maintenance FORD THUNDERBIRD 2005 11.G Service Manual

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
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
206

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The 5R55S transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid
should be added by a qualified technician.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. Use only
MERCONV automatic transmission fluid. The type of fluid used is
indicated on the transmission fluid pan, extension housing and also in
theLubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage and void the warranty.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
207

Changing the air filter element
1. Loosen the hose clamp on the
outlet tube at the air filter housing.
2. Release the two clamps that
secure the cover to the air filter
housing and place the cover aside.
3. Remove the air filter element
from the air filter housing.
4. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
208

5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unmetered air to enter the engine if not properly
seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing
cover and secure the clamps. Be
sure all of the tabs on front edge are
correctly aligned as shown.
Note:If you encounter any difficulty in replacing your air filter element,
have your vehicle serviced at your local dealer.
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
1
Spark plugs2
1
The PCV valve is a critical emission component. It is one of the items
listed in theScheduled Maintenance Guideand is essential to the life
and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
209

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
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
210

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.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
211

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
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
212

Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Rear Axle
LubricantMotorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lubricant
2
XY-75W90-QFEHP
Automatic
transmission
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONV
AT F
3
XT-5-QM MERCONV
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
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 theScheduled Maintenance Guideto determine
the correct service interval.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.9L-4V V8 engine
Displacement 241 cid (3 949 cc)
Required fuel 91 octane
Firing order 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Ignition system Coil on plug
Spark plug gap 0.040–0.044 inch (1.1–1.2mm)
Compression ratio 10.75:1
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
213

VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions Inches (mm)
(1) Overall length 186.3 (4733)
(2) Overall width (at mirrors) 79.8 (2026)
(3) Overall height 52.1 (1324)
(4) Wheelbase 107.2 (2724)
(5) Track - Front 60.5 (1537)
(5) Track - Rear 60.2 (1529)
4
1
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
214

IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
Certification label
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Certification label be affixed
to a vehicle and prescribe where the
Certification label may be located.
The Certification label is located on
the structure by the trailing edge of
the driver’s door or the edge of the
driver’s door.
3
5
2
MFD. BY FORD MOTOR CO. IN U.S.A.
EXT PNT: XXXXXX XXXXXX RC: XX DSO: XXXX
BAR INT TR TP/PS R AXLE TR SPR
X XX XXX X XX X XXXX
XXXXX
XXXXX
UPC ∇F85B-1520472-AB
DATE: XXXXX GVWR:XXXXXXXXXXXX
VIN: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
TYPE: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX FRONT GAWR: XXXXXX/XXXXXXX
REAR GAWR: XXXXXXX/XXXXXXX
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THEFT PRE-
VENTION STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF
MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
215