2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD tires

The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
SERVICING YOUR TIRES
Checking the tire pressure
²Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
²Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been
parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km
(3 miles).
²Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the tire
inflation placard located on the passenger side door..
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Tire rotation
Because your vehicle's tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. If you notice that
the tires wear unevenly, have them checked.
Maintenance and specifications
225

²Four tire rotation
Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification or Tire Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size,
speed rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., ªAll Terrainº, etc.),
as originally offered by Ford.
Maintenance and specifications
226

Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods
of time may result in damage to vehicle components.
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide traction in
rain or snow.
The use of snow cables is not recommended for this vehicle, as damage
to your vehicle may occur under extreme handling or rough road
conditions. However, if you choose to operate the vehicle with snow
cables, avoid these conditions and follow the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Do not use any type of tire chains, as this will likely cause damage to
your vehicle.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.9L-4V V8 engine
Air filter element FA-1679
Fuel filter FG-986
Battery BXT-66-650
Oil filter FL-2008
PCV valve N/A
Spark plugs* AGSP-32F
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug information.
Maintenance and specifications
227

Starting your vehicle ........132±134
jump starting ..........................169
Steering
speed sensitive .......................140
Steering wheel
controls ......................................70
tilting .........................................62
T
Tachometer .................................18
Tires ...........................164, 223±225
changing ..........................164±165
checking the pressure ............225
replacing ..................................226
rotating ....................................225
snow tires and chains ............227
tire grades ...............................224
treadwear ................................224
Towing .......................................148
recreational towing .................152
trailer towing ..........................148
wrecker ....................................176
Traction control ........................138
active light ................................14
Transmission .......................12, 140
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................221
fluid, refill capacities ..............228
lubricant specifications ..229, 231manual operation ......................12
Trip odometer .............................18
Trunk ...........................................84
remote release ....................65, 87
Turn signal ......................14, 16, 52
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................231
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................233
Vehicle loading ..........................146
Ventilating your vehicle ...........136
W
Warning chimes .....................15±16
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Water, Driving through .............146
Windows
power .........................................63
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and cleaning ........60±61
operation ...................................60
replacing wiper blades .............61
Wrecker towing .........................176
Index
242