2003 FORD THUNDERBIRD battery

Brakes 105
Traction control/AdvanceTrac 106
Transmission operation 108
Trailer towing 115
Roadside Emergencies 116
Getting roadside assistance 116
Hazard flasher switch 117
Fuel pump shut-off switch 118
Fuses and relays 118
Changing tires 127
Jump starting 132
Wrecker towing 138
Customer Assistance 139
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 147
Cleaning 148
Maintenance and Specifications 154
Engine compartment 155
Engine oil 156
Battery 159
Fuel information 167
Air filter(s) 178
Part numbers 182
Refill capacities 183
Lubricant specifications 184
Accessories 189
Index 191
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Copyright © 2002 Ford Motor Company
Table of Contents
2

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

Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,
or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your dealership. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately by your servicing dealership.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer immediately.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately. Normal
braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is
illuminated.
Air bag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately. A chime will also
sound when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been
detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
Instrument Cluster
9

•Do not place items over the
climate temperature sensor grid.
This may cause improper
operation of the system.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
2. Ensure that recirculation is disengaged.
3. Set the temperature control to full heat.
4. Set the highest fan speed
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
Press the rear window defroster
control to clear the rear window and
sideview mirrors of thin ice or fog.
The light above the control will
illuminate to indicate that the rear
defrost is operating.
The ignition must be in the RUN position and the engine running in
order to operate the rear window defroster.
The rear window defroster turns off automatically after a predetermined
amount of time, if a low battery condition is detected, or if the ignition is
turned to the OFF position. To manually turn off the rear window
defroster at any time, press the control again.
R
Climate Controls
22

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

Ifyouraiseandlowertheconvertibletop several times in a row, the
motor will heat up, causing the thermal circuit breaker to open so that
the top will stop operating. The convertible top will operate again after
allowing the motor to cool several minutes.
To lower the convertible top:
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop. Put the gearshift in the P (Park)
position.
The convertible top will operate with the key in the RUN position,
RUN/ACC position or in the accessory delay mode. It is recommended
that the vehicle’s engine is running when lowering the top to prevent
draining the battery.
2. Check the convertible top stowage compartment behind the seat to be
sure it is empty and ready to receive the top.
3. Press the button on the
convertible top handle and pull the
handle down and forward to release
the clamps from the windshield
header.
4. Push the convertible top
switch on the instrument panel and
hold until the top is completely
stored in the stowage compartment.
5. Push the handle back into the lock position.
Installation of the tonneau cover
Be sure the cover is tucked into the quarter panel and upper back panel
and all snaps are fastened before driving.
Driver Controls
44

1. Push boot rearward and engage
boot under the upper back panel at
the rear and the quarter panel along
the sides.
2. Fasten the snaps on boot to the
quarter trim panel on both sides of
the vehicle and at the center.
3. To remove unfasten the snaps.
4. Pull forward and lift off.
Raising the convertible top
To raise the convertible top:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Put the vehicle in the P (Park)
position.
The convertible top will operate with the key in the RUN position,
RUN/ACC position or in the accessory delay mode. It is recommended
that the vehicle’s engine is running when raising the top to prevent
draining the battery.
2. Remove the tonneau cover and store it in the luggage compartment.
Driver Controls
45

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