and troubleshoot. W..

  • Ford Thunderbird 4.6 L V8 Thunderbird, I Need To Know Which Spark Plug...

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD

    related to ignition, plug-wire, replace-remove

    I need to know which type of wire set to buy and one that is not to expensive "But Good" I can purchase anywhere online like Autozone, Oriellys or somewhere. Plus I need to know what type of spark ..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Catylitic Converters

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 3.8L, V6, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 170, 000 MILES

    related to exhaust, catalytic-converter, plugged

    My car was running terrible, it would not go over 40. The codes said it was a clogged converter. I decided to remove the converter and drive it loud just to make sure that it ran well without the c..

  • Ford Thunderbird Chirping Noise?

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 120, 000 MILES

    related to general, noises, chirp

    I had a loud chirping noise coming from my car mostly when I would first crank it up. It usually quits once I'm driving down the road. Replaced the serpentine belt and tension pulley. Didn't help. M..

  • Ford Thunderbird What Could Be The Cause Of My Car's Vibration/shakes.

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 133, 000 MILES

    related to general, shakes

    I noticed that when in drive at a stop light my car vibrates/shakes a bit. It doesn't always do it. The check engine light is not on. Also, I noticed that when I last started it, to me it started..

  • Ford Thunderbird Check Engine Light

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 80, 000 MILES

    related to warning-lights, check-engine-light

    After being on the road approx. 20 mins. The check engine light started flashing and the cal idles rough and has very little power on take off, why did the check engine light start flashing while I..

  • Ford Thunderbird Does Anyone Make Repair Panels For The Rear Shock?

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 199, 000 MILES

    related to suspension, shock

    The rear shocks have rusted through the back of the car. The part of the trunk is rusted out and we're trying to find out if anyone makes panels that can hold the rear strut. @media(max-width: 9..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Front End

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 4.6L, V8, RWD, AUTOMATIC, 123, 000 MILES

    related to suspension, coil-spring

    Just replaced all front end parts including struts and springs with stock parts. Now there is a heavy clunking sound under the car when hitting bumps- such as something hitting underneath. The front..

  • Ford Thunderbird Why Do I Get 5 Beeps When I Start The Car, Approx 3-4...

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 165, 000 MILES

    related to general, noises, beep

    It don't happen every time, just most of the time. @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 AT 9:27 PM ..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Lx 4.6

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, V8

    related to body, door, lock, not-working

    1996 Thunderbird lx Driver's side seat, and car locks will not work (Both electric). Also there is no heat or a/c working. @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } ..

  • Ford Thunderbird Seat Belt

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD

    related to safety, seat-belt

    1996 ford thunderbird ---- I cannot 2 of the shoulder seat belts to - " engage " so they are now in the " secure " mode -- meaning when I extend them fully and pull down hard, they do not " click" ..

  • Ford Thunderbird What Are The Symptom Tests For 1996 Thunderbird Anti-...

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 125, 000 MILES

    related to security, disarm

    Sometimes the alarm goes off for no apparent reason @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Monday, January 2nd, 2012 AT 7:17 PM ..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Temperature Gauge Fluctuates

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 56, 000 MILES

    related to interior, instrument-cluster, gauges, engine-temperature

    1996 Ford Thunderbird mileage: 56,000. The problem I had was the temperature gauge would fluctuate going very fast to hot, stay for a minute or so then back to cold very fast. My mechanic changed t..

  • Ford Thunderbird Can The Window Motor Be Bad If You Can Hear It Running...

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 165, 000 MILES

    related to body, window, motor

    My windows will go up and down if help the motor. The windows can be push or pulled up and down without the motor. They will occasionally move a little without help but not much. Off track or other ..

  • Ford Thunderbird Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, V8, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 120, 000 MILES

    related to body, wiper, arm, replace-remove

    Windshield wiper arm needs replacing on a 1996 thunderbird @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Saturday, August 13th, 2011 AT 1:32 PM ..

  • Ford Thunderbird My Wipers Do Not Work

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 30, 000 MILES

    related to body, wiper, not-working

    My wipers do not work due to a broken piece inside the lever. How can I find an assembly layout of this lever and get the best home remedy to fix this? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display:..

