steering FORD THUNDERBIRD 2003 11.G User Guide

•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while
driving at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system
checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the RUN position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the RUN position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF.Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
When the key is in the ignition OFF position, the automatic
transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position
without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Driving
108

U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicle customers who require roadside assistance,
call 1–800–241–3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1–800–665–2006.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain reimbursement
information, U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicles customers call
1-800-241-3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
Canadian customers who need to obtain reimbursement information, call
1–800–665–2006.
Roadside coverage beyond basic warranty
In the United States, you may purchase additional roadside assistance
coverage beyond this period through the Ford Auto Club by contacting
your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
Similarly in Canada, for uninterrupted Roadside Assistance coverage, you
may purchase extended coverage prior to your Basic Warranty’s Roadside
Assistance expiring. For more information and enrollment, contact
1–877–294–2582 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHER
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
Roadside Emergencies
117

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
30—Not used
31 40A** Convertible top motor
32 30A** SSP2
Relay 001 Full ISO SSP1
Relay 002 Full ISO SSP4
Relay 003 Full ISO Rear defroster
Relay 004 Full ISO SSP3
Relay 005 Full ISO SSP2
Relay 006—Not used
Relay 007 1/2 ISO Fuel pump
Diode 01—Not used
Diode 02 1A Fuel pump relay coil
*Mini fuses **Maxi fuses
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
The use of tire sealants is not recommended and may
compromise the integrity of your tires.
Temporary spare tire information
Your vehicle may have a temporary or full-size spare tire. The temporary
spare tire for your vehicle is labeled as such. It is smaller than a regular
tire and is designed for emergency use only. Drive cautiously and replace
the temporary spare tire as soon as possible.
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do not follow
these precautions, the tire could fail, causing you to lose control
of the vehicle, possibly injuring yourself or others.
When driving with the temporary spare tiredo not:
•exceed 80 km/h (50 mph)
•load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
Roadside Emergencies
127

•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping
with a dry, soft, clean cloth.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
CONVERTIBLE TOP AND PADDED MOLDING
Wash with Detail Wash (ZC-3-A), which is available from your dealer.
•Do not use stiff bristle brushes or abrasive materials or cleaners.
•Hot waxes applied by commercial car washes can affect the
cleanability of the convertible top material.
•Using high water pressure or wand-type car washes against the
convertible top and windows may cause water leaks and possible seal
damage.
CLEANING SEATS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS
Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner. In order to remove
stains and soil, clean with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner
(E8AZ-19523–AA).
Cleaning
151

4. Engine coolant reservoir
5. Air filter assembly
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
8. Power distribution box
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in 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.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5°C (40°
F), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
156

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the H (hot)
area.
•The
symbol will
illuminate.
•The
symbol will illuminate.
•The
symbol will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Maintenance and Specifications
166

Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the range between the MIN and
MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap
back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the“MIN”and
“MAX”lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating range, the performance of your brake
system could be compromised, seek service from your dealer
immediately.
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
M
A
X
M
IN
Maintenance and Specifications
176

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

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

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