Page 3 of 216
Maintenance and Specifications 163
Engine compartment 164
Engine oil 165
Battery 168
Fuel information 175
Air filter(s) 187
Part numbers 201
Refill capacities 201
Lubricant specifications 203
Accessories 210
Index 212
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system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
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notice and without incurring obligation.Copyright © 2003 Ford Motor Company
2004 Thunderbird(tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Table of Contents
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SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible
damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment? In this guide, answers
to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning
triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed to allow parts to adjust
themselves to other parts.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during
the first few thousand kilometers (miles) of operation, since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. See Engine oilin the
Maintenance and specifications chapter for more information on oil
usage.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Introduction
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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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Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer to Engine oilin
the Maintenance and
specifications chapter.
Engine coolant temperature:
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high. Stop the
vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer to
Engine coolant in theMaintenance and specifications chapter.
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine is
running or hot.
Transmission PRNDL indicator:
Displays the gearshift positions. If
an “E ” character is displayed or
flashing, this indicates a
transmission malfunction, contact your dealer immediately. Operating the
transmission with the “E ” character illuminated may cause additional
damage to the transmission.
Traction Control active:
Illuminates when the Traction
Control is active. If the light
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately, refer to the Drivingchapter for more information.
Low fuel: Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer to Fuel gaugein this
chapter).
Speed control: Illuminates when
the speed control is activated. Turns
off when the speed control system
is deactivated.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Instrument Cluster
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OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located at the bottom
left of the instrument panel.
2.
Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front center of the
hood by pushing the handle toward
the passenger side of the vehicle.
3. Lift the hood until the lift cylinders hold it open.
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.9L –4V V8 engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Engine coolant reservoir 5. Air filter assembly
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
8. Power distribution box
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(tbr)
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USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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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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5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level is between the MIN and MAX marks, the oil level is
acceptable. DO NOT ADD OIL.
• If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
• Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to Checking the engine
oil in this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
tightly until clicks are heard, or until it is snug.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Only use oils“Certified For Gasoline Engines ”by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). To protect your engine ’s warranty use
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an equivalent 5W-20 oil meeting Ford
specification WSS-M2C153 –H. SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel
economy and durability performance meeting all requirements for
your vehicle ’s engine .
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
the scheduled maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
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USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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