Page 1 of 216
Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning and control lights 10
Gauges 14
Entertainment Systems 16
AM/FM stereo with CD 16
Climate Controls 22
Electronic automatic temperature control 22
Rear window defroster 25
Lights 27
Headlamps 27
Turn signal control 30
Bulb replacement 30
Driver Controls 38
Windshield wiper/washer control 38
Steering wheel adjustment 39
Power windows 40
Mirrors 41
Speed control 42
Locks and Security 61
Keys 61
Locks 61
Anti-theft system 64
2004 Thunderbird(tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
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Page 6 of 216

SPECIAL NOTICES
Emission warranty
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes Bumper-to-Bumper
Coverage, Safety Restraint Coverage, Corrosion Coverage, and 6.0L
Power Stroke Diesel Engine Coverage. In addition, your vehicle is eligible
for Emissions Defect and Emissions Performance Warranties. For a
detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered, refer to
theWarranty Guide that is provided to you along with your Owner ’s
Guide.
Data Recording
Computers in your vehicle are capable of recording detailed data
potentially including but not limited to information such as:
• the use of restraint systems including seat belts by the driver and
passengers,
• information about the performance of various systems and modules in
the vehicle, and
• information related to engine, throttle, steering, brake or other system
status.
Any of this information could potentially include information regarding
how the driver operates the vehicle, potentially including but not limited
to information regarding vehicle speed, brake or accelerator application,
or steering input. This information may be stored during regular
operation or in a crash or near crash event.
This stored information may be read out and used by:
• Ford Motor Company.
• service and repair facilities.
• law enforcement or government agencies.
• others who may assert a right or obtain your consent to know such
information.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Introduction
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Page 9 of 216
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
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Introduction
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Page 39 of 216

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.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF
ON
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(tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
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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 accelerator 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.
Setting speed control
The controls for using your speed
control are located on the steering
wheel for your convenience.
1. Press the ON control and release
it.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
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USA English (fus)
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Turning off speed control
There are two ways to turn off the speed control:
•Depress the brake pedal or press
CANCEL. This will not erase your
vehicle ’s previously set speed.
• Press the speed control OFF
control.
Note: When you turn off the speed
control or the ignition, your speed
control set speed memory is erased.
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS
These controls allow you to operate some audio control features.
Audio control features
Press MEDIA to select AM, FM1,
FM2, or CD.
In AM, FM1, or FM2 mode:
• Press or to select preset
stations within the selected radio
band.
In CD mode:
• Press or to select the next
selection on the CD.
O N
O
F
F
RES
SET
CANCEL
MUTE
VOL
MEDIA
MUTE
VOL
MEDIA
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 109 of 216

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 and in the 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 engine in this chapter.
2
3
4
5
1
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
Driving
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Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-23°C (-10 °F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least
three hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the
night before starting the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; this is
normal and should be no reason for concern.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSlamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when
the ignition is turned to ON. If the light does not illuminate during start
up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need to be
serviced.
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