light FORD THUNDERBIRD 2002 11.G Repair Manual

engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
²Do not use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
²Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
²Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of Recycled Engine Coolantsection).
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 ªcold fullº level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant
degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow
system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
To avoid 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 (an opaque 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 ªcold fill rangeº or the ªcold fullº 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.)
Maintenance and specifications
205

If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline with
an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 91 or
higher for optimum performance.
The use of gasolines with lower
octane ratings may degrade performance. We do not recommend the use
of gasolines labeled as ªPremiumº in high altitude areas that are sold
with octane ratings of less than 91.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
91(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and specifications
212

²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
Maintenance and specifications
217

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

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

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

refill capacities ........................228
service points ..........................196
starting after a collision .........154
Engine block heater .................135
Engine fan .................................208
Engine oil ..................................197
checking and adding ..............197
dipstick ....................................197
filter, specifications ........199, 227
recommendations ...................199
refill capacities ........................228
specifications ..................229, 231
Exhaust fumes ..........................135
F
Fail safe cooling ........................207
Floor mats ...................................83
Fluid capacities .........................228
Fuel ............................................209
calculating fuel economy .......214
cap .....................................11, 211
capacity ...................................228
choosing the right fuel ...........212
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................217
detergent in fuel .....................213
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................209, 211, 214
filter, specifications ........214, 227
fuel pump shut-off switch .....154
gauge .........................................17
improving fuel economy ........214
low fuel warning light ..............14
octane rating ...................212, 231
quality ......................................213
running out of fuel .................213
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................209Fuses ..................................156±157
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......11, 211
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................214
Gauges .........................................16
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................16
fuel gauge ..................................17
odometer ...................................17
speedometer .............................17
tachometer ................................18
trip odometer ............................18
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................146
definition .................................146
driving with a heavy load ......146
location ....................................146
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................146
calculating ...............................146
definition .................................146
driving with a heavy load ......146
location ....................................146
H
Hazard flashers .........................154
Head restraints ...........................95
Headlamps ...................................49
aiming ........................................51
autolamp system .......................49
bulb specifications ....................53
daytime running lights .............49
flash to pass ..............................50
high beam .................................15
replacing bulbs .........................54
Index
239

turning on and off ....................49
warning chime ..........................15
Heating ........................................35
Hood ..........................................196
I
Ignition ...............................132, 231
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................123
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................218
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................191
cluster ................................10, 191
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................50
J
Jack ............................................164
positioning ...............................164
storage .....................................164
Jump-starting your vehicle ......169
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................90
Keys .......................................91, 93
key in ignition chime ...............15
positions of the ignition .........132
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................49
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................53cargo lamps ...............................50
daytime running light ...............49
headlamps .................................49
headlamps, flash to pass ..........50
instrument panel, dimming .....50
interior lamps .....................52, 54
replacing bulbs ....... 53±54, 56±59
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................52
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 137
brake ..........................................12
bulb warning .............................15
charging system ........................13
check engine .............................10
cruise indicator .........................14
door ajar ....................................15
fuel cap light .............................11
high beam .................................15
low coolant ................................13
low fuel ......................................14
low washer fluid .......................14
oil pressure ...............................13
safety belt .................................13
speed control ............................70
traction control active ..............14
transmission PRNDL
indicator ....................................12
turn signal indicator .................14
Load limits .................................146
GAWR ......................................146
GVWR ......................................146
trailer towing ..........................146
Locks
autolock .....................................90
doors ..........................................84
Lubricant specifications ...229, 231
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................169
Index
240

Lumbar support, seats ...............96
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................228
lubricant specifications ..........231
Master lighting switch ................49
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......65
Motorcraft parts ................214, 227
O
Octane rating ............................212
Odometer .....................................17
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................197
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................88
Parking brake ............................138
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....227
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) .......................159, 162
Power door locks ..................84, 90
Power steering ..........................140
fluid, checking and adding ....219
fluid, refill capacity ................228
fluid, specifications .........229, 231
R
Rear window defroster ...............48
Relays ........................................156
Remote entry system ...........86, 88illuminated entry ......................89
locking/unlocking doors .....84, 87
opening the trunk .....................87
panic alarm ...............................88
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................89
replacing the batteries .............88
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ......................15, 99±103
Safety defects, reporting ..........186
Safety restraints ..................99±103
belt minder .............................104
cleaning the safety
belts .................................108, 192
extension assembly ................108
for adults .........................100±103
for children .............................122
warning light and
chime ...........................13, 15, 104
Safety seats for children ..........123
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............99
Seats ............................................95
child safety seats ....................123
cleaning ...................................191
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ....................................91, 93
Servicing your vehicle ..............195
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................227, 231
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................229, 231
Speed control ..............................66
Speedometer ...............................17
Index
241

Starting your vehicle ........132±134
jump starting ..........................169
Steering
speed sensitive .......................140
Steering wheel
controls ......................................70
tilting .........................................62
T
Tachometer .................................18
Tires ...........................164, 223±225
changing ..........................164±165
checking the pressure ............225
replacing ..................................226
rotating ....................................225
snow tires and chains ............227
tire grades ...............................224
treadwear ................................224
Towing .......................................148
recreational towing .................152
trailer towing ..........................148
wrecker ....................................176
Traction control ........................138
active light ................................14
Transmission .......................12, 140
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................221
fluid, refill capacities ..............228
lubricant specifications ..229, 231manual operation ......................12
Trip odometer .............................18
Trunk ...........................................84
remote release ....................65, 87
Turn signal ......................14, 16, 52
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................231
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................233
Vehicle loading ..........................146
Ventilating your vehicle ...........136
W
Warning chimes .....................15±16
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Water, Driving through .............146
Windows
power .........................................63
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and cleaning ........60±61
operation ...................................60
replacing wiper blades .............61
Wrecker towing .........................176
Index
242