warning light FORD THUNDERBIRD 2002 11.G User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 2002, Model line: THUNDERBIRD, Model: FORD THUNDERBIRD 2002 11.GPages: 248, PDF Size: 2.1 MB
Page 114 of 248

Passenger front and side air bag ON/OFF switch
An air bag ON/OFF switch
has been installed in this
vehicle. Before driving,always
look at the face of the switch to
be sure the switch is in the proper
position in accordance with these
instructions and warnings. Failure
to put the switch in a proper
position can increase the risk of
serious injury or death in a
collision.
Turning the passenger front and side air bags off
1. Insert the ignition key, turn the
switch to OFF position and hold in
OFF position while removing the
key.
2. When the ignition is turned to the
ON position the OFF light
illuminates briefly, momentarily
shuts off and then turns back on.
This indicates that the passenger
front and side air bags are
deactivated.
If the light fails to illuminate when the front and side passenger
air bag switch is in the OFF position and the ignition switch is in
ON, have the front and side passenger air bag switch serviced at your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
In order to avoid inadvertent activation of the switch, always
remove the ignition key from the front and side passenger air
bag ON/OFF switch.
ON
OFF
OFF
PASSENGER AIRBAG
ON
OFF
OFF
PASSENGER AIRBAG
Seating and safety restraints
114
Page 120 of 248

How does the side air bag system work?
The side air bag system consists of
the following:
²An inflatable nylon bag (air bag)
with a gas generator concealed
behind the outboard bolster of
the driver and front passenger
seatbacks.
²A special seat cover designed to
allow air bag deployment.
²The same warning light,
electronic control and diagnostic
unit as used for the front air
bags.
²Two crash sensors located under
the outboard side of the front
seats, attached near the floor.
Side air bags, in combination with seat belts, can help reduce the risk of
severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision.
The side air bags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the
front seats. In certain lateral collisions, the air bag on the side affected
by the collision will be inflated, even if the respective seat is not
occupied. The air bag was designed to inflate between the door panel
and occupant to further enhance the protection provided occupants in
side impact collisions.
The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains lateral
deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit
that initiates air bag inflation.
The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that
something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were
not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Side air bags are designed
to inflate in side-impact collisions, not roll-over, rear-impact, frontal or
near-frontal collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral
deceleration.
Seating and safety restraints
120
Page 132 of 248

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. LOCK, locks the gearshift lever
and allows key removal.
2. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel.Also allows the
automatic transmission shift
lever to be moved from the P
(Park) position without the
brake pedal being depressed.
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, avoid pressing 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 toStarting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
2
3
4
5
1
Driving
132
Page 137 of 248

warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
ABS warning lampABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the RUN position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full
steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient
space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a
controlled stop.
²The anti-lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply
the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough
room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
P!
BRAKE
Driving
137
Page 138 of 248

Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, apply the brake pedal
and pull the handle up as far as
possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned to to the RUN
position) until the parking brake is
released.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
Your brake handle may need to be
pulled up slightly to release
pressure before pushing in the
button.
Push the button on the end of the
parking brake and push the handle
down as far as possible to release
the brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
The Traction Controlysystem helps maintain the stability and
steerability of your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces. The system operates at all speeds by detecting and
P!
BRAKE
Driving
138
Page 141 of 248

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).This allows the automatic transmission shift lever to be
moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal
depressed.
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.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage to
the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition 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.
Driving with a 5±speed automatic transmission
Your automatic transmission electronically controls the shift feel by using
an adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to increase
durability, and provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. It
is normal for a new transmission to shift firmly. This operation is
Driving
141
Page 158 of 248

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
8 5A Right-hand Turn/Park/Side Marker
9 15A Right-hand Headlamp
10 5A Left-hand Turn/Park/Side Marker
11 15A Left-hand Headlamp
12 10A Pad switch
13 5A Cluster
14 10A Air Bag, Vehicle ID
15 5A Not Used (Spare)
16 5A Not used (Spare)
17 5A Alternator and Airbag Warning
18 20A Radio
19 20A Tilt/Tele Motors
20 10A FEM, DATC, Cluster
21 10A Not used (Spare)
22 10A Not used (Spare)
23 10A Not used (Spare)
24 5A PATS Transceiver
25 10A Washer pump
26 3A Windshield Wiper Relay
27 10A Radio, Cellphone
28 10A Not used (Spare)
29 5A DATC
30 5A FEM VBATT2
31 10A Map lamps, interior lighting, S/JB
32 20A Cigar Lighter
33 10A FEM, Ill M.
34 5A Outside mirror
35 5A DGB Brake Pedal Switch, Stoplamp Switch
Roadside emergencies
158
Page 218 of 248

The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the ªCheck Engineº light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
Maintenance and specifications
218
Page 237 of 248

A
Accessory delay ..........................64
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................109, 119
and child safety seats ............110
description ......................109, 119
disposal ....................................122
driver air bag ..................111, 120
indicator light ...........12, 113, 121
operation .........................111, 120
passenger air bag ...........111, 120
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................114
side air bag ..............................119
Air cleaner filter .......221±222, 227
Air conditioning ..........................35
Air filter, cabin ............................48
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................202
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................136±137
Anti-theft system ........................94
arming the system ....................94
disarming a triggered system ..94
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................141
fluid, adding ............................221
fluid, checking ........................221
fluid, refill capacities ..............228
fluid, specification ..................231
Auxiliary power point .................63
Axle
lubricant specifications ..229, 231
refill capacities ........................228B
Battery .......................................200
acid, treating emergencies .....200
charging system warning
light ............................................13
jumping a disabled battery ....169
maintenance-free ....................200
replacement, specifications ...227
servicing ..................................200
Belt minder ...............................104
Brakes ........................................136
anti-lock ...........................136±137
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 137
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....220
fluid, refill capacities ..............228
fluid, specifications .........229, 231
lubricant specifications ..229, 231
parking ....................................138
shift interlock ..........................140
Break-in period .............................6
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....228
Cassette tape player ...................19
Certification Label ....................233
Child safety restraints ..............122
child safety belts ....................122
Child safety seats ......................123
attaching with tether straps ..127
in front seat ............................125
in rear seat ..............................125
LATCH .....................................130
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............188
exterior ....................................192
Index
237
Page 238 of 248

instrument cluster lens ..........191
instrument panel ....................191
interior .....................................191
plastic parts ....................189±190
safety belts ..............................192
washing ....................................187
waxing .....................................187
wheels ......................................188
windows ..................................192
wiper blades ............................190
Clock ............................................33
Console ........................................83
Controls
power seat .................................97
steering column ........................70
Convertible ..................................72
cleaning .....................................76
installation of the boot .............73
lowering the convertible top ...72
raising the convertible top ......74
Coolant
checking and adding ..............202
coolant temperature light ........13
refill capacities ................206, 228
specifications ..................229, 231
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................66
Customer Assistance ................153
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................193
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................179
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............183
Getting roadside assistance ...153
Getting the service
you need .................................177
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................184The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................180
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................183
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................49
Defrost
rear window ..............................48
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................221
engine oil .................................197
Doors
door ajar warning .....................15
lubricant specifications ..........229
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................146
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................35
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................169
Emission control system ..........217
Engine ........................................231
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................188
coolant .....................................202
fail-safe coolant ......................207
idle speed control ...................200
lubrication
specifications ..................229, 231
Index
238