2004 FORD THUNDERBIRD traction control

10.Tire Ply Composition and Material Used: Indicates the number of
plies indicates or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire
tread and sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply
materials in the tire and the sidewall, which include steel, nylon,
polyester, and others.
11. Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire. Refer to the tire label or the
safety certification label, located on the B-Pillar or the driver ’s door, for
the correct tire pressure for your vehicle
12. Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
• Treadwear: The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1
12) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
• Traction: The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B,
and C. The grades represent the tire ’s ability to stop on wet pavement
as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
• Temperature: The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C,
representing the tire ’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
13. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure: Tire manufactures
maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at which the
maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is normally
higher than the manufacturer ’s recommended cold inflation pressure
which can be found on either the tire label or certification label which is
located on the structure by the trailing edge of the driver ’s door or the
edge of the driver ’s door. The cold inflation pressure should never be set
lower than the recommended pressure on the label.
Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not
required by federal law.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such
as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
193

•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
• Avoid potholes and objects on the road
• Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
If you vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., do notrapidly spin the
tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and cause an explosion. A tire
can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
Tire explosions can cause death, personal injury or property
damage. Do not allow anyone to stand near, or directly ahead or
behind the spinning tire.
Never spin the tires in excess of the 55 km/h (35 mph) point
indicated on the speedometer.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there ’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control.
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
Driving at very high speeds for extended periods of time may result in
damage to vehicle components.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide traction in
rain or snow.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
200

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