checking oil FORD THUNDERBIRD 2002 11.G Owners Manual

4. Engine coolant reservoir
5. Power steering fluid reservoir
6. Air filter assembly
7. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
8. Power distribution box
9. Engine cooling fan fluid reservoir
WASHER FLUID
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specification ESR-M17P5±A.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
Maintenance and specifications
197

Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
tightly until clicks are heard, or until it is snug.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils ªCertified For Gasoline Enginesº by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use Motorcraft or an equivalent oil meeting
Ford specification WSS-M2C153±H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum
fuel economy and durability performance meeting all
requirements for your vehicle's engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the scheduled maintenance guide.
Maintenance and specifications
199

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

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