traction control FORD THUNDERBIRD 2002 11.G Owners Manual

Seating and safety restraints 95
Seating 95
Safety restraints 99
Air bags 109
Child restraints 122
Driving 132
Starting 132
Brakes 136
Traction control 138
Transmission operation 140
Vehicle loading 146
Trailer towing 148
Recreational towing 152
Roadside emergencies 153
Hazard flasher switch 154
Fuses and relays 156
Changing tires 164
Jump starting 169
Wrecker towing 176
Customer assistance 177
The dispute settlement board 180
Utilizing the mediation/arbitration 183
Getting assistance outside the U.S. and Canada 183
Ordering additional owner's literature 184
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 186
Cleaning 187
Cleaning your vehicle 187
Underbody preservation 192
Table of contents
2

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner's Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Tether
Anchorage
Brake SystemAnti-Lock Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedTraction Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
Power Windows
Front/RearPower Window Lockout
Introduction
8

Traction ControlYactive
Illuminates when the Traction
Controlysystem is active. It will be
lit for a minimum of four seconds or
for the duration of the Traction
Controlyevent.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is at or near empty,
refer toFuel gaugein this chapter
for more information.
Speed control
Illuminates when the speed control
is activated.
Low washer fluid
Illuminates when the windshield
washer fluid is low.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the turn signals or
the hazard lights are turned on. If
the lights stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
bulb.
Instrument cluster
14

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

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

controlling wheel spin. The system borrows many of the electronic and
mechanical elements already present in the anti-lock braking system
(ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is
realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
rear wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads. This is especially evident if wheel spin-up should occur
while turning.
During Traction Controlyoperation you may hear an electric motor type
of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior.
If you should become stuck in snow
or on a very slippery road surface,
try switching the Traction Controly
system off using the traction control
switch located on the left-hand side
of the instrument panel. This may
allow excess wheel spin to ªdigº the
vehicle out or enable a successful
ªrockingº maneuver.
If the Traction Controlysystem is
cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to prevent the rear brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Controlyfunction using only engine
torque reduction will still help control wheels from over-spinning. When
the rear brakes have cooled down, the system will again function
normally. Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will
function normally during the cool down period.
OFF
TRAC
Driving
139

U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
Maintenance and specifications
224

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

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

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