wheel FORD THUNDERBIRD 2004 11.G Owners Manual

Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning and control lights 10
Gauges 14
Entertainment Systems 16
AM/FM stereo with CD 16
Climate Controls 22
Electronic automatic temperature control 22
Rear window defroster 25
Lights 27
Headlamps 27
Turn signal control 30
Bulb replacement 30
Driver Controls 38
Windshield wiper/washer control 38
Steering wheel adjustment 39
Power windows 40
Mirrors 41
Speed control 42
Locks and Security 61
Keys 61
Locks 61
Anti-theft system 64
2004 Thunderbird(tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1

POWER TILT/TELESCOPE STEERING COLUMN
The steering column can be
adjusted manually by moving the
four-way rocker adjustment control
located below the turn signal/wiper
control stalk. Hold the control to
adjust.
The telescope function is adjusted
by moving the control toward the
driver to telescope out and toward
the instrument panel to telescope
in.
The tilt function is adjusted by moving the control up or down.
During easy exit, when you remove the key, the column will move to the
full in and up position. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the
column will return to the previous setting.
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
AUXILIARY POWER POINT
The power point is an additional
power source for electrical
accessories.
A power point is located on the
instrument panel.
Do not use the auxiliary power point
as a cigarette lighter.
The use of non-Ford approved electrical accessories could cause damage
not covered by your warranty.
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the plug.
Improper use of the power outlet can cause damage not covered
by your warranty.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF
ON
2004 Thunderbird
(tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driver Controls
39

You can render the switch inoperable by locking the button with your
master key.
In the event of battery failure, you
can open the trunk by using your
master key on the key cylinder
located behind the driver’s seat.
SPEED CONTROL
With speed control set, you can maintain a speed of 48 km/h (30 mph)
or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. Speed
control does not work at speeds below 48 km/h (30 mph).
Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that
are winding, slippery or unpaved.
Setting speed control
The controls for using your speed
control are located on the steering
wheel for your convenience.
1. Press the ON control and release
it.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driver Controls
42

Turning off speed control
There are two ways to turn off the speed control:
•Depress the brake pedal or press
CANCEL. This will not erase your
vehicle ’s previously set speed.
• Press the speed control OFF
control.
Note: When you turn off the speed
control or the ignition, your speed
control set speed memory is erased.
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS
These controls allow you to operate some audio control features.
Audio control features
Press MEDIA to select AM, FM1,
FM2, or CD.
In AM, FM1, or FM2 mode:
• Press
or to select preset
stations within the selected radio
band.
In CD mode:
• Press
or to select the next
selection on the CD.
O N
O
F
F
RES
SET
CANCEL
MUTE
VOL
MEDIA
MUTE
VOL
MEDIA
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driver Controls
45

2. Ensure that the removable top levers are rotated rearward to the fully
open position. Lock the wheels on the storage cart, and with the help of
at least another person remove the top from the cart.
Once per year, apply a small amount
of silicone lubricant,
F5AZ–19553 –AA, to the receivers as
shown. The lubricant should be
sprayed directly into the hole to
avoid contaminating the trim parts.
3. Lower the rear of the top into
position so that the pins are placed
into the bracket receivers.
4. Position the front of the top so that the locating tabs on each side are
placed in the mounting castings. Ensure that the weather-strip on the
top is placed on the body mounted seal without any wrinkles or gaps.
The joint should have a smooth and continuous transition to prevent
water leaks.
5. Take the mounting key from the bag located in the trunk.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driver Controls
55

Removable top storage rack
It is recommended that you prepare the storage rack prior to removing
the top from the vehicle.
1. Remove the storage rack from the package and place the bumper end
of the uprights on the floor with the wheels facing you.
2. Locate the two chrome locking
buttons on each of the two rack
legs.
3. Firmly squeeze the two chrome
buttons (top and bottom) on one
leg and rotate the leg toward you
until the leg snaps into place.
4. Squeeze the second set of chrome
buttons (top and bottom) for the
opposite leg until the leg snaps into
place.
5. Turn the rack over on its wheels
and place the removable top storage
rack on a flat level surface. Make
sure the center“T ” section is fully
locked by attempting to move the
section downward without
depressing the chrome locking
buttons.
6. Lock the two front wheels located
on the ends of each of the two rack
legs.
7. To lock the wheels, push down on
the bottom part of the plastic tab
located on the tip of each wheel.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driver Controls
58

8. Place the removable top on the
storage rack.
9. Make sure the rear edge of the
removable top rests on the rubber
bumpers of the rack legs. This
prevents damage to the painted
edge and the weather-strips.
To unlock the wheels, pull up on the
lower portion of the plastic tab
located on the tip of each wheel.
Place the mounting key in a safe place to use again.
Keep your removable top clean by placing the provided cover over it.
If you plan to drive with the convertible top down, ensure all the snaps
on the convertible top tonneau cover are fastened and that the rear of
the cover is firmly tucked before driving. Refer toInstallation of the
tonneau cover in theConvertible section.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driver Controls
59

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. LOCK, locks the gearshift lever
and allows key removal. (The
steering wheel will not lock after
key removal.)
2. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories except the radio,
convertible top control and the
power windows if accessory delay is
active. This position also allows the
automatic transmission shift lever to be moved from the P (Park)
position without the brake pedal being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
3. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not running.
4. RUN, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don ’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the engine in this chapter.
2
3
4
5
1
2004 Thunderbird(tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
Driving
109

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-23°C (-10 °F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least
three hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the
night before starting the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; this is
normal and should be no reason for concern.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSlamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when
the ignition is turned to ON. If the light does not illuminate during start
up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need to be
serviced.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
112

During Traction Control
operation, the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric motor type of sound coming from
the engine compartment and the engine will not “rev-up ”when you push
further on the accelerator. This is normal system behavior and should be
no reason for concern.
The Traction Control
switch,
located on the left-hand side of the
instrument panel, has an indicator
light that illuminates when the
system is off. The Traction Control

system will automatically turn on
every time the ignition is turned off
and on.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction Control
system off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to “dig ”the vehicle out and enable a successful
“ rocking ”maneuver.
If a system fault is detected, the traction control switch ’s OFF indicator
will illuminate and your vehicle should be serviced.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control

event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
• Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
OFF
TRAC
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
114