heating FORD THUNDERBIRD 2005 11.G Owners Manual
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GAUGES
Speedometer:Indicates the
current vehicle speed.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will be in
the normal range (between“H”and
“C”).If it enters the red section,
the engine is overheating. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
Odometer:Registers the total miles
(kilometers) of the vehicle.
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Instrument Cluster
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Gate Operator & Canadian Programming
During programming, your
hand-held transmitter may
automatically stop transmitting—
not allowing enough time for
HomeLinkto accept the signal
from the hand-held transmitter.
After completing steps 1 and 2
outlined in the“Programming”
section, replace step 3 with the following:
Note:If programming a garage door opener or gate operator, it is
advised to unplug the device during the“cycling”process to prevent
overheating.
•Continue to press and hold the HomeLinkbutton (note step 3 in the
“Programming”section) while you press and release—every two
seconds(“cycle”) your hand-held transmitter until the frequency
signal has been accepted by the HomeLink. The indicator light will
flash slowly and then rapidly after HomeLinkaccepts the radio
frequency signal.
•Proceed with step 4 in the“Programming”section.
Operating the HomeLinkWireless Control System
To operate, simply press and release
the appropriate HomeLinkbutton.
Activation will now occur for the
trained product (garage door, gate
operator, security system, entry
door lock, or home or office lighting
etc.). For convenience, the
hand-held transmitter of the device
may also be used at any time. In the event that there are still
programming difficulties, contact HomeLinkatwww.homelink.comor
1–800–355–3515.
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Driver Controls
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Adjusting the passenger’s power seat
The control is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion.
Press the control to move the seat
forward or backward.
Heated seats (if equipped)
To operate the heated seats:
•Push the indicated side of the
control for maximum heat.
•Push again to deactivate.
•Push the indicated side of the
control for minimum heat.
•Push again to deactivate.
The heated seat module resets at every ignition run cycle. While the
ignition is in the ON position, activating the high or low heated seat
switch enables heating mode. When activated, they will turn off
automatically when the ignition is turned to the OFF position.
The indicator light will illuminate when the heated seats have been
activated.
SAFETY RESTRAINTS
Safety restraints precautions
To maximize restraint system effectiveness, the driver and
passenger seat must be in the upright position and the lap belt
must be snug and low across the hips while the vehicle is moving.
To reduce the risk of injury, make sure children sit where they
can be properly restrained.
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Seating and Safety Restraints
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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
-10°F (-23°C) 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 one inch (2.5 cm) 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.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
P!
BRAKE
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Driving
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surface, try switching the Traction Controlsystem off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to“dig”the vehicle out and enable a successful
“rocking”maneuver.
If the Traction Controlsystem is cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to prevent the rear brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Controlfunction using only engine
torque reduction will still help control wheels from over-spinning. When
the rear brakes have cooled down, the system will again function
normally. Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will
function normally during the cool down period.
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
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
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Driving
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Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
•Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored), VC-7–A (U.S., except CA and OR), VC-7–B
(CA and OR only), meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M97B51–A1.
Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, may
darken the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
•Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 (US) or
CXC-209 (Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44–D
with the factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Speciality Orange
Engine Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product with your
factory filled coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the“FULL COLD”level. For all other vehicles which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
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Maintenance and Specifications
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remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the“COLD FILL RANGE”or the“FULL COLD”level on
the reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill
the radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to–34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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plastic parts ............................178
washing ....................................176
waxing .....................................176
wheels ......................................177
wiper blades ............................178
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............22
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................18
Console ........................................61
Controls
power seat .................................75
steering column ........................45
Convertible ..................................50
cleaning .............................54, 179
installation of the boot .............51
lowering the convertible top ...50
raising the convertible top ......52
Coolant
checking and adding ..............190
refill capacities ................194, 210
specifications ..................212–213
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................42
Customer Assistance ................149
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................181
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................173
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............174
Getting roadside assistance ...149
Getting the service you
need .........................................167
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................174
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................169Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................172
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................27
Defrost
rear window ..............................25
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................207
engine oil .................................185
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........212
Driving under special
conditions ..................................148
through water .........................148
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................160
Emergency Flashers .................150
Emission control system ..........204
Engine ................................213–214
cleaning ...................................177
coolant .....................................190
fail-safe coolant ......................195
idle speed control ...................188
lubrication
specifications ..................212–213
refill capacities ........................210
service points ..........................184
Engine block heater .................139
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Index
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Engine oil ..................................185
checking and adding ..............185
dipstick ....................................185
filter, specifications ........187, 209
recommendations ...................187
refill capacities ........................210
specifications ..................212–213
Exhaust fumes ..........................139
F
Fail safe cooling ........................195
Floor mats ...................................61
Fluid capacities .........................210
Fuel ............................................196
calculating fuel economy .......200
cap ...........................................198
capacity ...................................210
choosing the right fuel ...........199
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................203
detergent in fuel .....................200
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................196, 198, 201
filter, specifications ........200, 209
improving fuel economy ........200
octane rating ...........199, 213–214
quality ......................................199
running out of fuel .................200
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................196
Fuses ..................................151–152
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................46Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............198
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................200
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................150
Head restraints ...........................74
Headlamps ...................................27
aiming ........................................29
autolamp system .......................27
bulb specifications ....................31
daytime running lights .............27
flash to pass ..............................28
replacing bulbs .........................32
turning on and off ....................27
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................22
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................46
Hood ..........................................183
I
Ignition .......................136, 213–214
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................100
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................205
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................179
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................28
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Index
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