2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD service

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 MERCONAT 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.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the“MIN”and
“MAX”lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating range the performance of your brake
system could be compromised; seek service from your dealer
immediately.
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
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5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unmetered air to enter the engine if not properly
seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing
cover and secure the clamps. Be
sure all of the tabs on front edge are
correctly aligned as shown.
Note:If you encounter any difficulty in replacing your air filter element,
have your vehicle serviced at your local dealer.
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
1
Spark plugs2
1
The PCV valve is a critical emission component. It is one of the items
listed in theScheduled Maintenance Guideand is essential to the life
and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
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For PCV valve replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor the
appropriate intervals for changing the PCV valve.
Replace the PCV valve with one that meets Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as a Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement part. The customer warranty may be void
for any damage to the emissions system if such a PCV valve is not
used.
2For spark plug replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor the
appropriate intervals for changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not
used.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance DOT
3 Motor Vehicle
Brake Fluid
1
All Fill to MAX line
on 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
engine6.5 quarts
(6.2L)
Engine coolant
2Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)3.9L-4V V8
engine11.9 quarts
(11.3L)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FAll Fill to MAX line
on reservoir
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Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Rear axle3Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantAll 2.5–2.7 pints
(1.2–1.3L)
Fuel tank N/A All 18.5 gallons
(70.0L)
Transmission
fluid
4Motorcraft
MERCONVATFAutomatic
(5R55S)11.9 quarts
(11.2L)5
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateAll Fill to line on
reservoir
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant Specificationsin this chapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
3Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water. Fill 1/4
inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.
4Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guideto determine
the correct service interval.
5Approximate dry capacity, includes cooler and tubes. Fluid level should
be checked by a qualified service technician.
6Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.
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Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Rear Axle
LubricantMotorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lubricant
2
XY-75W90-QFEHP
Automatic
transmission
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONV
AT F
3
XT-5-QM MERCONV
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A WSB-M8B16–A2
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. DOT 3 fluid
is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be
used.
2Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant that does not
require changing unless the axle has been submerged in water.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guideto determine
the correct service interval.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.9L-4V V8 engine
Displacement 241 cid (3 949 cc)
Required fuel 91 octane
Firing order 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Ignition system Coil on plug
Spark plug gap 0.040–0.044 inch (1.1–1.2mm)
Compression ratio 10.75:1
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Lifestyle
Cargo organization and management
Peace of mind
First aid and safety kits
Full vehicle covers
Locking gas cap
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems—such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
•To avoid interference with other vehicle functions, such as anti-lock
braking systems, amateur radio users who install radios and antennas
onto their vehicle should not locate the Amateur Radio Antennas in
the area of the driver’s side hood.
•Electrical or electronic accessories or components that are
non-Genuine Ford Accessories added to the vehicle by the dealer or
the owner may adversely affect battery performance and durability.
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Accessories
218

plastic parts ............................178
washing ....................................176
waxing .....................................176
wheels ......................................177
wiper blades ............................178
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............22
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................18
Console ........................................61
Controls
power seat .................................75
steering column ........................45
Convertible ..................................50
cleaning .............................54, 179
installation of the boot .............51
lowering the convertible top ...50
raising the convertible top ......52
Coolant
checking and adding ..............190
refill capacities ................194, 210
specifications ..................212–213
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................42
Customer Assistance ................149
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................181
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................173
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............174
Getting roadside assistance ...149
Getting the service you
need .........................................167
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................174
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................169Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................172
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................27
Defrost
rear window ..............................25
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................207
engine oil .................................185
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........212
Driving under special
conditions ..................................148
through water .........................148
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................160
Emergency Flashers .................150
Emission control system ..........204
Engine ................................213–214
cleaning ...................................177
coolant .....................................190
fail-safe coolant ......................195
idle speed control ...................188
lubrication
specifications ..................212–213
refill capacities ........................210
service points ..........................184
Engine block heater .................139
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Index
220