light FORD THUNDERBIRD 2004 11.G Workshop Manual

Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), pull
the parking brake handle up as far
as possible. The BRAKE warning
lamp will illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, press and hold the
button (2), pull the handle up
slightly, then push the handle down.
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
TRACTION CONTROL 
Your vehicle is equipped with a Traction Control
system. This system
helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction in these conditions.
P!
BRAKE
P!
BRAKE
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
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During Traction Control
operation, the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric motor type of sound coming from
the engine compartment and the engine will not “rev-up ”when you push
further on the accelerator. This is normal system behavior and should be
no reason for concern.
The Traction Control
switch,
located on the left-hand side of the
instrument panel, has an indicator
light that illuminates when the
system is off. The Traction Control

system will automatically turn on
every time the ignition is turned off
and on.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction Control
system off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to “dig ”the vehicle out and enable a successful
“ rocking ”maneuver.
If a system fault is detected, the traction control switch ’s OFF indicator
will illuminate and your vehicle should be serviced.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control

event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
• Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
OFF
TRAC
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
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Driving
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•One tap rearward (-) will commandthe transmission to downshift one
gear range.
• Upshifts are allowed at any vehicle speed, with the exception of 4th
and 5th gear. The transmission will not do a 4th or 5th gear start.
Ensure that the transmission is returned to 1st gear once the vehicle
is stopped. If this is not done, and the transmission is in 2nd or 3rd
gear, the vehicle will remain in that gear. However, if the transmission
is in 4th or 5th gear, the transmission will automatically return to 1st
gear.
• When downshifting at normal road speeds, the transmission will only
allow a downshift into the next lowergear.
• If shifter (-) is tapped more than once in rapid succession, the
transmission will downshift only into the next lower gear, then when
the vehicle reaches a speed below a calibrated entry speed, the
transmission will allow a downshift into the next lower gear if again
selected by the driver. This is to prevent engine and transmission
damage and to keep the engine and transmission within allowable
RPM ranges.
• An electronic indicator on the instrument cluster will display the
selected gear.
Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following chart:
Recommended upshift schedule Shift from:
1 - 2 24 km/h (15 mph)
2 - 3 40 km/h (25 mph)
3 - 4 64 km/h (40 mph)
4 - 5 72 km/h (45 mph)
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
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USA English (fus)
Driving
120

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes. Driving through deep
water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal transmission
damage.
VEHICLE LOADING –WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle ’s weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle ’s
Safety Certification Label and Tire and Load Information Label:
Base Curb Weight –is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight –is the weight of your new vehicle when you
picked it up from your dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.
Cargo Weight –includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load
or king pin weight is also part of cargo weight.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight) –is the total weight placed on each axle
(front and rear) –including vehicle curb weight and all payload.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
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USA English (fus)
Driving
121

