Tweet
New Owner's Mini Guide to the 2002-2005 Thunderbird
You've recently purchased an 02-05 Thunderbird and want to take care of it! It's a great car, but like any other, it will require some basic maintenance. Take the time to read the archives of TBN, and to use the search function, there's a wealth of information, particularly in Thunderbird Garage. Share your knowledge and ask questions, it helps others, who will in turn help you.
Here, in no special order, is some information that may help you out in the beginning. Before you do anything else, READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
The following web site, in addition to TBN, has a wealth of information about TBirds, it's a must see: http://portholeauthority.com/
If the tires are the original ones that came with the car, they need to be replaced. Ditto for the spare, which is only made by Maxxis, which you might have to search a bit for:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...17-get-it-here
Some people have used a full sized tire on a regular rim to replace the space saver spare, but be aware that it will raise the lid over the tire an inch or two.
For some reason, dealers and others overfill the tires, which will make the ride seem much less smooth. The correct amount is on the car door jamb, it makes a big difference. LOOK and find out.
Some replace their tires with this slightly larger tire -235/55/17, which makes the speedometer more correct, and is said to have a smoother ride.
If you want to replace the rims, make certain that the lug pattern/size will fit this car.
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...-reference-pdf
There is a fuse box in the car, as well as under the hood. READ YOUR MANUAL!
If the battery is original, or weak, it needs to be replaced -reminder: it is a vented battery. Weak batteries can play havoc with the electronics in this car.
If your windows don't go all the way up, or down:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...drop+processor
The windshield wipers are not equal length, be aware when replacing blades: they are 22, and 24 inches in length.
Be warned that if you pull the windshield wipers away so that you can change the blades, or clean the windshield, you need to exercise some care. A blade snapping down has enough force to crack the windshield.
If the hard top is finicky to get fastened down, here's how to adjust it:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...dtop-reference
The top weighs 88 lbs, and is awkward to handle. It's easy to drop it as it's being removed, scraping and scratching the expensive paint; use 2 people, or a hoist.
When looking for a part, most years share parts, but not all, so first find out if the part will fit from other year cars, then look up the part under those years. Sometimes a part will not be available for one year, yet will be other years. For example: if a part is interchangeable from 03-05, then look for that part under your year, and if it isn't found, then the other years.
The keys are programmed. If you have 2 keys and would like an extra:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...-reference-pdf
The glove box, doors, and trunk use the same key; a valet will have access to all with the key.
It is possible, at minimal cost, to have a non-programmed key made that will only open the door, trunk, or glove box, but it will not start the car. This is a useful thing to keep in your wallet/purse in case you get locked out away from home.
If you manage to lock your key in the trunk, there's a key operated trunk release behind the front seat, as well as the button release on the door -if the doors aren't locked, that is, which is a good idea to at least have a spare if on a trip. If the battery is dead, the releases are battery operated.... trickle charge through the lighter until there's enough to open the trunk, it doesn't take much. Another reason to make sure your battery is up to snuff.
At some point, the plastic covered headlights will develop a yellowish haze from UV. You have 3 choices: leave it (ugly, and it cuts the amount of light you can see with); clean it; or replace the light units. Replacement light assemblies are available at: Amazon; Ebay; and occasionally here. There are various methods of cleaning, each with their adherents. This can be found with a search, as well as in Thunderbird Garage sub-forum.
At some point you will want to clean/protect the top. Most here seem to use RaggTopp, or 303. Be warned that deviating from the cleaner manufacturer's directions is at your own risk. The advice here is just that. Here's a place to start you off:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...-reference-pdf
You need to be dexterous to use a wrench, or pliers when replacing a tail light bulb. The next time you do it, or if you're just pro-active, replace the nut on the long shaft with a wing nut, it will make it a lot easier the next time.
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...-reference-pdf
At some point it will be time to wax the car. If you do this yourself, you might want to use a clay bar first, then wax.
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...25340-clay-bar
The paint is expensive, it will help to protect it with cleaning and wax, but also a car cover if it remains outside.
