2003 FORD THUNDERBIRD fuel cap
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Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•Your“Check Engine”indicator may come on. For more information on
the“Check Engine”indicator, refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend taking
fuel economy measurements during the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of
driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km–5,000 km (2,000 miles-3,000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
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vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low—medium—high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Calculation 2:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style—good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Maintenance and Specifications
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REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance DOT
3 Motor Vehicle
Brake Fluid
1
All Fill to MAX line
on reservoir
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil3.9L-4V V8
engine6.2L (6.5 quarts)
Engine coolant
2Motorcraft
Premium Engine
Coolant
(green-colored)
orMotorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)3.9L-4V V8
engine11.3L (11.9
quarts)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FAll Fill to MAX line
on reservoir
Rear axle
3Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantAll 1.2–1.3L (2.5–2.7
pints)
Fuel tank N/A All 68.2L (18.0
gallons)
Transmission
fluid
4Motorcraft
MERCONVATFAutomatic
(5R55S)11.2L (11.9
quarts)5
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Maintenance and Specifications
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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 6
mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) 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 the scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
5Approximate dry capacity, includes cooler and tubes. Fluid level should
be checked by a qualified service technician.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord specification
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
Fluid
1
PM-1 ESA-M6C25-A and
DOT 3
Door
weatherstripsSilicone
LubricantF5AZ-19553-AA ESR-M13P4-A
Door latch, hood
latch, auxiliary
hood latch, door
hinges, striker
plates, seat
tracks and fuel
filler door hingeMulti-Purpose
GreaseXL-4 or XL-5 ESB-M1C93-B or
ESR-M1C159-A
Maintenance and Specifications
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F
Fail safe cooling ........................165
Floor mats ...................................54
Fluid capacities .........................183
Fuel ............................................167
calculating fuel economy .......171
cap ...........................................169
capacity ...................................183
choosing the right fuel ...........169
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................174
detergent in fuel .....................170
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................167, 169, 171
filter, specifications ........171, 182
improving fuel economy ........171
octane rating ...................170, 186
quality ......................................170
running out of fuel .................171
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................167
Fuses ..................................118–119
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............169
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................171
Gauges .........................................12
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................114
definition .................................114
driving with a heavy load ......114
location ....................................114
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................114
calculating ...............................114
definition .................................114
driving with a heavy load ......114location ....................................114
H
Head restraints ...........................66
Headlamps ...................................24
aiming ........................................26
autolamp system
.......................24
bulb specifications
....................28
daytime running lights
.............25
flash to pass
..............................25
replacing bulbs
.........................29
turning on and off
....................24
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system
.......................................19
Hood
..........................................155
I
Ignition
...............................102, 186
Infant seats (see Safety seats)
..94
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing
........................................175
Instrument panel
cleaning
...................................151
cluster
..........................................8
lighting up panel and
interior
.......................................26
J
Jack
............................................127
positioning
...............................127
storage
.....................................127
Jump-starting your vehicle
......132
Index
193