  • Ford Thunderbird Antenna Replacement

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 5.4L, V8, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 120, 000 MILES

    related to body, antenna, mast

    Broke off the mast in carwash have replacement for it. Is there a easy way to swap it out? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Tuesday, December 24th, 2019 A..

  • Ford Thunderbird LED's Are Hyper-flashing

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 4.6L, V8, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 204, 111 MILES

    related to exterior-light, turn-signal, flasher, location

    Where is it the flasher located and will it stop my LED's from hyper-flashing? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Friday, August 23rd, 2019 AT 12:09 PM ..

  • Ford Thunderbird Flashing Check Engine Light

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 3.8L, V6, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 30, 000 MILES

    related to warning-lights, check-engine-light

    Had this problem failed to be fixed multiple times in the car listed above. Finally had ECM replaced and have driven 300 plus miles with no problem. Prior efforts included: ignition coils (3), to..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD

    related to fuel-system, fuel-filter

    Engine Mechanical problem 1996 Ford Thunderbird V8 Automatic 200000 miles ok so I have replaced the battery, the spark plugs, the fuel filter, and checked the fuel pump and I still cant..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD

    related to engine-cooling, radiator, radiator-hose, replace-remove

    Noises problem 1996 Ford Thunderbird Engine Size unknown Two Wheel Drive Automatic 90,000 miles I went to a shop to have my oil changed a few months ago and while they were doing that the m..

  • Ford Thunderbird Cooling Fan Not Working

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, V8, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 213, 000 MILES

    related to engine-cooling, cooling-fan, not-working

    My cooling fan on my 96 T-Bird with a 4.6 is not working. I have replaced the thermostat and the temp sensor with no luck. I find that when I disconnect the cable connected to the temp sensor, the ..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Catalyctic Converters

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD

    related to exhaust, catalytic-converter, replace-remove

    1996 Ford Thunderbird V8 Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 108k miles I was told I needed to replace the converters by ford. My friend said take it to this meineke, I know them and it will be..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Door Ajar Light

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, V8, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 145, 000 MILES

    related to warning-lights, door-ajar-light

    My door ajar light is on every time I have the key turned forward, but the doors are shut. Is there a sensor on the door anywhere that controls that? Do you have any ideas of what the problem might..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Door Hinges

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, V8, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 150, 000 MILES

    related to body, door, hinge, replace-remove

    My passenger door will not close from the inside. I have to close it from with outside while lifting up on the handle. I was first told that I just needed to replace the pins. But was then told t..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Door Pannel

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD

    related to body, door, panel, replace-remove

    Interior problem 1996 Ford Thunderbird V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic how do I remove a door pannel so I can repair interior door handel @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;pa..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Enigine Troubles

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 116, 000 MILES

    related to fuel-system, fuel-pressure-regulator, replace-remove

    My car died a few weeks ago, the speed suddenly dropped and then it lost power and shut off. The car will start, but only for a moment and runs really rough. Before this happened, the only othe..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Excessive Squeaking

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 130, 000 MILES

    related to general, noises, squeak

    Hi, i am the semi-proud owner of a 1996 Ford Thunderbird. This noise problem is pertaining to a loud and very noticeable squeak on the drivers side only in the front wheel area. Whenever the car ..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Exhaust

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, V8, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 75, 570 MILES

    related to exhaust, y-pipe

    It looks like my thunderbird had 3 catalytic converters... personally i think they are a complete waste and see no point in them. I just got a set of headers for my 4.6L and have alread done the exh..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird HAS FUEL, SPARK, PULSES, STILL...

