FORD THUNDERBIRD 2003 11.G Owners Manual

Tire rotation
Because your vehicle’s tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. If you notice that
the tires wear unevenly, have them checked.
•Four tire rotation
Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification or Tire Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size,
speed rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g.,“All Terrain”,
“Touring”, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Maintenance and Specifications
181

Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
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.
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
Driving at very high speeds for extended periods of time may result in
damage to vehicle components.
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-1011
Battery BXT-66-650
Oil filter FL-218
PCV valve N/A
Spark plugs* AGSP-32F
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug information.
Maintenance and Specifications
182

REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance DOT
3 Motor Vehicle
Brake Fluid
1
All Fill to MAX line
on reservoir
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil3.9L-4V V8
engine6.2L (6.5 quarts)
Engine coolant
2Motorcraft
Premium Engine
Coolant
(green-colored)
orMotorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)3.9L-4V V8
engine11.3L (11.9
quarts)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FAll Fill to MAX line
on reservoir
Rear axle
3Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantAll 1.2–1.3L (2.5–2.7
pints)
Fuel tank N/A All 68.2L (18.0
gallons)
Transmission
fluid
4Motorcraft
MERCONVATFAutomatic
(5R55S)11.2L (11.9
quarts)5
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Maintenance and Specifications
183

1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant Specificationsin this chapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
3Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water. Fill 6
mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
4Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
5Approximate dry capacity, includes cooler and tubes. Fluid level should
be checked by a qualified service technician.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord specification
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
Fluid
1
PM-1 ESA-M6C25-A and
DOT 3
Door
weatherstripsSilicone
LubricantF5AZ-19553-AA ESR-M13P4-A
Door latch, hood
latch, auxiliary
hood latch, door
hinges, striker
plates, seat
tracks and fuel
filler door hingeMulti-Purpose
GreaseXL-4 or XL-5 ESB-M1C93-B or
ESR-M1C159-A
Maintenance and Specifications
184

Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord specification
Engine coolant Motorcraft
Premium Engine
Coolant
(green-colored)VC-4–A(US)or
CXC-10 (CanadaESE-M97B44–A
Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7-A (VC-7–Bin
Oregon)WSS-M97B51-A1
Engine oil Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor OilXO-5W20-QSP WSS-M2C153-H with
API Certification
Mark
Lock cylinders Motorcraft
Penetrating and
Lock LubricantXL-1 none
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Rear Axle
LubricantMotorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lube
2
XY-75W90–QFEHP ES-3W4W-19A508–AA
Automatic
transmission
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONVATF
3
XT-5-QM MERCONV
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Wa s h e r
ConcentrateZC-32-A WSB-M8B16–A2
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. MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Maintenance and Specifications
185

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 10.75:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions mm (in)
(1) Overall length 4732mm (186.3 in)
(2) Overall width 1829mm (72.0 in)
(3) Overall height 1323 mm (52.1 in)
(4) Wheelbase 2722 mm (107.2 in)
(5) Track - Front 1537 mm (60.5 in)
(5) Track - Rear 1529 mm (60.2 in)
4
1
Maintenance and Specifications
186

IDENTIFYINGYOUR VEHICLE
Certification label
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Certification label be affixed
to a vehicle and prescribe where the
Certification label may be located.
The Certification label is located on
the front door latch pillar on the
driver’s side.
3
5
2
MFD. BY FORD MOTOR CO. IN U.S.A.
EXT PNT: XXXXXX XXXXXX RC: XX DSO: XXXX
BAR INT TR TP/PS R AXLE TR SPR
X XX XXX X XX X XXXX
XXXXX
XXXXX
UPC ∇F85B-1520472-AB
DATE: XXXXX GVWR:XXXXXXXXXXXX
VIN: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
TYPE: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX FRONT GAWR: XXXXXX/XXXXXXX
REAR GAWR: XXXXXXX/XXXXXXX
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THEFT PRE-
VENTION STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF
MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
Maintenance and Specifications
187

Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Maintenance and Specifications
188

FORDACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of genuine Ford accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local authorized Ford, Lincoln, Mercury or Ford of
Canada dealer. These quality accessories have been specifically
engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to
complement the style and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In
addition, each accessory is made from high quality materials and meets
or exceeds Ford’s rigorous engineering and safety specifications. Ford
Motor Company will repair or replace any properly dealer-installed Ford
accessory found to be defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period, as well as any component
damaged by the defective accessory. The accessory will be warranted for
whichever provides you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 20,000 km (12,000 miles) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
This means that genuine Ford accessories purchased along with your new
vehicle and installed by the dealer are covered for the full length of your
New Vehicle’s Limited Warranty—3 years or 60,000 km (36,000 miles)
(whichever occurs first). Contact your dealer for details and a copy of the
warranty.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Vehicle Security
Non decorative wheel locks
Vehicle security systems
Comfort and convenience
Cargo nets
Engine block heaters
Remote start system
Protection and appearance equipment
Air bag anti-theft locks
All weather floor mats
Ash cup
Car covers
Cargo liners, interior
Accessories
189

Carpetfloor mats
First aid kit
Front end cover
Highway safety kit
Locking gas cap
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems - such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use or are not properly installed. When operated, such systems may
cause the engine to stumble or stall. In addition, such systems may be
damaged or their performance may be affected by operating your
vehicle. If you intend on fitting a mobile radio such as a citizens band
radio (CB), please refer to your local dealer for Ford recommended
installation guidelines. Ask you dealer to reference the“Ford Mobile
Radio Installation Guidelines.”(Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage
door openers and other transmitters with outputs of five watts or less
will not ordinarily affect your vehicle’s operation.)
•Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or damage
that may result from the use of such equipment.
Accessories
190