2003 FORD THUNDERBIRD instrument panel

Types of booster seats
There are two types of belt-positioning booster seats:
•Those that are backless.
If your backless booster seat has a
removable shield, remove the
shield and use the lap/shoulder
belt.
•Those with a high back.
A backless booster would be a
better choice because the high
back booster will place the child
closer to the instrument panel
and airbag.
Both can be used in any vehicle in a seating position equipped with
lap/shoulder belts if your child is over 40 lbs.
The shoulder belt should cross the chest, resting snugly on the center of
the shoulder. The lap belt should rest low and snug across the hips,
never up high across the stomach.
If the booster seat slides on the vehicle seat, placing a rubberized mesh
sold as shelf or carpet liner under the booster seat may improve this
condition.
The importance of shoulder belts
Using a booster without a shoulder belt increases the risk of a child’s
head hitting a hard surface in a collision. For this reason, you should
never use a booster seat with a lap belt only. It is best to use a booster
seat with lap/shoulder belts.
Follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer of the
booster seat.
Seating and Safety Restraints
93

the engine compartment and the engine will not“rev-up”when you push
further on the accelerator. This is normal system behavior and should be
no reason for concern.
The Traction Control
switch,
located on the left-hand side of the
instrument panel, has an indicator
light that illuminates when the
system is off. The Traction Control

system will automatically turn on
every time the ignition is turned off
and on.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction Control
system off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to“dig”the vehicle out and enable a successful
“rocking”maneuver.
If a system fault is detected, the traction control switch’s OFF indicator
will illuminate and your vehicle should be serviced.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control

event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
OFF
TRAC
Driving
107

•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping
with a dry, soft, clean cloth.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
CONVERTIBLE TOP AND PADDED MOLDING
Wash with Detail Wash (ZC-3-A), which is available from your dealer.
•Do not use stiff bristle brushes or abrasive materials or cleaners.
•Hot waxes applied by commercial car washes can affect the
cleanability of the convertible top material.
•Using high water pressure or wand-type car washes against the
convertible top and windows may cause water leaks and possible seal
damage.
CLEANING SEATS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS
Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner. In order to remove
stains and soil, clean with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner
(E8AZ-19523–AA).
Cleaning
151

OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located at the bottom
left of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front center of
the hood by pushing the handle
toward the passenger side of the
vehicle.
3. Lift the hood until the lift cylinders hold it open.
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.9L–4V V8 engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Brake fluid reservoir
Maintenance and Specifications
155

Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Maintenance and Specifications
188

A
Accessorydelay..........................37
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ....................................80, 88
and child safety seats ..............81
description ..........................80, 88
disposal ......................................91
driver air bag ......................82, 89
indicator light .....................83, 90
operation .............................82, 89
passenger air bag ...............82, 89
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................84
side air bag ................................88
Air cleaner filter .......177–178, 182
Air conditioning ..........................19
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................161
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................105–106
Anti-theft system ........................65
arming the system ....................65
disarming a triggered system ..65
Audio system (see Radio) .........14
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................109
fluid, adding ............................177
fluid, checking ........................177
fluid, refill capacities ..............183
fluid, specification ..................186
Auxiliary power point .................36
Axle
lubricant specifications ..184, 186
refill capacities ........................183
B
Battery .......................................159acid, treating emergencies .....159
jumping a disabled battery ....132
maintenance-free ....................159
replacement, specifications ...182
servicing ..................................159
BeltMinder ...................................75
Brakes ........................................105
anti-lock ...........................105–106
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................105
fluid, checking and adding ....176
fluid, refill capacities ..............183
fluid, specifications .........184, 186
lubricant specifications ..184, 186
parking ....................................106
shift interlock ..........................108
Bulbs ............................................28
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....183
Cassette tape player ...................14
Cell phone use ............................54
Certification Label ....................187
Changing a tire .........................127
Child safety restraints ................91
child safety belts ......................91
Child safety seats ........................94
attaching with tether straps ....98
in front seat ..............................95
in rear seat ................................95
LATCH .....................................100
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............149
instrument panel ....................151
interior .............................151–152
interior trim ............................151
plastic parts ............................150
washing ....................................148
Index
191

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

K
Keylessentrysystem
autolock.....................................61
Keys
positions of the ignition .........102
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................24
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................28
cargo lamps ...............................26
daytime running light ...............25
headlamps .................................24
headlamps, flash to pass ..........25
instrument panel, dimming .....26
interior lamps .....................27, 29
replacing bulbs ....... 28–29, 31–34
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................27
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........105
Load limits .................................114
GAWR ......................................114
GVWR ......................................114
trailer towing ..........................114
Locks
autolock .....................................61
doors ..........................................55
Lubricant specifications ...184, 186
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................131
Lumbar support, seats ...............67
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................183
lubricant specifications ..........186Master lighting switch ................24
Mirrors .........................................38
side view mirrors (power) .......38
Motorcraft parts ................171, 182
O
Octane rating ............................170
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................156
P
Parking brake ............................106
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....182
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) .......................122, 125
Power door locks ........................55
Power point .................................36
Power steering ..................107–108
fluid, checking and adding ....176
fluid, refill capacity ................183
fluid, specifications .........184, 186
Power Windows ...........................37
R
Radio ............................................14
Rear window defroster ...............22
Relays ........................................118
Remote entry system .................58
illuminated entry ......................60
locking/unlocking doors ...........55
opening the trunk .....................58
Roadside assistance ..................116
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............79
Index
194