2004 FORD THUNDERBIRD transmission

Seating and Safety Restraints 73
Seating 73
Safety restraints 76
Air bags 86
Child restraints 97
Driving 109
Starting 109
Brakes 112
Traction control/AdvanceTrac 113
Transmission operation 115
Vehicle loading 121
Trailer towing 124
Roadside Emergencies 125
Getting roadside assistance 125
Hazard flasher switch 126
Fuel pump shut-off switch 127
Fuses and relays 127
Changing tires 136
Jump starting 141
Wrecker towing 147
Customer Assistance 148
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 156
Cleaning 157
2004 Thunderbird(tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Table of Contents
2

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
12

MASTER LIGHTING SWITCH
Turns the lamps off.
Turns on the parking
lamps, instrument panel lamps,
license plate lamps and tail lamps.
Turns the headlamps on.
Note: The instrument panel lamps will only turn on if the autolamp
control has determined it is night.
Autolamp control
The autolamp system provides light
sensitive automatic on-off control of
the exterior lights normally
controlled by the master lighting
switch.
The autolamp system also keeps the
lights on for a preselected period of
time after the ignition switch is
turned to OFF.
• To turn autolamps on, rotate the
control counterclockwise. The preselected time lapse is adjustable up
to approximately three minutes by continuing to rotate the control
counterclockwise.
• To turn autolamps off, rotate the control clockwise to OFF.
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (Canada Only)
Turns the lowbeam headlamps on with a reduced output.
To activate with automatic transmission:
• the ignition must be in the RUN position;
• the headlamp control is in the OFF position, Parking lamps position,
or Autolamp position when the autolamp function has not turned on
the headlamps (daytime); and
• the transmission is out of Park.
AUTO
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Lights
Lights
27

POWER WINDOWS
When closing the power
windows, you should verify
they are free of obstructions and
ensure that children and/or pets
are not in the proximity of the
window openings.
Press and hold the bottom part of the rocker switch to open the window.
Press and hold the top part of the rocker switch to close the window.
One touch down
Allows the driver ’s window to open
fully without holding the control
down. Press completely down on
AUTO and release quickly. Press
again to stop.
Accessory delay
With accessory delay, the window switches, radio, and the convertible
top motor, may be used for up to ten minutes after the ignition switch is
turned to the OFF position or until either front door is opened.
Short drop glass
In order to improve door efforts and sealing, your vehicle is equipped
with short drop glass. This feature lowers the glass when either door is
opened. The glass returns to its closed position when the door is closed.
If the optional removable top is not installed on your vehicle, this feature
will also lower the glass when the convertible top switch is operated. The
glass will return to its closed position if the transmission is shifted out of
P (Park), or if the opposite door becomes closed.
Proper operation of the short drop glass requires that the windows be
calibrated. Though your windows will have been calibrated before
your vehicle is delivered to you, it is possible for the windows to
lose calibration. If a window loses its calibration, your short drop
feature will lower the window, but will not raise it again when the door is
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driver Controls
40

Retain the original transmitter for use in other vehicles as well as for
future programming procedures (i.e. new HomeLinkequipped vehicle
purchase). It is also suggested that upon the sale of the vehicle, the
programmed Homelink buttons be erased for security purposes, refer to
Programming in this section.
Programming
Do not program HomeLink with the vehicle parked in the garage.
Note: Some vehicles may require the ignition switch to be turned to the
second (or “ACC ”) position for programming and/or operation of the
HomeLink . It is also recommended that a new battery be placed in the
hand-held transmitter of the device being programmed to HomeLink for
quicker training and accurate transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
1. Press and hold the two outside
buttons releasing only when the
amber light begins to flash after 20
seconds. Do notrepeat step one to
program additional hand-held
transmitters to the remaining two
HomeLink buttons. This will erase
previously programmed hand-held
transmitter signals into HomeLink .
2. Position the end of your hand-held transmitter 2 –8cm(1 –3 inches)
away from the HomeLink button you wish to program (located on the
header trim) while keeping the amber light in view.
3. Simultaneously press and hold
both the HomeLink and hand-held
transmitter button. Do not release
the buttons until step 4 has been
completed.
Some entry gates and garage door
openers may require you to replace
step 3 with procedures noted in the
“ Gate Operator and Canadian Programming ”section for Canadian
residents.
4. The amber light will flash slowly and then rapidly. Release both
buttons when the amber light flashes rapidly. (The rapid flashing light
indicates acceptance of the hand-held transmitters ’radio frequency
signals.)
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driver Controls
47

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. LOCK, locks the gearshift lever
and allows key removal. (The
steering wheel will not lock after
key removal.)
2. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories except the radio,
convertible top control and the
power windows if accessory delay is
active. This position also allows the
automatic transmission shift lever to be moved from the P (Park)
position without the brake pedal being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
3. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not running.
4. RUN, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don ’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the engine in this chapter.
2
3
4
5
1
2004 Thunderbird(tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
Driving
109

•uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while
driving at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system
checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the RUN position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the RUN position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle ’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencies chapter.
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
115

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
2004 Thunderbird (tbr)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
116