coolant level 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
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Introduction
9

Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Engine coolant temperature:
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high. Stop the
vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer to
Engine coolantin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
Transmission PRNDL indicator:
Displays the gearshift positions. If
an“E”character is displayed or
flashing, this indicates a
transmission malfunction, contact your dealer immediately. Operating the
transmission with the“E”character illuminated may cause additional
damage to the transmission.
Traction Control
active:
Illuminates when the Traction
Control
is active. If the light
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately, refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is activated. Turns
off when the speed control system
is deactivated.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
12

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.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
185

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
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
190

When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the“FULL COLD”level or within the
“COLD FILL RANGE”as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).
•Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
COLD FILL
LEVEL
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
191

Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
•Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored), VC-7–A (U.S., except CA and OR), VC-7–B
(CA and OR only), meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M97B51–A1.
Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, may
darken the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
•Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 (US) or
CXC-209 (Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44–D
with the factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Speciality Orange
Engine Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product with your
factory filled coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the“FULL COLD”level. For all other vehicles which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
192

remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the“COLD FILL RANGE”or the“FULL COLD”level on
the reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill
the radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to–34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
193

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.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
196

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

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