FORD THUNDERBIRD 2002 11.G Owners Manual

Board membership
The Board consists of:
²three consumer representatives
²a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership representative
Consumer candidates for Board membership are recruited and trained by
an independent consulting firm. The dealership Board member is chosen
from Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealership management, recognized for
their business leadership qualities.
What the Board needs
To have your case reviewed you must complete the application in the
DSB brochure and mail it to the address provided on the application
form. Some states will require you to use certified mail, with return
receipt requested.
Your application is reviewed and, if it is determined to be eligible, you
will receive an acknowledgment indicating:
²the file number assigned to your application
²the toll-free phone number of the DSB's independent administrator
Your dealership and a Ford Motor Company representative will then be
asked to submit statements.
To properly review your case, the Board needs the following information:
²legible copies of all documents and maintenance or repair orders
relevant to the case
²the year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) listed
on your vehicle ownership license
²the date of repair(s) and mileage at the time of occurrence(s)
²the current mileage
²the name of the dealer(s) who sold or serviced the vehicle
²a brief description of your unresolved concern
²a brief summary of the action taken by the dealer(s) and Ford Motor
Company
²the names (if known) of all the people you contacted at the
dealership(s)
²a description of the action you expect to resolve your concern
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You will receive a letter of explanation if your application does not
qualify for Board review.
Oral presentations
If you would like to make an oral presentation, indicate YES to question
6 on the application. While it is your right to make an oral presentation
before the Board, this is not a requirement and the Board will decide the
case whether or not an oral presentation is made. An oral presentation
may be requested by the Board as well.
Making a decision
Board members review all available information related to each
complaint, including oral presentations, and arrive at a fair and impartial
decision. Board review may be terminated at any time by either party.
Every effort is made to decide the case within 40 days of the date that
all requested information is received by the Board. Since the Board
generally meets once a month, it may take longer for the Board to
consider some cases.
After a case is reviewed, the Board mails you a decision letter and a
form on which to accept or reject the Board's decision. The decisions of
the Board are binding on Ford (and, in some cases, on the dealer) but
not on consumers who are free to pursue other remedies available to
them under state or federal law.
To Request a DSB Brochure/Application
For a brochure/application, speak to your dealer or write/call to the
Board at the following address/phone number:
Dispute Settlement Board
P.O. Box 5120
Southfield, MI 48086±5120
1±800±428±3718
You may also contact the North American Customer Relationship Center
at 1-800-392-3673 (Ford), TDD for the hearing impaired: 1-800-232-5952
or by writing to the Center at the following address:
Ford Motor Company
Customer Relationship Center
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, Michigan 48121
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UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM
(CANADA ONLY)
In those cases where you continue to feel that the efforts by Ford and
the dealer to resolve a factory-related vehicle service concern have been
unsatisfactory, Ford of Canada participates in an impartial third party
mediation/arbitration program administered by the Canadian Motor
Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).
The CAMVAP program is a straight-forward and relatively speedy
alternative to resolve a disagreement when all other efforts to produce a
settlement have failed. This procedure is without cost to you and is
designed to eliminate the need for lengthy and expensive legal
proceedings.
In the CAMVAP program, impartial third-party arbitrators conduct
hearings at mutually convenient times and places in an informal
environment. These impartial arbitrators review the positions of the
parties, make decisions and, when appropriate, render awards to resolve
disputes. CAMVAP decisions are fast, fair, and final; the arbitrator's
award is binding both to you and Ford of Canada.
CAMVAP services are available in all territories and provinces. For more
information, without charge or obligation, call your CAMVAP Provincial
Administrator directly at 1-800-207-0685.
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA
Before exporting your vehicle to a foreign country, contact the
appropriate foreign embassy or consulate. These officials can inform you
of local vehicle registration regulations and where to find unleaded fuel.
If you cannot find unleaded fuel or can only get fuel with an anti-knock
index lower than is recommended for your vehicle, contact a district or
owner relations/customer relationship office.
The use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without proper conversion may
damage the effectiveness of your emission control system and may cause
engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford Motor Company/Ford of
Canada is not responsible for any damage caused by use of improper
fuel.
In the United States, using leaded fuel may also result in difficulty
importing your vehicle back into the U.S.
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If your vehicle must be serviced while you are traveling or living in
Central or South America, the Caribbean, or the Middle East, contact the
nearest Ford dealership. If the dealership cannot help you, write or call:
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
WORLDWIDE DIRECT MARKET OPERATIONS
1555 Fairlane Drive
Fairlane Business Park #3
Allen Park, Michigan 48101
U.S.A.
Telephone: (313) 594-4857
FAX: (313) 390-0804
If you are in another foreign country, contact the nearest Ford
dealership. If the dealership employees cannot help you, they can direct
you to the nearest Ford affiliate office.
If you buy your vehicle in North America and then relocate outside of
the U.S. or Canada, register your vehicle identification number (VIN) and
new address with Ford Motor Company Worldwide Direct Market
Operations.
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER'S LITERATURE
To order the publications in this portfolio, contact Helm, Incorporated at:
HELM, INCORPORATED
P.O. Box 07150
Detroit, Michigan 48207
Or call:
For a free publication catalog, order toll free: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. EST
(Items in this catalog may be purchased by credit card holders only.)
Obtaining a French owner's guide
French Owner's Guides can be obtained from your dealer or by writing to
Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box
1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.
