transmission FORD THUNDERBIRD 2005 11.G Owners Manual

Tires, Wheels and Loading 109
Tire Information 110
Changing tires 114
Lug Nut Torque 120
Vehicle loading 130
Trailer towing 134
Recreational towing 135
Driving 136
Starting 136
Brakes 139
Traction control/AdvanceTrac 141
Transmission operation 143
Roadside Emergencies 149
Getting roadside assistance 149
Hazard flasher switch 150
Fuel pump shut-off switch 150
Fuses and relays 151
Jump starting 160
Wrecker towing 166
Customer Assistance 167
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 175
Cleaning 176
Table of Contents
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Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Engine coolant temperature:
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high. Stop the
vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer to
Engine coolantin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
Transmission PRNDL indicator:
Displays the gearshift positions. If
an“E”character is displayed or
flashing, this indicates a
transmission malfunction, contact your dealer immediately. Operating the
transmission with the“E”character illuminated may cause additional
damage to the transmission.
Traction Control
active:
Illuminates when the Traction
Control
is active. If the light
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately, refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is activated. Turns
off when the speed control system
is deactivated.
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Instrument Cluster
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MASTER LIGHTING SWITCH
Turns the lamps off.
Turns on the parking
lamps, instrument panel lamps,
license plate lamps and tail lamps.
Turns on the headlamps,
parking lamps, instrument panel
lamps, license plate lamps and tail
lamps.
Autolamp control
The autolamp system provides light
sensitive automatic on-off control of
the exterior lights normally
controlled by the master lighting
switch.
The autolamp system also keeps the
lights on for a preselected period of
time after the ignition switch is
turned to OFF.
•To turn autolamps on, rotate the
control counterclockwise. The preselected time lapse is adjustable up
to approximately three minutes by continuing to rotate the control
counterclockwise.
•To turn autolamps off, rotate the control clockwise to OFF.
Note:The instrument panel lamps will only turn on if the autolamp
control has determined it is night.
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (Canada Only)
Turns the lowbeam headlamps on with a reduced output.
To activate with automatic transmission:
•the ignition must be in the RUN position;
•the headlamp control is in the OFF position, Parking lamps position,
or Autolamp position when the autolamp function has not turned on
the headlamps (daytime); and
•the transmission is out of Park.
AUTO
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Lights
Lights
27

POWER WINDOWS
Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle and do not let
children play with the power windows. They may seriously injure
themselves.
When closing the power windows, you should verify they are free
of obstructions and ensure that children and/or pets are not in
the proximity of the window openings.
Press and hold the bottom part of
the rocker switch to open the
window. Press and hold the top part
of the rocker switch to close the
window.
One touch down
Allows the driver’s window to open
fully without holding the control
down. Press completely down on
AUTO and release quickly. Press
again to stop.
Accessory delay
With accessory delay, the window switches, radio, and the convertible
top motor, may be used for up to ten minutes after the ignition switch is
turned to the OFF position or until either front door is opened.
Short drop glass
In order to improve door efforts and sealing, your vehicle is equipped
with short drop glass. This feature lowers the glass when either door is
opened. The glass returns to its closed position when the door is closed.
If the optional removable top is not installed on your vehicle, this feature
will also lower the glass when the convertible top switch is operated. The
glass will return to its closed position if the transmission is shifted out of
P (Park), or if the opposite door becomes closed.
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Driver Controls
40

When programming your HomeLinkWireless Control System to
a garage door or gate, be sure that people and objects are out of
the way to prevent potential harm or damage.
Do not use the HomeLinkWireless Control System with any garage
door opener that lacks safety stop and reverse features as required by
U.S. federal safety standards (this includes any garage door opener
model manufactured before April 1, 1982). A garage door which cannot
detect an object, signaling the door to stop and reverse, does not meet
current U.S. federal safety standards. For more information, contact
HomeLinkat:www.homelink.comor1–800–355–3515.
Retain the original transmitter for use in other vehicles as well as for
future programming procedures (i.e. new HomeLinkequipped vehicle
purchase). It is also suggested that upon the sale of the vehicle, the
programmed Homelinkbuttons be erased for security purposes, refer to
Programmingin this section.
Programming
Do not program HomeLinkwith the vehicle parked in the garage.
Note:Some vehicles may require the ignition switch to be turned to the
second (or“ACC”) position for programming and/or operation of the
HomeLink. It is also recommended that a new battery be placed in the
hand-held transmitter of the device being programmed to HomeLinkfor
quicker training and accurate transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
1. Press and hold the two outside
buttons releasing only when the
indicator light begins to flash after
20 seconds.Do notrepeat step one
to program additional hand-held
transmitters to the remaining two
HomeLinkbuttons. This will erase
previously programmed hand-held
transmitter signals into HomeLink.
2. Position the end of your hand-held transmitter 1-3 inches (2-8 cm)
away from the HomeLinkbutton you wish to program (located on the
header trim) while keeping the indicator light in view.
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Driver Controls
47

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)–is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear).These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label
located on the driver’s door or B-Pillar. The total load on each
axle must never exceed its GAWR.
Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle weight rating limits
could result in substandard vehicle handling or performance,
engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious damage to the
vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
Note:For trailer towing information refer toTrailer towingfound in
this chapter or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your
dealership.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)–is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo +
passengers.
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
131

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)–is the maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
vehicle (including all options,
equipment, passengers and cargo).
The GVWR is shown on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label located on the driver’s
door or B-Pillar. The GVW must
never exceed the GVWR.
Exceeding the Safety Certification Label vehicle weight rating
limits could result in substandard vehicle handling or
performance, engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious
damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
GCW (Gross Combined Weight)–is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)–is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer–including all cargo and
passengers–that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe
control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the towing
vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.The
GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
132

RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles:
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel
drive capability.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h)
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km)
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft.
Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a
qualified technician. Improper removal/installation of the
driveshaft may cause damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.See your local dealer for driveshaft
removal/installation.
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
135

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 reduce the risk
of 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 enginein this chapter.
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3
4
5
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Driving
136

Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while
driving at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system
checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the RUN position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the RUN position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF.Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
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. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
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Driving
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