2003 FORD THUNDERBIRD ECU

Introduction 3
Instrument Cluster 8
Warning and control lights 8
Gauges 12
Entertainment Systems 14
AM/FM stereo with CD 14
Climate Controls 19
Electronic automatic temperature control 19
Lights 24
Headlamps 24
Turn signal control 27
Bulb replacement 28
Driver Controls 35
Windshield wiper/washer control 35
Steering wheel adjustment 36
Power windows 37
Mirrors 38
Speed control 39
Locks and Security 55
Keys 55
Locks 55
Anti-theft system 58
Seating and Safety Restraints 66
Seating 66
Safety restraints 70
Air bags 80
Child restraints 91
Driving 102
Starting 102
Table of Contents
1

LOCKABLE AND ELECTRONIC TRUNK REMOTE CONTROL
The remote trunk release control is
located on the driver’s door trim
panel and can be operated at any
time, except when the security
system is armed. This control will
not work until the vehicle is
disarmed.
You can render the switch
inoperable by locking the button with your master key.
In the event of battery failure, you
can open the trunk by using your
master key on the key cylinder
located behind the driver’s seat.
SPEED CONTROL
With speed control set, you can maintain a speed of 48 km/h (30 mph)
or more without keeping your foot on the pedal. Speed control does not
work at speeds below 48 km/h (30 mph).
Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that
are winding, slippery or unpaved.
Driver Controls
39

8. To fasten both clamps securely,
push the clamp handles into the
header on the top until they are
flush with the header. Pulling down
on the header at the center grip
while closing the latches may assist
in fastening the clamps. Use the pull
cups located on either side of the
convertible top handle.
9. Push the convertible top handle
back up so that it locks into
position.
Prolonged storage
It may be difficult to pull down and latch the convertible top after
prolonged storage with the top in the down position over the winter or in
colder temperatures. This difficulty will decline over time with warmer
temperatures and the convertible top in the full up or latched position.
Convertible top and padded molding care
To avoid damage to the cloth top and moldings, use only an approved
Ford cleaner, or equivalent. Do not use abrasive material or cleaners.
Hot waxes applied by automatic car washes can affect the cleanability of
cloth material.
Using high water pressure or wand type car washes against the
convertible top and windows may cause water leaks and possible seal
damage.
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47

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).
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50

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

Keep vehicle doors and
luggage compartment
locked and keep keys and remote
transmitters out of a child’s reach.
Unsupervised children could lock
themselves in the trunk and risk
injury. Children should be taught
not to play in vehicles.
On hot days, the temperature in the trunk or vehicle interior can
rise very quickly. Exposure of people or animals to these high
temperatures for even a short time can cause death or serious
heat-related injuries, including brain damage. Small children are
particularly at risk.
REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
The remote entry system allows you to:
•unlock the vehicle doors without
a key.
•lock all the vehicle doors without
a key.
•open the trunk without a key.
•activate the personal alarm.
•arm and disarm the perimeter
anti-theft system.
•operate the illuminated entry
feature.
Locks and Security
57