Ford Thunderbird (2004 year). Manual — part 30

Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities
than the originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR

and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the
originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.

TRAILER TOWING

Your vehicle is not equipped to tow. No towing packages are available
through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealers.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)

Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).

These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.

All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles:

This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel
drive capability.
• Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
• Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph)
• Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft.

Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a
qualified technician. Improper removal/installation of the
driveshaft may cause damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components. See your local dealer for driveshaft
removal/installation.

Driving

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GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
• 24–hours, seven days a week
• for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or

60,000 km (36,000 miles), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 80,000 km (50,000 miles) on Lincoln
vehicles.

Roadside assistance will cover:
• changing a flat tire
• jump-starts
• lock-out assistance
• limited fuel delivery
• towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford Motor Company

dealership, or your selling dealer if within 56.3 km (35 miles) of the
nearest Ford Motor Company dealership (one tow per disablement).
Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in the
mud or snow, are covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing or repossession).

Using roadside assistance

Roadside Emergencies

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U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicle customers who require roadside assistance,
call 1–800–241–3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.

Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1–800–665–2006.

If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain reimbursement
information, U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicles customers call
1-800-241-3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.

Canadian customers who need to obtain reimbursement information, call
1–800–665–2006.

Roadside coverage beyond basic warranty

In the United States, you may purchase additional roadside assistance
coverage beyond this period through the Ford Auto Club by contacting
your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.

Similarly in Canada, for uninterrupted Roadside Assistance coverage, you
may purchase extended coverage prior to your Basic Warranty’s Roadside
Assistance expiring. For more information and enrollment, contact
1–877–294–2582 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.

HAZARD FLASHER

The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in
the ignition.

Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.

Note: With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.

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FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH

FUEL

RESET

This device stops the electric fuel pump from sending fuel to the engine
when your vehicle has had a substantial jolt.

After an accident, if the engine cranks but does not start, this switch
may have been activated.

This switch is located in the driver’s
footwell, behind the kick panel.

To reset the switch:

1. Turn the ignition OFF.

2. Check the fuel system for leaks.

3. If no leaks are apparent, reset the
switch by pushing in on the reset
button.

4. Turn the ignition ON.

5. Wait a few seconds and return
the key to OFF.

6. Make another check for leaks.

FUSES AND RELAYS

Fuses

If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.

Note: Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage
rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.

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Roadside Emergencies

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