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 toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
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 as soon as possible.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
143
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of your disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system. Keep the battery vent hose
attached at all times.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the trunk of your disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure the vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
161
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA
Before exporting your vehicle to a foreign country, contact the
appropriate foreign embassy or consulate. These officials can inform you
of local vehicle registration regulations and where to find unleaded fuel.
If you cannot find unleaded fuel or can only get fuel with an anti-knock
index lower than is recommended for your vehicle, contact a district or
owner relations/customer relationship office.
The use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without proper conversion may
damage the effectiveness of your emission control system and may cause
engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford Motor Company/Ford of
Canada is not responsible for any damage caused by use of improper
fuel.
In the United States, using leaded fuel may also result in difficulty
importing your vehicle back into the U.S.
If your vehicle must be serviced while you are traveling or living in
Central or South America, the Caribbean, or the Middle East, contact the
nearest Ford dealership. If the dealership cannot help you, write or call:
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
WORLDWIDE DIRECT MARKET OPERATIONS
1555 Fairlane Drive
Fairlane Business Park #3
Allen Park, Michigan 48101
U.S.A.
Telephone: (313) 594-4857
FAX: (313) 390-0804
If you are in another foreign country, contact the nearest Ford
dealership. If the dealership employees cannot help you, they can direct
you to the nearest Ford affiliate office.
If you buy your vehicle in North America and then relocate outside of
the U.S. or Canada, register your vehicle identification number (VIN) and
new address with Ford Motor Company Worldwide Direct Market
Operations.
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE
To order the publications in this portfolio, contact Helm, Incorporated at:
HELM, INCORPORATED
P.O. Box 07150
Detroit, Michigan 48207
Or call:
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Customer Assistance
174
Remote entry system .................65
illuminated entry ......................68
locking/unlocking doors ...........62
opening the trunk .....................66
Roadside assistance ..................149
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............86
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .........77–81
Safety Canopy .............................95
Safety defects, reporting ..........175
Safety restraints ....................77–81
belt minder ...............................82
extension assembly ..................86
for adults .............................78–81
for children .........................97–98
safety belt maintenance ...........86
warning light and chime ..........82
Safety seats for children ..........100
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............77
Seats ............................................74
child safety seats ....................100
Select Shift Transmission
(SST) shifter .............................146
Servicing your vehicle ..............182
Setting the clock
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................18
Spark plugs,
specifications .............209, 213–214
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................212–213
Speed control ..............................42
Starting your vehicle ........136–138
jump starting ..........................160Steering
speed sensitive .......................143
Steering wheel
controls ......................................45
tilting .........................................39
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................39
Tires ...........................109–110, 114
alignment ................................127
care ..........................................126
changing ..........................114, 116
checking the pressure ............112
inspecting and inflating .........111
label .........................................125
replacing ..................................114
rotating ....................................128
safety practices .......................127
sidewall information ...............120
snow tires and chains ............129
spare tire .........................114–115
terminology .............................110
tire grades ...............................110
treadwear ........................109, 126
Towing .......................................134
recreational towing .................135
trailer towing ..........................134
wrecker ....................................166
Traction control ........................141
Transmission .............................143
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....143
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................207
fluid, refill capacities ..............210
lubricant specifications ..212–213
Trunk ...........................................63
remote release ....................42, 66
Turn signal ..................................30
REVIEW COPY
2005 Thunderbird(tbr), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
223