2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD heating

Turn signal chime
Sounds when the turn signal lever has been activated to signal a turn and
not turned off after the vehicle is driven more than 0.8 km (1/2 mile).
GAUGES
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains
within the normal area (the area
between the ªHº and ªCº); if the
needle goes above the normal range,
the engine is overheating. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine immediately
and let the engine cool. Refer to
Engine coolantin the
Maintenance and specificationschapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the
coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication
will not be accurate.
Instrument cluster
16

Driver side temperature selection
The display window indicates the selected temperature and manual
control of fan speed (
) if automatic fan speed is not desired.
To control the temperature, select any temperature between 19ÉC (65ÉF)
and 29ÉC (85ÉF) by pressing the temperature control on the driver side
of the system.
For continuous maximum cooling, press the temperature control until
16ÉC (60ÉF) is shown in the display window. The DATC will continue
maximum cooling (disregarding the displayed temperature) until a
warmer temperature is selected by pressing the temperature control.
For continuous maximum heating, press the temperature control until
32ÉC (90ÉF) is shown in the display window. The DATC will continue
maximum heating (disregarding the displayed temperature) until a
cooler temperature is selected by pressing the temperature control.
Passenger side temperature selection
To control the temperature, select
any temperature between 19ÉC
(65ÉF) and 29ÉC (85ÉF) by pressing
the temperature control on the
passenger side of the system.
AUTO OFFA/C
R EXT
F C
FF
A/C
R
F
Climate controls
40

When AUTO is selected, the recirculated air feature operates
automatically for existing conditions. You may override the automatic
recirculated air operation at any time. To manually control the
recirculated air operation and cancel automatic recirculated air
operation, press the recirculated air control. When the recirculated air is
manually controlled in the AUTO mode, the AUTO indicator light will
remain lit. To return to full automatic recirculated air operation, press
AUTO.
Do not leave the DATC system in recirculated air operation for extended
periods of time while the system is in a heating mode or in cold/damp
conditions as this may cause interior fogging of the front, side and rear
windows.
Manual override controls
The manual override controls allow you to manually determine where
airflow is directed. To return to fully automatic control, press AUTO.
When a manual airflow override control is selected, the DATC system will
turn off the AUTO indicator and display the indicators of all operating
override controls. More than one override control indicator may turn on
when an override control is selected.
The air conditioning compressor can operate in all modes except OFF.
However, the air conditioning will only function if the outside
temperature is about 2ÉC (35ÉF) or higher.
Since the air conditioner removes considerable moisture from the air
during operation, it is normal if clear water drips on the ground under
the air conditioner drain while the system is working and even after you
have stopped the vehicle.
AUTO
A/C
R EXT
F C
FF
OFF
Climate controls
43

²Airflow direction control
(panel) Ð Distributes air through the instrument panel.
(panel/floor) Ð Distributes air through the instrument panel and
the front floor ducts. For added customer comfort, the air distributed
through the floor ducts may be slightly warmer than the air sent to the
instrument panel registers.
(floor) Ð Distributes air through the front floor ducts. The system
will allow some airflow out the defroster ducts, the demister outlets and
outer instrument panel registers.
(floor/defrost) Ð Distributes air through the windshield defroster
ducts, the demister outlets and the front floor ducts. The system will
allow some airflow out of the outer instrument panel registers. For added
customer comfort, the air distributed through the floor ducts may be
slightly warmer than the air sent to the windshield defroster ducts. If the
outside temperature is about 2ÉC (35ÉF) or higher, the air conditioner
will automatically dehumidify the air to reduce window fogging. (Note
that the A/C indicator does not illuminate when this mode is selected.)
Recirculation and A/C override controls can be selected.
(defrost) Ð Distributes outside air through the windshield
defroster ducts and the demister outlets. It can be used to clear ice or
fog from the windshield. The system will allow some airflow out of the
outer instrument panel registers. If the outside temperature is about 2ÉC
(35ÉF) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air
to reduce window fogging. Recirculation and A/C override controls
cannot be selected.Note that the A/C indicator does not illuminate
when this mode is selected.
²Turn DATC off
OFF-Outside air is kept out. The fan, heating and air conditioning will
not operate. The outside temperature will still display when selected
with the ignition in the RUN position.
Electric window heaters
(heated wiper rest) Ð Located at the base of the windshield, this
feature heats the front glass area below the area heated by the front
defroster where the windshield wipers sit in their parked position. When
activated, the feature keeps the wiper blades warm and reduces the
chance of ice build up on the blades. The indicator will light when the
feature is in operation.
Climate controls
44

Operating tips
²In humid weather, select
andRbefore driving. This will
reduce fogging on your windshield. After a few minutes, select any
desired position.
²To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don't drive with the
climate control system in the OFF position.
²DO NOT leave the DATC system in recirculated air mode for extended
periods of time while the system is in a heating mode or in cold or
damp conditions as this may cause interior fogging of the front, side
and rear windows.
²Do not place objects under the front seat that will interfere with the
airflow.
²Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
²If your vehicle has been parked with the windows closed during hot
weather, the air conditioner will do a much faster job of cooling if you
drive for two or three minutes with the windows open. This will force
most of the hot, stale air out of the vehicle. Then operate the air
conditioner as you would normally.
²If the air conditioner works well with the recirculation feature on, but
not in the outside air mode, this may indicate that the cabin air filter
needs to be replaced.
²Do not place objects over the defroster outlets. These objects can
block airflow and reduce your ability to see through your windshield.
Also, avoid placing small objects on top of your instrument panel.
These objects can fall down into the defroster outlets and block
airflow and possibly damage your climate control system.
Climate controls
46

WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).
Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air.
Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow,
leaves and other debris.
BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
Driving
136

controlling wheel spin. The system borrows many of the electronic and
mechanical elements already present in the anti-lock braking system
(ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is
realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
rear wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads. This is especially evident if wheel spin-up should occur
while turning.
During Traction Controlyoperation you may hear an electric motor type
of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior.
If you should become stuck in snow
or on a very slippery road surface,
try switching the Traction Controly
system off using the traction control
switch located on the left-hand side
of the instrument panel. This may
allow excess wheel spin to ªdigº the
vehicle out or enable a successful
ªrockingº maneuver.
If the Traction Controlysystem is
cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to prevent the rear brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Controlyfunction using only engine
torque reduction will still help control wheels from over-spinning. When
the rear brakes have cooled down, the system will again function
normally. Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will
function normally during the cool down period.
OFF
TRAC
Driving
139

engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
²Do not use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
²Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
²Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of Recycled Engine Coolantsection).
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 ªcold fullº level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant
degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow
system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
To avoid 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 (an opaque 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 ªcold fill rangeº or the ªcold fullº 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.)
Maintenance and specifications
205