2004 FORD THUNDERBIRD automatic transmission

BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the“MIN ”and
“ MAX ”lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating range, the performance of your brake
system could be compromised, seek service from your dealer
immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The 5R55S transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid
should be added by a qualified technician.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. Use only
MERCON V automatic transmission fluid. The type of fluid used is
indicated on the transmission fluid pan, extension housing and also in
the Lubricant specifications section in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage and void the warranty.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer to Motorcraft Part Numbers .
Note: Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
MAX
MIN
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
186

Fluid Ford PartNameApplication Capacity
Engine coolant
2Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored) 3.9L-4V V8
engine
11.3L (11.9
quarts)
Power steering
fluid Motorcraft
MERCON
AT F All Fill to MAX line
on reservoir
Rear axle
3Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lubricant All 1.2
–1.3L
(2.5 –2.7 pints)
Fuel tank N/A All 68.2L (18.0 gallons)
Transmission
fluid
4Motorcraft
MERCON V
AT F Automatic
(5R55S)
11.2L (11.9
quarts)5
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll Fill to line on
reservoir
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant Specifications in this chapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Your vehicle ’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water. Fill 6
mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
4Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCON and
MERCON V are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCON and
MERCON V. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
202

Item Ford partnameFord part
number Ford
specification
Lock cylinders Motorcraft Penetrating and
Lock LubricantXL-1 none
Power steering
fluid Motorcraft
MERCON
AT F XT-2-QDX MERCON

Rear Axle
Lubricant Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lubricant
2
XY-75W90-QFEHP
Automatic
transmission
fluid Motorcraft
MERCON
V
AT F
3
XT-5-QM MERCON V
Windshield
washer fluid Motorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A WSB-M8B16
–A2
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. DOT 3 fluid
is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be
used.
2Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant that does not
require changing unless the axle has been submerged in water.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCON and
MERCON V are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCON and
MERCON V. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
204

Transmission/Transaxle code designations
You can find a transmission/transaxle code on the vehicle certification
label which is located on the door pillar. The following table tells you
which transmission or transaxle each code represents.
Truck application:
Code Transmission DescriptionManual transmission
M Manual 5 –speed overdrive (Mazda R2)
C Manual 5 –speed overdrive (Close ratio)
W Manual 5 –speed overdrive (Dana ZF)
G Manual 6 –speed ZF
Automatic transmission
U Automatic 4 –speed overdrive (4R70W)
T Automatic 4 –speed overdrive (4R44E)
E Automatic 4 –speed overdrive (4R100)
J Automatic 5 –speed overdrive (5R55E)
Electric
H One speed electric
D Automatic 5 –speed overdrive (5R44E)
R Automatic 5 –speed overdrive (5R55W)
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Passenger car application:
Code Transmission/Transaxle DescriptionFront wheel drive manual transaxle
R5 –speed overdrive (MTX75)
W5 –speed overdrive (M5)
Front wheel drive automatic transaxle
E4 –speed overdrive (4FE)
J3 –speed (Mazda)
L4 –speed overdrive (AX4S)
P4 –speed overdrive (4F20E)
X4 –speed overdrive (4F50N)
Y4 –speed overdrive (CD4E)
Rear wheel drive manual transaxle
55 –speed (Mazda M5)
Rear wheel drive automatic transmission
U4 –speed overdrive (4R70W)
A5 –speed overdrive (5R55N)
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
209

