2003 FORD THUNDERBIRD Owners Manual

Once per year, apply a small amount
of silicone lubricant,
F5AZ–19553–AA, to the receivers as
shown. The lubricant should be
sprayed directly into the hole to
avoid contaminating the trim parts.
3. Lower the rear of the top into
position so that the pins are placed
into the bracket receivers.
4. Position the front of the top so that the locating tabs on each side are
placed in the mounting castings. Ensure that the weather-strip on the
top is placed on the body mounted seal without any wrinkles or gaps.
The joint should have a smooth and continuous transition to prevent
water leaks.
5. Take the mounting key from the bag located in the trunk.
Driver Controls
49

6. Partially turn, 1/2 turn forward,
the levers of the top (located in the
rear on the left and right-hand side
of the vehicle).
7. Using the mounting key, loosely
screw in the two screws at the front
of the top by two or three turns.
The two screws are already located
in the windscreen panel of your
vehicle.
8. Turn and lock the levers fully
forward. The levers are locked when
you feel the spring engage and the
levers are pointing toward the front
of the vehicle.
9. Using the mounting key, finish tightening the screws at the front of
the removable top all the way so that they are secure.
The front screw fittings must be checked to see that they are
firmly seated after a distance of approximately 50 to 60 km
(30 to 40 miles).
Driver Controls
50

Removing the top
It is recommended that you prepare the storage rack before removing
the top. SeeRemovable top storage rackin this section.
1. Take the mounting key from the bag located in the trunk.
2. Using the mounting key, loosen
the two screws at the front of the
top. The two screws remain
undetachable in the windscreen
panel of your vehicle.
3. Push the two screws down into
the windscreen panel of your
vehicle.
4. Undo the locking levers at the
rear right and left sides of the
vehicle. Rotate the levers rearward
while applying a slight upward force
to the top.
5. With the aid of a second person,
lift the top off the vehicle and store
it as described inRemovable top
storagein the chapter.
Driver Controls
51

Removable top storage rack
It is recommended that you prepare the storage rack prior to removing
the top from the vehicle.
1. Remove the storage rack from the package and place the bumper end
of the uprights on the floor with the wheels facing you.
2. Locate the two chrome locking
buttons on each of the two rack
legs.
3. Firmly squeeze the two chrome
buttons (top and bottom) on one
leg and rotate the leg toward you
until the leg snaps into place.
4. Squeeze the second set of chrome
buttons (top and bottom) for the
opposite leg until the leg snaps into
place.
5. Turn the rack over on its wheels
and place the removable top storage
rack on a flat level surface. Make
sure the center“T”section is fully
locked by attempting to move the
section downward without
depressing the chrome locking
buttons.
6. Lock the two front wheels located
on the ends of each of the two rack
legs.
7. To lock the wheels, push down on
the bottom part of the plastic tab
located on the tip of each wheel.
Driver Controls
52

8. Place the removable top on the
storage rack. Make sure the rear
edge of the removable top rests on
the rubber bumpers of the rack legs.
This prevents damage to the painted
edge and the weather-strips.
9. Buckle and tighten the retaining
strap and unlock the cart wheels
before moving the top and cart.
To unlock the wheels, pull up on the
lower portion of the plastic tab
located on the tip of each wheel.
Place the mounting key in a safe place to use again.
Keep your removable top clean by placing the provided cover over it.
If you plan to drive with the convertible top down, ensure all the snaps
on the convertible top tonneau cover are fastened and that the rear of
the cover is firmly tucked before driving. Refer toInstallation of the
tonneau coverin theConvertiblesection.
Driver Controls
53

CELL PHONE USE
The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,
drivers must not compromise their own or others’safety when using
such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety
and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency
situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications
equipment to avoid negating these benefits.
Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, in vehicle communications
systems, telematics devices and portable two-way radios.
A driver’s first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle.
The most important thing you can do to prevent a crash is to
avoid distractions and pay attention to the road. Wait until it is safe to
operate Mobile Communications Equipment.
CENTER CONSOLE
Your vehicle may be equipped with a variety of console features. These
include:
•Utility compartment
•Cellular phone (if equipped)
•Cupholders
•Ash tray
POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT
Position the driver floor mat so that
the eyelet is over the pointed end of
the retention post and rotate
forward to lock in. Make sure that
the mat does not interfere with the
operation of the accelerator or the
brake pedal. To remove the floor
mat, reverse the installation
procedure.
Driver Controls
54

KEYS
The key operates all locks on your vehicle. In case of loss, replacement
keys are available from your dealer.
You should always carry a second key with you in a safe place in case
you require it in an emergency.
Refer toSecuriLock
Passive Anti-Theft Systemfor more information.
POWER DOOR LOCKS
Press the top of the control to
unlock all doors and the bottom to
lock all doors.
When the vehicle’s security system
is armed, the power door locks and
remote trunk release control are
disabled; these features will not
work until the security system is
disarmed.
Smart locks
With the key in any ignition position:
•The driver’s door will automatically unlock if it is locked by the
driver’s power unlock control while the driver’s door is open.
The vehicle may still be locked with the key in the ignition, and
performing one of the following actions:
•Pressing the power unlock control on the driver’s door with the doors
closed.
•Pressing the power unlock control on the passenger door with the
doors closed.
•Operating the remote entry transmitter.
•Operating the driver’s door with a key.
Locks and Security
55

Doorkeyunlocking/locking
Unlocking the doors
Turn the key in the door cylinder to unlock the driver’s door.
The illuminated entry feature will turn on all the interior lamps for 25
seconds or until the ignition is turned to the RUN position.
The inside lights will not turn off if:
•they have been turned on using the dimmer control or
•any door is open.
The battery saver feature will turn off the interior lamps 30 minutes after
the ignition is turned to the OFF position.
Locking the doors
Turn the key in the door cylinder to lock the driver’s door.Note:Locking
the driver’s door using a key does not arm the perimeter alarm.
INTERIOR LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT RELEASE
Your vehicle is equipped with a mechanical interior luggage compartment
release handle that provides a means of escape for children and adults in
the event they become locked inside the luggage compartment.
Adults are advised to familiarize themselves with the operation and
location of the release handle.
To open the luggage compartment
door (lid) from within the luggage
compartment, pull the illuminated
“T”shaped handle and push up on
the trunk lid. The handle is
composed of a material that will
glow for hours in darkness following
brief exposure to ambient light.
The“T”shaped handle will be
located either on the luggage
compartment door (lid) or inside
the luggage compartment near the
tail lamps.
Locks and Security
56