FORD THUNDERBIRD 2005 11.G Workshop Manual

The convertible top will operate with the key in the RUN position,
RUN/ACC position or in the accessory delay mode. It is recommended
that the vehicle’s engine is running when lowering the top to prevent
draining the battery.
2. Check the convertible top stowage compartment behind the seat to be
sure it is empty and ready to receive the top.
3. Press the button on the
convertible top handle and pull the
handle down and forward to release
the clamps from the windshield
header.
4. Push the convertible top
switch on the instrument panel and
hold until the top is completely
stored in the stowage compartment.
5. Push the handle back into the lock position.
Installation of the boot (if equipped)
Be sure the boot is tucked into the quarter panel and upper back panel
and all snaps are fastened before driving.
1. Fasten the snaps on the boot to
the quarter trim panel on both sides
of the vehicle and at the center.
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2. Tuck the boot under the upper
back panel at the rear and the
quarter panel along the sides.
3. To remove unfasten the snaps.
4. Pull forward and lift off.
Raising the convertible top
To raise the convertible top:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Put the vehicle in the P (Park)
position.
The convertible top will operate with the key in the RUN position,
RUN/ACC position or in the accessory delay mode. It is recommended
that the vehicle’s engine is running when raising the top to prevent
draining the battery.
2. Remove the boot and store it in the luggage compartment.
3. Push the two screws down into
the windscreen panel of your
vehicle.
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4. Push the convertible top
switch, holding it until the top
unfolds and moves forward toward
the windshield header.
5. Press the button on the
convertible top handle and pull the
handle down to open both top
clamps before the top meets the
windshield header.
6. Resume pushing the convertible top switch until it has reached the
fully closed position flush to the header.
7. The two pins under the forward edge of the top should seat
themselves in the matching holes in the header.
8. To fasten both clamps securely,
push the clamp handles into the
header on the top until they are
flush with the header. Pulling down
on the header at the center grip
while closing the latches may assist
in fastening the clamps. Use the pull
cups located on either side of the
convertible top handle.
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9. Push the convertible top handle
back up so that it locks into
position.
Prolonged storage
It may be difficult to pull down and latch the convertible top after
prolonged storage with the top in the down position over the winter or in
colder temperatures. This difficulty will decline over time with warmer
temperatures and the convertible top in the full up or latched position.
Convertible top and padded molding care
To avoid damage to the cloth top and moldings, use only an approved
Ford cleaner, or equivalent. Do not use abrasive material or cleaners.
Wash with a high quality convertible top cleaner/protectant. If your car is
equipped with a light colored convertible top, it will require extra care.
Do not use abrasive material or cleaners.
Hot waxes applied by automatic car washes can affect the cleanability of
cloth material.
Using high water pressure or wand type car washes against the
convertible top and windows may cause water leaks and possible seal
damage.
Note:Ensure that the convertible top is dry before installing the
removable hard top (if equipped) or convertible top staining may occur.
Also, high pressure car washes may cause water to enter the convertible
top well, which may result in the convertible top staining if the top is not
allowed to dry.
REMOVABLE TOP (IF EQUIPPED)
For more information see the CD Rom included with this guide.
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Installing the removable top
The front screw fittings must be checked to see that they are
firmly seated after driving a distance of approximately 50 to
60 km (30 to 40 miles).
The removable top does not have the same crush resistance as
an integrated steel roof in case of collision or rollover.
The removable top is not, under any circumstances, to be used
to carry or support external loads.
Movement of the removable top requires at least two people.
The removable top weighs approximately 38 kg (84 lb). Also,
due to its shape, the weight is biased to the rear of the removable top.
Your vehicle must be turned OFF and placed in PARK on a level
surface prior to installing or removing the top.
Open the doors, lower the windows, and clean the area where the
removable top mounts on the body. Before installing the removable top,
unsnap and properly store the convertible top boot. Refer toInstallation
of the bootin theConvertiblesection. Also, thoroughly dry the
convertible top and then lower.
