octane FORD THUNDERBIRD 2002 11.G Owners Manual

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the fuel cap. After three driving cycles
without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the light
should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup
followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is
required.
If the light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic
converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a
fire.
Check fuel cap
Illuminates when the fuel cap is not
installed correctly. Check the fuel
cap for proper installation. When
the fuel filler cap is properly
re-installed, the light(s) will turn off
after a period of normal driving. Continuing to operate the vehicle with
the check fuel cap light on, can activate theService Engine Soon/Check
Enginewarning light.
It may take a long period of time for the system to detect an
improperly installed fuel filler cap.
For more information, refer toFuel filler capin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
Instrument cluster
11

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

Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªPremiumº
unleaded gasoline. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto Makers' Choiceylogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²Your ªCheck Engineº indicator may come on. For more information on
the ªCheck Engineº indicator, refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Maintenance and specifications
213

²Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
²Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
²Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
²Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
²Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total kilometers
traveled.
Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style Ð good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
²Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
²Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
Maintenance and specifications
215

Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. DOT 3 fluid
is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be
used.
2Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant that does not
require changing unless the axle has been submerged in water.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONtand
MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.9L-4V V8 engine
Displacement 3 949 cc (241 cid)
Required fuel 91 octane
Firing order 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Spark plug gap 0.99-1.09 mm (0.039-0.043 inch)
Ignition system Coil on plug
Compression ratio 10.55:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions mm (in)
(1) Overall length 4 732mm (186.3 in)
(2) Overall width 1 829mm (72.0 in)
(3) Overall height 1 323 mm (52.1 in)
(4) Wheelbase 2 722 mm (107.2 in)
(5) Track - Front 1 537 mm (60.5 in)
(5) Track - Rear 1 529 mm (60.2 in)
Maintenance and specifications
231

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