battery FORD THUNDERBIRD 2002 11.G Owner's Manual

Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which is located in the luggage
compartment, next to the spare tire.
Your battery is designed to purge any battery gases to the outside of the
vehicle by means of a vent hose. This vent hose MUST be attached at all
times. Replacement batteries must be of the same vented design.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
Your battery normally does not require additional water during its life of
service. For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery
clean and dry. Make certain that the vent hose is attached. Also, make
certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to the battery
terminals.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
Maintenance and specifications
200

If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
Maintenance and specifications
201

6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
²The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.
²If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
²Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and water, which
equates to a freeze point of -36É C (-34É F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014±R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the ªcold fullº of ªcold fill rangeº level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding Engine Coolantsection.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and specifications
202

If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the range between the MIN and
MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap
back on the reservoir.
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and specifications
219

Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods
of time may result in damage to vehicle components.
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide traction in
rain or snow.
The use of snow cables is not recommended for this vehicle, as damage
to your vehicle may occur under extreme handling or rough road
conditions. However, if you choose to operate the vehicle with snow
cables, avoid these conditions and follow the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Do not use any type of tire chains, as this will likely cause damage to
your vehicle.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.9L-4V V8 engine
Air filter element FA-1679
Fuel filter FG-986
Battery BXT-66-650
Oil filter FL-2008
PCV valve N/A
Spark plugs* AGSP-32F
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug information.
Maintenance and specifications
227

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