Note:Before installing the removable top, apply the protective tape to
the rear deck of the vehicle, refer to theQuick Reference Guidefor
instructions.
1. Remove the protective cover from the top. Using a mild detergent,
clean the weather-strips on the top before installing it on the vehicle.
2. Ensure that the removable top levers are rotated rearward to the fully
open position. Lock the wheels on the storage cart, and with the help of
at least another person remove the top from the cart.
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Once per year, apply a small amount
of silicone lubricant,
F5AZ–19553–AA, to the receivers as
shown. The lubricant should be
sprayed directly into the hole to
avoid contaminating the trim parts.
3. Lower the rear of the top into
position so that the pins are placed
into the bracket receivers.
4. Position the front of the top so that the locating tabs on each side are
placed in the mounting castings. Ensure that the weather-strip on the
top is placed on the body mounted seal without any wrinkles or gaps.
The joint should have a smooth and continuous transition to prevent
water leaks.
5. Take the mounting key from the bag located in the trunk.
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6. Partially turn, 1/2 turn forward,
the levers of the top (located in the
rear on the left and right-hand side
of the vehicle).
7. Using the mounting key, loosely
screw in the two screws at the front
of the top by two or three turns.
The two screws are already located
in the windscreen panel of your
vehicle.
8. Turn and lock the levers fully
forward. The levers are locked when
you feel the spring engage and the
levers are pointing toward the front
of the vehicle.
9. Using the mounting key, finish tightening the screws at the front of
the removable top all the way so that they are secure.
The front screw fittings must be checked to see that they are
firmly seated after a distance of approximately 50 to 60 km (30
to 40 miles).
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Removing the top
It is recommended that you prepare the storage rack before removing
the top. SeeRemovable top storage rackin this section.
1. Take the mounting key from the bag located in the trunk.
2. Using the mounting key, loosen
the two screws at the front of the
top. The two screws remain
undetachable in the windscreen
panel of your vehicle.
3. Undo the locking levers at the
rear right and left sides of the
vehicle. Rotate the levers rearward
while applying a slight upward force
to the top.
4. With the aid of a second person,
lift the top off the vehicle and store
it as described inRemovable top
storagein the chapter.
5. Push the two screws down into
the windscreen panel of your
vehicle.
Removable top storage rack
It is recommended that you prepare the storage rack prior to removing
the top from the vehicle.
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1. Remove the storage rack from the package and place the bumper end
of the uprights on the floor with the wheels facing you.
2. Locate the two chrome locking
buttons on each of the two rack
legs.
3. Firmly squeeze the two chrome
buttons (top and bottom) on one
leg and rotate the leg toward you
until the leg snaps into place.
4. Squeeze the second set of chrome
buttons (top and bottom) for the
opposite leg until the leg snaps into
place.
5. Turn the rack over on its wheels
and place the removable top storage
rack on a flat level surface. Make
sure the center“T”section is fully
locked by attempting to move the
section downward without
depressing the chrome locking
buttons.
6. Lock the two front wheels located
on the ends of each of the two rack
legs.
7. To lock the wheels, push down on
the bottom part of the plastic tab
located on the tip of each wheel.
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8. Place the removable top on the
storage rack.
9. Make sure the rear edge of the
removable top rests on the rubber
bumpers of the rack legs. This
prevents damage to the painted
edge and the weather-strips.
To unlock the wheels, pull up on the
lower portion of the plastic tab
located on the tip of each wheel.
Place the mounting key in a safe place to use again.
Keep your removable top clean by placing the provided cover over it.
If you plan to drive with the convertible top down, ensure all the snaps
on the convertible top boot are fastened and that the rear of the cover is
firmly tucked before driving. Refer toInstallation of the bootin the
Convertiblesection.
CELL PHONE USE
The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,
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