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 100, 000 MILES

    related to ignition, no-spark

    Hey guys, 1996 Thunderbird 3.8 I have perfect Fuel pressure, spark and pulses. The only time she acts as if she wants to fire is when I starve the fuel. She is drenching the plugs constantly a..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Hey

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD

    related to general, shakes

    Shakes or Wobbles problem 1996 Ford Thunderbird V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic n/a miles hi my names waldo and I have a question waiting to be answered. My car shakes a lot when we stop and w..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Massive Coolant Leak 4.6 Litre

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, V8, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 86, 000 MILES

    related to engine-cooling, leak

    Hi all I have 1996 Ford with the 4.6 litre engine. On the way home from work while driving at freeway speed I got a low coolant warning. I quickly pulled off of the highway and shut engine off. Ther..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird No Spark

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 111, 000 MILES

    related to ignition, no-spark

    This engine is distributorless 3.8. Has coil pack. Car had a egr Tube from egr to exhaust pipe) tube leak that lead into a hole. The air escaping from the leak ended up melting some plastic vacum..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Oil Pressure Guage

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 114, 000 MILES

    related to interior, instrument-cluster, gauges, oil-pressure

    I have a problem after you drive the car for a while when the water temp goes up normal and engine gets warm the oil guage drops to 0 only if you turn the car the steering wheel. Today I was setting..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Rattle

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, V8, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 92, 000 MILES

    related to general, noises, rattle

    On mild rough roads (not on the freeway) I hear a rattle comming from the right front of the vehical. I took off both wheels and I checked under the car for and tried to find anything (wheel bearin..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Rely Switch For Fuel Pump

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 120, 000 MILES

    related to fuel-system, fuel-pump, location

    Where is the relay switch should be located in trunk of car @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Friday, January 2nd, 2009 AT 3:43 PM ..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Shock Or Strutt

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD

    related to suspension, shock, replace-remove

    Suspension problem 1996 Ford Thunderbird 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive my wife owns a 96 tbird coupe with a 6 cyl and she was needing to replace the rear suspension but is being told two diffrent t..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Steering

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 112, 000 MILES

    related to steering, steering-wheel

    My front ball joints on my car were recently replaced and today I was looking at the wheels and they are leaning outwards a little bit and I was wondering if that has anything to do with the work th..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Water Got In My Intake While I...

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD

    related to interior, water

    Engine Performance problem 1996 Ford Thunderbird 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic how do I go about fixing my motor / I think I flooded my intake while going through a lot of water @medi..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Where To Reconnect This Part

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 6 CYL, FWD, AUTOMATIC, 58, 000 MILES

    related to exterior-light, headlight, lens

    96 ford tbird, have a L shaped plastic tube + rubber hose unit that i need to reassemble but don't know where it attaches to. it is on passenger side of engine right behind the headlamp assembly. ..

  • Ford Thunderbird 1996 Ford Thunderbird Windshield Wipers

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, V8, FWD, AUTOMATIC, 83, 245 MILES

    related to body, wiper, not-working

    Its not the motor, fuse or switch and I dont know why the windshiled wipers dont work @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Monday, September 7th, 2009 AT 6:4..

  • Ford Thunderbird Alarm Question

    FORD THUNDERBIRD

    related to security, disarm

    My 1996 Ford Tbird Lx the alarm keeps going off no matter how many times you disarm it, it will even go off during driving. What do you think would cause this and how can I fix it? @media(max-..

  • Ford Thunderbird Door Ajar Light Won't Go Off?

    FORD THUNDERBIRD

    related to warning-lights, door-ajar-light

    I drive a 1996 ford thunderbird. The"door ajar" light came on and I cannot find out why! I pulled both door light switches and both seem to be working alright. When I shut the door the dome light go..

  • Ford Thunderbird Gas Line Came Off Three Rubber Tubes Hanging From...

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 4.6L, V8, RWD, AUTOMATIC, 140, 257 MILES

    related to fuel-system, line

    Do not know which one to hook up to what its three lines has and two more rubber ones. @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Thursday, December 29th, 2016 AT 8..

  • Ford Thunderbird Light Front End, Steering And Seat Wobble

    1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD, 3.8L, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 100, 050 MILES

    related to suspension, upper-control-arm

    Just had upper control arms replaced as well as sway bar links both sides front. Car has new brakes and appears rotors have been turned. Front left wheel drags when jacked up and binds a little in o..

1996 Ford Thunderbird Maintenance and Repair