check oil FORD THUNDERBIRD 2005 11.G Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel capLow tire warning
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Introduction
9

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F (4.5°C),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
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3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
tightly until clicks are heard, or until it is snug.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Only use oils“Certified For Gasoline Engines”by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ISLAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
To protect your engine’s warranty use Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an
equivalent 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A.SAE
5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and durability
performance meeting all requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
the scheduled maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the short drop glass, clock and the preset radio stations must be reset
once the battery is reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in theScheduled Maintenance Guide. The
coolant concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled
water, which equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-36°C). Coolant
concentration testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester
(such as the Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The
level of coolant should be maintained at the“FULL COLD”level or
within the“COLD FILL RANGE”in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls
below, add coolant per the instructions in theAdding engine coolant
section.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
•Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
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Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•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
8–10 miles (12–16 km) 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 MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
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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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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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Engine oil ..................................185
checking and adding ..............185
dipstick ....................................185
filter, specifications ........187, 209
recommendations ...................187
refill capacities ........................210
specifications ..................212–213
Exhaust fumes ..........................139
F
Fail safe cooling ........................195
Floor mats ...................................61
Fluid capacities .........................210
Fuel ............................................196
calculating fuel economy .......200
cap ...........................................198
capacity ...................................210
choosing the right fuel ...........199
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................203
detergent in fuel .....................200
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................196, 198, 201
filter, specifications ........200, 209
improving fuel economy ........200
octane rating ...........199, 213–214
quality ......................................199
running out of fuel .................200
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................196
Fuses ..................................151–152
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................46Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............198
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................200
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................150
Head restraints ...........................74
Headlamps ...................................27
aiming ........................................29
autolamp system .......................27
bulb specifications ....................31
daytime running lights .............27
flash to pass ..............................28
replacing bulbs .........................32
turning on and off ....................27
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................22
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................46
Hood ..........................................183
I
Ignition .......................136, 213–214
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................100
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................205
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................179
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................28
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Index
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J
Jack ............................................114
positioning ...............................114
storage .....................................114
Jump-starting your vehicle ......160
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................69
Keys
positions of the ignition .........136
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................27
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................31
daytime running light ...............27
headlamps .................................27
headlamps, flash to pass ..........28
instrument panel, dimming .....28
interior lamps .....................30–31
replacing bulbs ....... 31–32, 34–37
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................30
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........140
Load limits .................................130
Locks
autolock .....................................69
doors ..........................................62
Lubricant specifications ...212–213
Lug nuts ....................................120
Lumbar support, seats ...............75M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................210
lubricant specifications ..........213
Master lighting switch ................27
Mirrors .........................................41
side view mirrors (power) .......41
Motorcraft parts ................200, 209
O
Octane rating ............................199
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................185
P
Parking brake ............................141
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....209
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) .......................155, 158
Power door locks ........................62
Power mirrors .............................41
Power point .................................39
Power steering ..................142–143
fluid, checking and adding ....206
fluid, refill capacity ................210
fluid, specifications .........212–213
Power Windows ...........................40
R
Radio ............................................16
Rear window defroster ...............25
Relays ........................................151
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Index
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