Fuse/RelayLocation Fuse Amp
Rating Passenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
9 15A Right-hand headlamp
10 5A Left-hand turn/park lamp and side marker
11 15A Left-hand headlamp
12 10A Passenger air bag on/off switch indicator
13 5A Cluster
14 10A Air bag module
15 5A Not used (spare)
16 5A Driver and passenger heated seat modules
17 5A Cluster
18 20A Radio, Central imaging amplifier
19 20A Tilt/Tele motors
20 10A Front Electronics Module (FEM), Dual Automatic Temperature Control
(DATC), Cluster
21 10A Not used (spare)
22 10A Not used (spare)
23 10A Not used (spare)
24 5A Passive anti-theft transceiver
25 10A Not used (spare)
26 3A Windshield wiper module
27 10A Radio
28 10A Not used (spare)
29 5A DATC
30 5A FEM
31 10A Glove box and foot well lamps
32 20A Cigar lighter
33 10A FEM (Dimmer control lamps)
34 5A Outside mirrors
35 5A Brake pedal switch
Relay 1 —Not used
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USA English (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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1.Use only a 12 –volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of your disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle ’s electrical system. Keep the battery vent hose
attached at all times.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the trunk of your disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehicles do nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure the vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note: In the illustrations, lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
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Roadside Emergencies
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In the United States, a warranty dispute must be submitted to the
Dispute Settlement Board before taking action under the Magnuson-Moss
Warranty Act, or to the extent allowed by state law, before pursuing
replacement or repurchase remedies provided by certain state laws. This
dispute handling procedure is not required prior to enforcing state
created rights or other rights which are independent of the
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act or state replacement or repurchase laws.
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP) coverage. Ford ESP
is an optional service contract which is backed by Ford Motor Company
or Ford Motor Service Company (in the U.S.) and Ford of Canada (in
Canada). It provides the following:
•Benefits during the warranty period depending on the plan you
purchase (such as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain
maintenance and wear items).
• Protection against covered repair costs after your Bumper-to-Bumper
Warranty expires.
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford and Lincoln
Mercury and Ford of Canada dealer. There are several plans available in
various time, distance and deductible combinations which can be tailored
to fit your own driving needs. Ford ESP also offers reimbursement
benefits for towing and rental coverage.
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive Peace-of-Mind protection
throughout the United States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,000 participating Ford or Lincoln Mercury and Ford of
Canada dealers.
If you did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the
time of purchasing your vehicle, you may still be eligible. Since this
information is subject to change, please ask your dealer for complete
details about Ford Extended Service Plan coverage options, or visit the
Ford ESP website at www.ford-esp.com.
THE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT BOARD (U.S. ONLY)
The Dispute Settlement Board is:
• an independent, third-party arbitration program for warranty disputes.
• available free to owners and lessees of qualifying Ford Motor Company
vehicles.
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Customer Assistance
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The Dispute Settlement Board may not be available in all states. Ford
Motor Company reserves the right to change eligibility limitations, modify
procedures and/or to discontinue this service without notice and without
incurring obligations per applicable state law.
What kinds of cases does the Board review?
Unresolved warranty repair concerns or vehicle performance concerns as
on Ford and Lincoln Mercury cars and Ford and Lincoln Mercury light
trucks which are within the terms of any applicable written new vehicle
warranty are eligible for review, except those involving:
•a non-Ford product
• a non-Ford dealership
•
sales disputes between customer and dealer except those associated with
warranty repairs or concerns with the vehicle ’s performance as designed
• a request for reimbursement of consequential expenses unless a
service or product concern is being reviewed
• items not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty (including
maintenance and wear items)
• alleged personal injury/property damage claims
• cases currently in litigation
• vehicles not used primarily for family, personal or household purposes
(except in states where the Dispute Settlement Board is required to
review commercial vehicles)
• vehicles with non-U.S. warranties
Concerns are ineligible for review if the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
has expired at receipt of your application and, in certain states eligibility
is dependent upon the customer ’s possession of the vehicle.
Eligibility may differ according to state law. For example, see the unique
brochures for California, West Virginia, Georgia and Wisconsin
purchasers/lessees.
Board membership
The Board consists of:
• Three consumer representatives
• A Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership representative
Consumer candidates for Board membership are recruited and trained by
an independent consulting firm. The dealership Board member is chosen
from Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealership management, recognized for
their business leadership qualities.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
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Customer Assistance
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WASHING THE EXTERIOR
Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral
Ph shampoo, such as Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A), which is available
from your dealer.
• Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing
or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted
surfaces.
• Never wash a vehicle that is “hot to the touch ”or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight.
• Always use a clean sponge or carwash mitt with plenty of water for
best results.
• Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to
eliminate water spotting.
• It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the
winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause
damage to the vehicle.
• Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings
and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle ’s
paintwork and trim over time.
• Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a
car wash.
• Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted
surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,
wash off as soon as possible.
WAXING
Applying a polymer paint sealant to your vehicle every six months will
assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.
• Wash the vehicle first.
• Do not use waxes that contain abrasives.
• Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will “gray ”or stain the parts over time.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
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USA English (fus)
Cleaning
Cleaning
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•Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
• Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your dealer.
• For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3 –A).
• If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar
Remover (ZC-42).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle ’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree sap, or other
organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow these tips:
• The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your dealer.
• Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
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Cleaning
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