A
Accessory delay ..........................40
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ....................................86, 94and child safety seats ..............87
description ..........................86, 94
disposal ......................................97
driver air bag ......................88, 95
indicator light .....................89, 96
operation .............................88, 95
passenger air bag ...............88, 95
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................90
side air bag ................................94
Air cleaner filter .......186 –187, 201
Air conditioning ..........................22
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................170
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................112 –113
Anti-theft system ........................72 arming the system ....................72
disarming a triggered system ..72
Audio system (see Radio) .........16
Automatic transmission driving an automatic
overdrive .................................116
fluid, adding ............................186
fluid, checking ........................186
fluid, refill capacities ..............201
fluid, specification ..................205
Auxiliary power point .................39
Axle lubricant specifications ..203, 205
refill capacities ........................201
B
Battery .......................................168 acid, treating emergencies .....168
jumping a disabled battery ....141
maintenance-free ....................168
replacement, specifications ...201
servicing ..................................168
BeltMinder ...................................81
Brakes ........................................112 anti-lock ...........................112 –113
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................112
fluid, checking and adding ....186
fluid, refill capacities ..............201
fluid, specifications .........203, 205
lubricant specifications ..203, 205
parking ....................................113
shift interlock ..........................115
Bulbs ............................................30
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....201
Cassette tape player ...................16
Cell phone use ............................60
Certification Label ....................206
Changing a tire .........................136
Child safety restraints ................97 child safety belts ......................97
Child safety seats ......................100 attaching with tether straps ..104
in front seat ............................101
in rear seat ..............................101
LATCH .....................................107
Cleaning your vehicle engine compartment ..............158
instrument panel ....................160
interior .....................................161
interior trim ............................160
plastic parts ............................159
washing ....................................157
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
Index
212

waxing .....................................157
wheels ......................................158
wiper blades ............................159
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............22
Console ........................................60
Controls power seat .................................74
steering column ........................45
Convertible ..................................50 cleaning .............................54, 160
installation of the boot .............51
lowering the convertible top ...50
raising the convertible top ......52
Coolant checking and adding ..............170
refill capacities ................174, 201
specifications ..................203, 205
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................42
Customer Assistance ................125 Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................162
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................150
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................154
Getting roadside assistance ...125
Getting the service you
need .........................................148
Ordering additional owner ’s
literature .................................155
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................150
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................153 D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................27
Defrost
rear window ..............................25
Dipstick automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................186
engine oil .................................165
Doors lubricant specifications ..........203
Driving under special
conditions ..................................120 through water .........................121
E
Emergencies, roadside jump-starting ..........................141
Emergency Flashers .................126
Emission control system ..........183
Engine ........................................205 cleaning ...................................158
coolant .....................................170
fail-safe coolant ......................174
idle speed control ...................168
lubrication
specifications ..................203, 205
refill capacities ........................201
service points ..........................164
Engine block heater .................112
Engine oil ..................................165 checking and adding ..............165
dipstick ....................................165
filter, specifications ........167, 201
recommendations ...................167
refill capacities ........................201
specifications ..................203, 205
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
213

belt minder ...............................81
extension assembly ..................85
for adults .............................77–80
for children ...............................97
safety belt maintenance ...........85
warning light and chime ..........81
Safety seats for children ..........100
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............76
Seats ............................................73 child safety seats ....................100
Select Shift Transmission
(SST) shifter .............................118
Servicing your vehicle ..............163
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........136
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................201, 205
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................203, 205
Speed control ..............................42
Starting your vehicle ........109 –111
jump starting ..........................141
Steering speed sensitive .......................115
Steering wheel controls ......................................45
tilting .........................................39
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................39
Tires ...........................136, 188 –189
changing ..................136 –137, 141
snow tires and chains ............200
tire grades ...............................189 treadwear ................................189
Towing .......................................124 recreational towing .................124
trailer towing ..........................124
wrecker ....................................147
Traction control ........................113
Transmission .............................115 brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....115
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................186
fluid, refill capacities ..............201
lubricant specifications ..203, 205
Trunk ...........................................62 remote release ....................41, 65
Turn signal ..................................30
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................205
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................207
Vehicle loading ..........................121
Ventilating your vehicle ...........112
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................165
Water, Driving through .............121
Windows power .........................................40
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................38 checking and adding fluid .....165
replacing wiper blades .............38
Wrecker towing .........................147
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
216