engine oil FORD THUNDERBIRD 2003 11.G User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 2003, Model line: THUNDERBIRD, Model: FORD THUNDERBIRD 2003 11.GPages: 200, PDF Size: 1.79 MB
Page 158 of 200

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“Certified For Gasoline Engines”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.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
Maintenance and Specifications
158
Page 161 of 200

•Alwaysdisposeofautomotive
batteriesin a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36°C (-34°F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the“cold full”of“cold fill range”level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36°C (-34°F).
•Boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and Specifications
161
Page 173 of 200

Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between fourth and fifth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
Maintenance and Specifications
173
Page 182 of 200

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
Page 183 of 200

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
Page 185 of 200

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
Page 186 of 200

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
Page 192 of 200

waxing.....................................148
wheels ......................................149
wiper blades ............................150
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............19
Console ........................................54
Controls
power seat .................................68
steering column ........................42
Convertible ..................................43
cleaning .............................47, 151
installation of the boot .............44
lowering the convertible top ...43
raising the convertible top ......45
Coolant
checking and adding ..............161
refill capacities ................165, 183
specifications ..................184, 186
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................39
Customer Assistance ................116
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................153
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................141
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................145
Getting roadside assistance ...116
Getting the service you
need .........................................139
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................146
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................142
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................144D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................25
Defrost
rear window ..............................22
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................177
engine oil .................................156
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........184
Driving under special
conditions ..................................113
through water .........................113
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................132
Emission control system ..........174
Engine ........................................186
cleaning ...................................149
coolant .....................................161
fail-safe coolant ......................165
idle speed control ...................159
lubrication specifications ......184,
186
refill capacities ........................183
service points ..........................155
Engine block heater .................104
Engine oil ..................................156
checking and adding ..............156
dipstick ....................................156
filter, specifications ........158, 182
recommendations ...................158
refill capacities ........................183
specifications ..................184, 186
Exhaust fumes ..........................105
Index
192
Page 194 of 200

K
Keylessentrysystem
autolock.....................................61
Keys
positions of the ignition .........102
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................24
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................28
cargo lamps ...............................26
daytime running light ...............25
headlamps .................................24
headlamps, flash to pass ..........25
instrument panel, dimming .....26
interior lamps .....................27, 29
replacing bulbs ....... 28–29, 31–34
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................27
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........105
Load limits .................................114
GAWR ......................................114
GVWR ......................................114
trailer towing ..........................114
Locks
autolock .....................................61
doors ..........................................55
Lubricant specifications ...184, 186
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................131
Lumbar support, seats ...............67
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................183
lubricant specifications ..........186Master lighting switch ................24
Mirrors .........................................38
side view mirrors (power) .......38
Motorcraft parts ................171, 182
O
Octane rating ............................170
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................156
P
Parking brake ............................106
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....182
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) .......................122, 125
Power door locks ........................55
Power point .................................36
Power steering ..................107–108
fluid, checking and adding ....176
fluid, refill capacity ................183
fluid, specifications .........184, 186
Power Windows ...........................37
R
Radio ............................................14
Rear window defroster ...............22
Relays ........................................118
Remote entry system .................58
illuminated entry ......................60
locking/unlocking doors ...........55
opening the trunk .....................58
Roadside assistance ..................116
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............79
Index
194