2004 FORD THUNDERBIRD air condition

If the“Check Fuel Cap ”indicator comes on and stays on after you start
the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed. Turn off the
engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based additives.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
“ Premium ”unleaded gasoline with
an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 91 or
higher for optimum performance.
The use of gasolines with lower
octane ratings may degrade performance. We do not recommend the use
of gasolines labeled as “Premium ”in high altitude areas that are sold
with octane ratings of less than 91.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
91(R+M)/2 METHOD
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2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:Calculation 1: Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Calculation 2: Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle ’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style —good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
• Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
• Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
• Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
• Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
• Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
• Slow down gradually.
• Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
• Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
• Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
• You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between fourth and fifth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires.
Note:If your tires show uneven wear ask a qualified technician at a
reputable repair facility to check for and correct any wheel misalignment,
tire imbalance or mechanical problem involved before tire rotation.
Tire wear
Measure and inspect the tire tread on all your tires periodically.
Advanced and unusual tire wear can reduce the ability of tread to grip
the road in adverse (wet, snowy, etc.) conditions. Visually check your
tires for uneven wear, looking for high and low areas or unusually
smooth areas. Also check for signs of tire damage.
When the tread is worn down to 4
mm (1/16th of an inch), tires must
be replaced to prevent your vehicle
from skidding and hydroplaning.
Built-in treadwear indicators, or
“ wear bars ”, which look like narrow
strips of smooth rubber across the
tread will appear on the tire when
the tread is worn down to 4mm (1/16th of an inch). When you see these
“ wear bars ”, the tire is worn out and should be replaced.
Inspect your tires frequently for any of the following conditions and
replace them if one or more of the following conditions exist:
• Fabric showing through the tire rubber
• Bulges in the tread or sidewalls
• Cracks or cuts on the sidewalls
• Cracks in the tread groove
• Impact damage resulting from use
• Separation in the tread
• Separation in the sidewall
• Severe abrasion on the sidewall
If your vehicle has a leak in the exhaust system, a road tire or the spare
tire may be exposed to hot exhaust temperatures requiring the tire to be
replaced.
Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
• Observe posted speed limits
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•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
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The use of snow cables is not recommended for this vehicle, as damage
to your vehicle may occur under extreme handling or rough road
conditions. However, if you choose to operate the vehicle with snow
cables, avoid these conditions and follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
Do not use any type of tire chains, as this will likely cause damage to
your vehicle.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.9L-4V V8 engine
Air filter element FA-1679
Fuel filter FG-1011
Battery BXT-66-650
Oil filter FL-218
PCV valve N/A
Spark plugs* AGSP-32F
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug information.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
Fluid
1
All Fill to MAX lineon reservoir
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)
6
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada) 3.9L-4V V8
engine
6.2L (6.5
quarts)
2004 Thunderbird
(tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
201

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

Exhaust fumes ..........................112
F
Fail safe cooling ........................174
Floor mats ...................................60
Fluid capacities .........................201
Fuel ............................................175calculating fuel economy .......180
cap ...........................................177
capacity ...................................201
choosing the right fuel ...........178
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................182
detergent in fuel .....................179
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................175, 177, 180
filter, specifications ........179, 201
improving fuel economy ........180
octane rating ...................178, 205
quality ......................................179
running out of fuel .................179
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................175
Fuses ..................................127 –128
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless
control system) ...........................46
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............177
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................180
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................126
Head restraints ...........................73 Headlamps ...................................27
aiming ........................................29
autolamp system .......................27
bulb specifications ....................31
daytime running lights .............27
flash to pass ..............................28
replacing bulbs .........................32
turning on and off ....................27
Heating heating and air conditioning
system .......................................22
HomeLink universal
transceiver
(see Garage door opener) .........49
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................46
Hood ..........................................164
I
Ignition ...............................109, 205
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................100
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................184
Instrument panel cleaning ...................................160
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................28
J
Jack ............................................136 positioning ...............................136
storage .....................................136
Jump-starting your vehicle ......141
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
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