2004 FORD THUNDERBIRD parking brake

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with a 5 –speed automatic transmission
Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability, and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery installed, the strategy must be relearned.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
• Start the engine
• Depress the brake pedal
PRND5D4321
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Driving
116

•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
• Come to a complete stop
• Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
Drive 5 (Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through five.
Drive 4 (Overdrive cancelled)
Activated when the transmission shift lever is moved to the D4 position.
• This position allows for all forward gears 1 –4, except overdrive.
• Provides engine braking.
• Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads and when
engine braking is required.
• To return to D5 (overdrive mode), move the transmission shift lever
into the D5 position.
• Select D4 at higher speeds will cause the transmission to downshift
into fourth gear.
3 (Third)
This position allows for third gear only.
• Provides engine braking.
• To return to D5 or D4, move the transmission shift lever into the D5
or D4 position.
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Driving
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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
• tow a trailer
• use tire chains
• drive through an automatic car wash, because of the vehicle ’s reduced
ground clearance
• try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its wheel
• drive for long distances when the temporary-use spare is on
• use the wheel for any other type of vehicle
• use more than one temporary spare tire at a time
Use of a temporary spare tire at any one wheel location can lead to
impairment of the following:
• Handling, stability and braking performance
• Comfort and noise
• Ground clearance and parking at curbs
• Winter driving capability
Tire change procedure
To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire,
be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions)
the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the
vehicle) to the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and set parking
brake.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park),
turn engine OFF, and block the
diagonally opposite wheel.
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Roadside Emergencies
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1.Use only a 12 –volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of your disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle ’s electrical system. Keep the battery vent hose
attached at all times.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the trunk of your disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehicles do nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure the vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note: In the illustrations, lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
• We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check your Warranty Guide/Owner
Information Guide to find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
• Do not work on a hot engine.
• Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
• Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
• Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
Note: Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
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Maintenance and Specifications
Maintenance and Specifications
163

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 to Lubricant 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.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
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Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash hands after handling .
Because your vehicle ’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
• The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.
• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the short drop glass, clock and the preset radio stations must be reset
once the battery is reconnected.
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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