You've recently purchased an 02-05 Thunderbird and want to take care of it! It's a great car, but like any other, it will require some basic maintenance. Take the time to read the archives of TBN, and to use the search function, there's a wealth of information, particularly in Thunderbird Garage. Share your knowledge and ask questions, it helps others, who will in turn help you.
Here, in no special order, is some information that may help you out in the beginning. Before you do anything else, READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
The following web site, in addition to TBN, has a wealth of information about TBirds, it's a must see: http://portholeauthority.com/
If the tires are the original ones that came with the car, they need to be replaced. Ditto for the spare, which is only made by Maxxis, which you might have to search a bit for:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...17-get-it-here
Some people have used a full sized tire on a regular rim to replace the space saver spare, but be aware that it will raise the lid over the tire an inch or two.
For some reason, dealers and others overfill the tires, which will make the ride seem much less smooth. The correct amount is on the car door jamb, it makes a big difference. LOOK and find out.
Some replace their tires with this slightly larger tire -235/55/17, which makes the speedometer more correct, and is said to have a smoother ride.
If you want to replace the rims, make certain that the lug pattern/size will fit this car.
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...-reference-pdf
There is a fuse box in the car, as well as under the hood. READ YOUR MANUAL!
If the battery is original, or weak, it needs to be replaced -reminder: it is a vented battery. Weak batteries can play havoc with the electronics in this car.
If your windows don't go all the way up, or down:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...drop+processor
The windshield wipers are not equal length, be aware when replacing blades: they are 22, and 24 inches in length.
Be warned that if you pull the windshield wipers away so that you can change the blades, or clean the windshield, you need to exercise some care. A blade snapping down has enough force to crack the windshield.
If the hard top is finicky to get fastened down, here's how to adjust it:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...dtop-reference
The top weighs 88 lbs, and is awkward to handle. It's easy to drop it as it's being removed, scraping and scratching the expensive paint; use 2 people, or a hoist.
When looking for a part, most years share parts, but not all, so first find out if the part will fit from other year cars, then look up the part under those years. Sometimes a part will not be available for one year, yet will be other years. For example: if a part is interchangeable from 03-05, then look for that part under your year, and if it isn't found, then the other years.
The keys are programmed. If you have 2 keys and would like an extra:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...-reference-pdf
The glove box, doors, and trunk use the same key; a valet will have access to all with the key.
It is possible, at minimal cost, to have a non-programmed key made that will only open the door, trunk, or glove box, but it will not start the car. This is a useful thing to keep in your wallet/purse in case you get locked out away from home.
If you manage to lock your key in the trunk, there's a key operated trunk release behind the front seat, as well as the button release on the door -if the doors aren't locked, that is, which is a good idea to at least have a spare if on a trip. If the battery is dead, the releases are battery operated.... trickle charge through the lighter until there's enough to open the trunk, it doesn't take much. Another reason to make sure your battery is up to snuff.
At some point, the plastic covered headlights will develop a yellowish haze from UV. You have 3 choices: leave it (ugly, and it cuts the amount of light you can see with); clean it; or replace the light units. Replacement light assemblies are available at: Amazon; Ebay; and occasionally here. There are various methods of cleaning, each with their adherents. This can be found with a search, as well as in Thunderbird Garage sub-forum.
At some point you will want to clean/protect the top. Most here seem to use RaggTopp, or 303. Be warned that deviating from the cleaner manufacturer's directions is at your own risk. The advice here is just that. Here's a place to start you off:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...-reference-pdf
You need to be dexterous to use a wrench, or pliers when replacing a tail light bulb. The next time you do it, or if you're just pro-active, replace the nut on the long shaft with a wing nut, it will make it a lot easier the next time.
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...-reference-pdf
At some point it will be time to wax the car. If you do this yourself, you might want to use a clay bar first, then wax.
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...25340-clay-bar
The paint is expensive, it will help to protect it with cleaning and wax, but also a car cover if it remains outside.
Comment