Maintenance Information Ford Thunderbird IX

MODEL IDENTIFICATION

Note. For scheduled maintenance intervals and the related fluid capacities, fluid specifications and labor times for major service intervals, see appropriate SCHEDULED SERVICES article listed below

1. SCHEDULED SERVICES
2. SCHEDULED SERVICES - TURBO

Warranty information and specifications for fluid capacities, lubrication specifications, wheel and tire size, and battery type are covered in this article.

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 4

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions.

Severe Service

1. Short Trips (About 10 Miles) In Freezing Temperatures
2. Towing Or Heavily Loaded
3. Severe Dust Conditions
4. Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
5. Extensive Idling Conditions

Normal Service

1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
2. No Severe Service Operating Conditions

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT - 2.3L TURBO

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
3. Oil Contamination
4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Replace camshaft timing belt every 60,000 miles on 2.3L engine only.

SPARK PLUG SERVICE

On supercharged or turbocharged engines with Platinum-type plugs, replace spark plugs every 60,000 miles. On all other engines, replace spark plugs every 30,000 miles.

COOLING SYSTEM, HOSES & CLAMPS

Replace engine coolant every 36 months or 30,000 miles. Check coolant strength, condition of hoses and clamps annually regardless of mileage or driving conditions. Replace hoses and clamps as necessary.

REAR AXLE LUBRICATION

Rear axle lube quantities must be replaced every 100,000 miles, or if the axle has been submerged in water. Otherwise lube should not be checked unless a leak is suspected or repair required.

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Note. For more information regarding camshaft timing belt service refer to the 2.3L 4-CYL OHC - VINS [A,T] article in the ENGINE MECHANICAL section.

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

TIRE INFLATION

Inflation pressure and recommended tire size can be found on the decal attached to front face of right door pillar.

WHEEL LUG NUTS

All vehicles use metric lug nuts. Aluminum and some steel wheels must use special "bulge" type metric nuts with enlarged chamfers, or distortion of the aluminum lug nut seat may occur.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

Tighten all wheels to 85-105 ft. lbs. (115-142 N.m). If wheels are equipped with locking type lug nuts, ALWAYS position Keyed nut opposite valve stem.

Note. Vehicles with anti-theft wheels have one locking lug nut on each wheel. The key for this nut is attached to the lug wrench in spare tire compartment.

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM

The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that can be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference could cause the possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability, such equipment should be installed by qualified professionals.

On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions

1. DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.
2. DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate wheel speed readings.
3. Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

BATTERY WARNING

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

FUEL PUMP SHUTOFF SWITCH

This switch stops flow of fuel to engine after a collision. To reset switch, press Red reset button on switch located on left side of trunk.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

HALOGEN BULBS

RADIATOR CAP

RADIATOR FAN

TURBOCHARGED MODELS

WARRANTY INFORMATION

BASIC NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY

All parts of the vehicle, except tires, are covered against defects in factory-supplied materials and workmanship for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

POWERTRAIN WARRANTY

Note. Powertrain Warranty varies in coverage length (either 4 years/50,000 miles or 6 years/60,000 miles) depending on model year.

Under this warranty, certain parts of the engine, transmission, axle and driveline are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship. This coverage begins after 12 months or 12,000 miles. See copy of warranty for specific components covered and length of coverage.

BATTERY COVERAGE

Begins at warranty start date and lasts up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. For the first 12 months in service (less than 36,000 miles), battery will be replaced at no charge. After that, battery will be replaced on a customer-participation basis: For the 13th-24th month in service, Ford will pay 50%; for the 25th-36th month, Ford will pay 25%. Labor is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM COVERAGE

Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers safety restraint problems not related to comfort or appearance. Coverage for model years earlier than 1990 is 3 years with unlimited miles.

CORROSION COVERAGE

Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 6 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. 1992-93 models are covered for 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers any holes in body sheet metal caused by corrosion.

EMISSIONS DEFECT & PERFORMANCE WARRANTIES (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Defect Warranty ensures that vehicle meets applicable EPA regulations and that vehicle's emission control system is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

The Performance Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts as needed for the vehicle to pass a Federally required state or local emissions test.

Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the Performance Warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered. Performance Warranty coverage is limited to fewer components after 2 years or 24,000 miles.

EMISSIONS PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made by manufacturer to ensure that vehicle passes the inspection. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSIONS DEFECT WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If any emission-related part on the vehicle is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Some emission-related parts are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever occurs first, and will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer if found to be defective in material or workmanship. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

INTERIOR FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1983-88 MODELS)

On all models, the fuse panel is located under the instrument panel, left of the steering column.

Scheme 10

Fuse Identification

1. 1 - 15 Amp - Brake & Hazard Warning Lights, Speed Control Module, Cornering Light Relay
2. 2 - 6-Amp Circuit Breaker - Windshield Wiper & Washer Pump, Interval Wiper
3. 3 - Not Used
4. 4 - 15 Amp - Tail Lights, License & Parking Lights, Side Marker & Coach Lights, Cluster Illumination Lights, Radio & Clock Illuminator, A/C-Heater Illumination
5. 5 - 15 Amp - Turn Signal & Back-Up Lights, Keyless Entry Illumination, Day/Night Mirror, Turbo Overboost Buzzer
6. 6 - 20 Amp - Heated Back Light Control, Deck Lid Release, Electronic Chime Module, Lights Outage & Clock Display, Cornering & Rear Reading Lights, Tripminder, Illuminated Entry, Anti-Theft Module, Radio & Cluster Illumination
7. 7 - 15 Amp - Foglights (Turbo Only)
8. 8 - 15 Amp - Courtesy & Glove Box Lights, Key Warning Buzzer, Illuminated Entry Module, Remote Electric Mirrors, Electronic Radio & Cluster Memories, Anti-Theft Relay & Clock
9. 9 - 30 Amp - A/C-Heater Blower Motor
10. 10 - 20 Amp - Horn, Cigar Lighter, Flash-To-Pass Feature, Fuel Filler Door, Speed Control
11. 11 - 20 Amp - Radio, Power Antenna, Sound Amplifier
12. 12 - 20-Amp Circuit Breaker - Power Seat & Door Locks, Keyless Entry, Fuel Filler Door Lock
13. 13 - 5 Amp - Instrument Cluster, Radio, Climate Control, Instrument Panel Illumination
14. 14 - 20-Amp Circuit Breaker - Power Windows, Power Moon Roof
15. 15 - 10 Amp - Tail Lights, Parking Lights, License & Coach Lights
16. 16 - 4 Amp - EATC Memory, Horn, Cigarette Lighter
17. 17 - 15 Amp - Electronic Cluster Tripminder, Fuel Gauge, A/C Clutch, Speed Control Module, Graphic Warning Module
18. 18 - 10 Amp - Warning Indicator Lights, Auto Light System, Electronic Chimes, Low Washer Fluid Light, Low Fuel Module, Throttle Solenoid Positioner, Low Oil Relay, Tachometer, Flash-To-Pass Relay