2003 FORD THUNDERBIRD Power steering

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

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel capLow tire warning
Introduction
7

POWER TILT/TELESCOPE STEERING COLUMN
The steering column can be
adjusted manually by moving the
four-way rocker adjustment control
located below the turn signal/wiper
control stalk. Hold the control to
adjust.
The telescope function is adjusted
by moving the control toward the
driver to telescope out and toward
the instrument panel to telescope
in.
The tilt function is adjusted by moving the control up or down.
During easy exit, when you remove the key, the column will move to the
full in and up position. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the
column will return to the previous setting.
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
AUXILIARY POWER POINT
The power point is an additional
power source for electrical
accessories.
A power point is located on the
instrument panel.
Do not use the auxiliary power point
as a cigarette lighter.
The use of non-Ford approved electrical accessories could cause damage
not covered by your warranty.
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the plug.
Improper use of the power outlet can cause damage not covered
by your warranty.
P
A
S
S
E
N
G
E
R

A
I
R
B
A
G
OFF ON
Driver Controls
36

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. LOCK, locks the gearshift lever
and allows key removal. (The
steering wheel will not lock after
key removal.)
2. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories except the radio,
convertible top control and the
power windows if accessory delay is
active. This position also allows the
automatic transmission shift lever to be moved from the P (Park)
position without the brake pedal being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition OFF position, the automatic
transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position
without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always set the parking brake.
3. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not running.
4. RUN, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
2
3
4
5
1
Driving
102

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

•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while
driving at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system
checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the RUN position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the RUN position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF.Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
When the key is in the ignition OFF position, the automatic
transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position
without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Driving
108

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
30—Not used
31 40A** Convertible top motor
32 30A** SSP2
Relay 001 Full ISO SSP1
Relay 002 Full ISO SSP4
Relay 003 Full ISO Rear defroster
Relay 004 Full ISO SSP3
Relay 005 Full ISO SSP2
Relay 006—Not used
Relay 007 1/2 ISO Fuel pump
Diode 01—Not used
Diode 02 1A Fuel pump relay coil
*Mini fuses **Maxi fuses
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
The use of tire sealants is not recommended and may
compromise the integrity of your tires.
Temporary spare tire information
Your vehicle may have a temporary or full-size spare tire. The temporary
spare tire for your vehicle is labeled as such. It is smaller than a regular
tire and is designed for emergency use only. Drive cautiously and replace
the temporary spare tire as soon as possible.
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do not follow
these precautions, the tire could fail, causing you to lose control
of the vehicle, possibly injuring yourself or others.
When driving with the temporary spare tiredo not:
•exceed 80 km/h (50 mph)
•load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
Roadside Emergencies
127

4. Engine coolant reservoir
5. Air filter assembly
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
8. Power distribution box
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5°C (40°
F), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
Maintenance and Specifications
156