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IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
California Civil Code Section 1793.2(d) requires that, if a manufacturer
or its representative is unable to repair a motor vehicle to conform to the
vehicle's applicable express warranty after a reasonable number of
attempts, the manufacturer shall be required to either replace the
vehicle with one substantially identical or repurchase the vehicle and
reimburse the buyer in an amount equal to the actual price paid or
payable by the consumer (less a reasonable allowance for consumer
use). The consumer has the right to choose whether to receive a refund
or replacement vehicle.
California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b) presumes that the manufacturer
has had a reasonable number of attempts to conform the vehicle to its
applicable express warranties if, within the first 18 months of ownership
of a new vehicle or the first 29 000 km (18 000 miles), whichever occurs
first:
1. Two or more repair attempts are made on the same nonconformity
likely to cause death or serious bodily injury OR
2. Four or more repair attempts are made on the same nonconformity (a
defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value or safety of
the vehicle) OR
3. The vehicle is out of service for repair of nonconformities for a total of
more than 30 calendar days (not necessarily all at one time)
In the case of 1 or 2 above, the consumer must also notify the
manufacturer of the need for the repair of the nonconformity at the
following address:
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
Mail Drop 3NE-B
Dearborn, MI 48126
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REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)
If you believe that your vehicle has
a defect that could cause a crash, or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition
to notifying Ford Motor Company.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and
if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a
recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer or Ford Motor Company.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free
at 1±800±424±9393 (202±366±0123 in the Washington D.C. area) or write
to:
NHTSA
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street
Washington D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from
the Hotline.
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WASHING THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR VEHICLE
Never wash a vehicle that is ªhot to
the touchº or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight. It is
recommended that you wash your
vehicle regularly with cool or
lukewarm water and a neutral Ph
shampoo, such as Detail Wash
(ZC-3±A), which is available from
your authorized Ford, Lincoln or
Mercury dealer. Always use a clean
sponge or carwash mitt with plenty
of water for best results. Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry
cloth towel in order to eliminate water spotting.
Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish
washing or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot
painted surfaces.
It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during winter
months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and do cause
damage to the vehicle.
Items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings and insect deposits
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork and trim
over time.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before
entering a car wash.
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLES' PAINT FINISH
Applying a polymer paint sealant to your vehicle on a regular basis will
assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.
A typical paint sealant lasts approximately six months to a year,
depending on local weather conditions and the cleaning soap that is used
in washing the vehicle.
Do not use a wax that beads excessively.
Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield
cowl area. The paint sealant will ªgrayº or stain the parts over
time.
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REPAIRING PAINT CHIPS
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired using
the Ultra Touch Prep and Finishing Kit (F7AZ-19K507±BA), which is
available at your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer. This kit
contains:
²Lacquer Touch-Up Paint (ALBZ-19500±XXXXA)
²Exterior Acrylic Spray Lacquer (ALAZ-19500±XXXXA)
Please note that the part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with
your vehicle's specific coloring.Carefully observe the application
instructions on the products.
CLEANING THE WHEEL RIMS AND COVERS
Aluminum wheel rims or covers are coated with a clearcoat paint
finish.
Some automatic car washes may cause damage to the finish on your
wheel rims or covers. Chemical-strength cleaners, or cleaning chemicals,
in combination with brush agitation to remove brake dust and dirt, could
wear away the clearcoat finish over time.
Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel
cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergents for
soiled wheel rims and covers.
Never apply any cleaning chemical to hot or warm wheel rims or covers.
Clean wheel rims and covers with Detail Wash (ZC-3±A), which is
available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer. Spray
cleaner on cool wheel rims or covers and allow to set for 2±5 minutes.
Agitate the area with a sponge and rinse off with plenty of water.
Use Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Removal (B7A-19520±AA),
available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer, in order
to remove tar and grease from wheel rims and covers.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²The engine must be cool to the touch before spraying with water.
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²Never spray a hot engine with cold water, as damage to the
engine block or engine components may occur.
²Use caution when using a self-serve power washer (1000psi maximum
pressure) to clean the engine, as the high-pressure fluid could
penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Never apply anything to any exposed belts in the engine
compartment, including the belt dressing.
For general cleaning of the engine and engine compartment, spray
Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (FYAZ-19A536±A) on all parts that
require cleaning and pressure rinse the area with cool water.
²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
WASHING NON-PAINTED PLASTIC EXTERIOR PARTS
Use Detail Wash (ZC-3±A) for routine cleaning.
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If tar or grease spots are present, clean with Extra Strength Tar and
Road Oil Removal (B7A-19520±AA).
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts.These products
are available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer.
WASHING THE EXTERIOR LAMPS
In order to avoid scratching the plastic lamps, do not use dry
paper towels, non-approved chemical solvents or abrasive
cleaners.
Use a soft cloth and a solution of Triple Clean (EOAZ-19526±AA), mixed
properly with water, in order to remove bug residue. If tar or grease
spots are present, clean with Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Removal
(B7A-19520±AA).
CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD, WIPER BLADES AND REAR
WINDOW
If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the windshield, rear
window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include hot
wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree sap, or other
organic contamination.
Do not clean the windshield or rear window glass with abrasives,
as they may cause scratches.
Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean the
windshield, rear window or the wiper blades as damage may
occur.
Clean the outside of the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA),
available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer. If after
cleaning the glass surface, the water sheets from the glass (e.g., does not
bead), then the window is clean.
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
regularly. Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
or windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when
they appear worn or do not function properly.
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