engine coolant FORD THUNDERBIRD 2005 11.G User Guide

Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin this section.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than–34°F[–36°C ]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
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What you should know about fail-safe cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The“fail-safe”distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
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.
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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.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.
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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
MAX
MIN
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For PCV valve replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor the
appropriate intervals for changing the PCV valve.
Replace the PCV valve with one that meets Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as a Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement part. The customer warranty may be void
for any damage to the emissions system if such a PCV valve is not
used.
2For spark plug replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor the
appropriate intervals for changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not
used.
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)
6
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)3.9L-4V V8
engine6.5 quarts
(6.2L)
Engine coolant
2Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)3.9L-4V V8
engine11.9 quarts
(11.3L)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FAll Fill to MAX line
on reservoir
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Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Rear axle3Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantAll 2.5–2.7 pints
(1.2–1.3L)
Fuel tank N/A All 18.5 gallons
(70.0L)
Transmission
fluid
4Motorcraft
MERCONVATFAutomatic
(5R55S)11.9 quarts
(11.2L)5
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateAll Fill to line on
reservoir
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 1/4
inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) 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 theScheduled Maintenance Guideto determine
the correct service interval.
5Approximate dry capacity, includes cooler and tubes. Fluid level should
be checked by a qualified service technician.
6Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.
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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
LubricantXL-6 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
Engine coolant Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7-A (U.S.,
except CA and
OR), VC-7-B (CA
and OR only)WSS-M97B51-A1
Engine oil Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)XO-5W20-QSP
(US)
CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)WSS-M2C930-A
with API
Certification
Mark
Lock cylinders Motorcraft
Penetrating and
Lock LubricantXL-1 none
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
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A
Accessory delay ..........................40
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ....................................87, 95
and child safety seats ..............88
description ..........................87, 95
disposal ......................................97
driver air bag ......................89, 96
indicator light .....................90, 97
operation .............................89, 96
passenger air bag ...............89, 96
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................91
side air bag ................................95
Air cleaner filter ...............207–209
Air conditioning ..........................22
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................190
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................140
Anti-theft system ........................73
arming the system ....................73
disarming a triggered system ..73
Audio system (see Radio) .........16
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................144
fluid, adding ............................207
fluid, checking ........................207
fluid, refill capacities ..............210
fluid, specification ..................213
Auxiliary power point .................39
Axle
lubricant specifications ..212–213
refill capacities ........................210
B
Battery .......................................188acid, treating emergencies .....188
jumping a disabled battery ....160
maintenance-free ....................188
replacement, specifications ...209
servicing ..................................188
BeltMinder ...................................82
Brakes ........................................139
anti-lock ...................................140
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................140
fluid, checking and adding ....206
fluid, refill capacities ..............210
fluid, specifications .........212–213
lubricant specifications ..212–213
parking ....................................141
shift interlock ..........................143
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................31
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....210
Cell phone use ............................60
Certification Label ....................215
Changing a tire .........................114
Child safety restraints ................98
child safety belts ......................98
Child safety seats ......................100
attaching with tether straps ..104
in front seat ............................102
in rear seat ..............................102
LATCH .....................................107
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............177
instrument panel ....................179
interior .....................................180
interior trim ............................179
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Index
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plastic parts ............................178
washing ....................................176
waxing .....................................176
wheels ......................................177
wiper blades ............................178
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............22
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................18
Console ........................................61
Controls
power seat .................................75
steering column ........................45
Convertible ..................................50
cleaning .............................54, 179
installation of the boot .............51
lowering the convertible top ...50
raising the convertible top ......52
Coolant
checking and adding ..............190
refill capacities ................194, 210
specifications ..................212–213
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................42
Customer Assistance ................149
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................181
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................173
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............174
Getting roadside assistance ...149
Getting the service you
need .........................................167
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................174
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................169Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................172
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................27
Defrost
rear window ..............................25
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................207
engine oil .................................185
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........212
Driving under special
conditions ..................................148
through water .........................148
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................160
Emergency Flashers .................150
Emission control system ..........204
Engine ................................213–214
cleaning ...................................177
coolant .....................................190
fail-safe coolant ......................195
idle speed control ...................188
lubrication
specifications ..................212–213
refill capacities ........................210
service points ..........................184
Engine block heater .................139
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