ignition FORD THUNDERBIRD 2003 11.G Service Manual

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:
•You 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.
•Your“Check Engine”indicator may come on. For more information on
the“Check Engine”indicator, refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend taking
fuel economy measurements during the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of
driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km–5,000 km (2,000 miles-3,000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
Maintenance and Specifications
171

vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low—medium—high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have 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:
Calculation 1:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Calculation 2: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—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.
Maintenance and Specifications
172

•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
Maintenance and Specifications
174

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

F
Fail safe cooling ........................165
Floor mats ...................................54
Fluid capacities .........................183
Fuel ............................................167
calculating fuel economy .......171
cap ...........................................169
capacity ...................................183
choosing the right fuel ...........169
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................174
detergent in fuel .....................170
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................167, 169, 171
filter, specifications ........171, 182
improving fuel economy ........171
octane rating ...................170, 186
quality ......................................170
running out of fuel .................171
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................167
Fuses ..................................118–119
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............169
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................171
Gauges .........................................12
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................114
definition .................................114
driving with a heavy load ......114
location ....................................114
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................114
calculating ...............................114
definition .................................114
driving with a heavy load ......114location ....................................114
H
Head restraints ...........................66
Headlamps ...................................24
aiming ........................................26
autolamp system
.......................24
bulb specifications
....................28
daytime running lights
.............25
flash to pass
..............................25
replacing bulbs
.........................29
turning on and off
....................24
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system
.......................................19
Hood
..........................................155
I
Ignition
...............................102, 186
Infant seats (see Safety seats)
..94
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing
........................................175
Instrument panel
cleaning
...................................151
cluster
..........................................8
lighting up panel and
interior
.......................................26
J
Jack
............................................127
positioning
...............................127
storage
.....................................127
Jump-starting your vehicle
......132
Index
193

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