2004 FORD THUNDERBIRD service indicator

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Emission system/Check engine:
The Check Engine indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check
the bulb. Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On board diagnostics (OBD-II) in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Check fuel cap: Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Emission
system/Check engine warning light
to come on. Refer to Fuel Filler Capin theMaintenance and
Specifications chapter.
CHECK
FUELCAP
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster
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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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5. Turn the ignition back to RUN. The horn will chirp.
6. Press the unlock control, then press the lock control. The horn will
chirp once if autolock was deactivated or twice (one short and one long
chirp) if autolock was activated.
7. Turn the ignition to OFF.
SECURILOCKPASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
SecuriLock
passive anti-theft system is an engine immobilization
system. This system is designed to prevent the engine from being started
unless a coded key programmed to your vehicle is used. The
SecuriLock
passive anti-theft system is not compatible with non-Ford
aftermarket remote start systems. Use of these systems may result in
vehicle starting problems and a loss of security protection.
Theft indicator
The theft indicator is the flashing red indicator located on top of the
instrument panel.
• When the ignition is in the OFF position, the indicator will flash once
every 2 seconds if the vehicle is locked and the perimeter alarm is
armed.
• When the ignition is in the RUN position, the indicator will glow for 3
seconds to indicate normal system functionality.
If a problem occurs with the SecuriLock
system, the indicator will flash
rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the RUN position. If this
occurs, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer for service.
Automatic arming
The vehicle is armed immediately
after switching the ignition to the 2
(OFF) position.
23 1
4
5
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Locks and Security
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Automatic disarming
Switching the ignition to the 4 (RUN) position with acoded keydisarms
the vehicle.
• The
THEFTindicator will illuminate for three seconds and then go
out.
• If the
THEFTindicator stays on for an extended period of time or
flashes rapidly, have the system serviced by your dealer.
Key information
Your vehicle is supplied with two coded keys (or three keys, if the
valet feature is available). Only acoded key will start your vehicle.
Spare coded keys may be purchased from an authorized Ford dealer. An
authorized Ford dealer can also program your coded key,or you can do
it yourself. Refer to Programming spare keys.
The following items may prevent the vehicle from starting:
• Large metallic objects.
• Electronic devices on the key chain that can be used to purchase
gasoline or similar items.
• A second key on the same key ring as the coded key.
If any of these items are present, you need to prevent these objects from
touching the coded keywhile starting the engine. These objects cannot
damage the coded key,but may cause a momentary “no start ”condition
if they are too close to the key when starting the engine. If a problem
occurs, turn the ignition to the OFF position and restart the engine with
all other objects on the key ring held away from the ignition key. Check
to make sure the coded keyis an approved Ford coded key.
If your keys are lost or stolen, you will need to do the following:
• Use your spare key to start the vehicle, or
• Have your vehicle towed to an authorized Ford dealer or a locksmith.
The key codes will need to be erased from your vehicle and new
codes will need to be re-coded.
Replacing coded keys can be very costly and you may want to store an
extra programmed key away from the vehicle in a safe place to prevent
an unforeseen inconvenience.
The correct coded keymust be used for your vehicle. The use of the
wrong coded key may lead to a “no start ”condition.
If an unprogrammed key is used in the ignition, it will cause a
“ no start ”condition.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Locks and Security
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During Traction Control
operation, the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric motor type of sound coming from
the engine compartment and the engine will not “rev-up ”when you push
further on the accelerator. This is normal system behavior and should be
no reason for concern.
The Traction Control
switch,
located on the left-hand side of the
instrument panel, has an indicator
light that illuminates when the
system is off. The Traction Control

system will automatically turn on
every time the ignition is turned off
and on.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction Control
system off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to “dig ”the vehicle out and enable a successful
“ rocking ”maneuver.
If a system fault is detected, the traction control switch ’s OFF indicator
will illuminate and your vehicle should be serviced.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control

event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
• Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
OFF
TRAC
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
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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.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of“Premium ”
unleaded gasoline. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world ’s automakers approved the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning ”gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
• You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
• Your “Check Engine ”indicator may come on. For more information on
the “Check Engine ”indicator, refer to the Instrument Cluster
chapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test ”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
• First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
• Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCON AT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the range between the MIN and
MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap
back on the reservoir.
M AX
M I
N
M AX
M IN
2004 Thunderbird
(tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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