Ford Thunderbird (2004 year). Manual — part 49

• Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
• Avoid potholes and objects on the road
• Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
If you vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., do not rapidly spin the
tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and cause an explosion. A tire
can explode in as little as three to five seconds.

Tire explosions can cause death, personal injury or property
damage. Do not allow anyone to stand near, or directly ahead or

behind the spinning tire.

Never spin the tires in excess of the 55 km/h (35 mph) point
indicated on the speedometer.

Highway hazards

No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.

If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.

SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS

Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control.

Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.

Driving at very high speeds for extended periods of time may result in
damage to vehicle components.

The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide traction in
rain or snow.

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200

The use of snow cables is not recommended for this vehicle, as damage
to your vehicle may occur under extreme handling or rough road
conditions. However, if you choose to operate the vehicle with snow
cables, avoid these conditions and follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations.

Do not use any type of tire chains, as this will likely cause damage to
your vehicle.

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

N/A

Spark plugs*

AGSP-32F

* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug information.

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
engine

6.2L (6.5
quarts)

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201

Fluid

Ford Part
Name

Application

Capacity

Engine coolant

2

Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)

3.9L-4V V8
engine

11.3L (11.9
quarts)

Power steering
fluid

Motorcraft
MERCON

威 ATF

All

Fill to MAX line
on reservoir

Rear axle

3

Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lubricant

All

1.2–1.3L
(2.5–2.7 pints)

Fuel tank

N/A

All

68.2L (18.0
gallons)

Transmission
fluid

4

Motorcraft
MERCON

威V

ATF

Automatic
(5R55S)

11.2L (11.9
quarts)

5

Windshield
washer fluid

Motorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
Concentrate

All

Fill to line on
reservoir

1

Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer to

Lubricant Specifications in this chapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.

2

Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.

3

Your 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 6
mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.

4

Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCON

威 and

MERCON

威 V are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCON威 and

MERCON

威 V. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine

the correct service interval.

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202

5

Approximate dry capacity, includes cooler and tubes. Fluid level should

be checked by a qualified service technician.

6

Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine

oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C153–H and the API Certification mark.

LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS

Item

Ford part
name

Ford part
number

Ford
specification

Brake fluid

Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
Fluid

1

PM-1

ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3

Door
weatherstrips

Silicone
Lubricant

XL-6

ESR-M13P4-A

Door latch,
hood latch,
auxiliary hood
latch, door
hinges, striker
plates, seat
tracks and fuel
filler door hinge

Multi-Purpose
Grease

XL-4 or XL-5

ESB-M1C93-B
or
ESR-M1C159-A

Engine coolant

Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)

VC-7-A (VC-7–B
in Oregon)

WSS-M97B51-A1

Engine oil

Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)

XO-5W20-QSP
(US)
CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)

WSS-M2C153-H
with API
Certification
Mark

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203