🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Thunderbird

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

FN10 (part of the Jaguar S-Type platform sharing)

Engine Code:

4.0L V8 (AJ30)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Retro-styled personal luxury convertible/coupe.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a stylish, comfortable, and relatively exclusive American convertible with a nod to classic design.

Competitors:

Primarily Chevrolet SSR, Chrysler Crossfire, and potentially imported models like the Mercedes-Benz SLK or BMW Z4 in terms of luxury and image, though often at a higher price point.

Design Philosophy:

Retro-futuristic design, heavily inspired by the iconic 1955-1957 Ford Thunderbird.

Body Styles:

Offered as a two-seater convertible with a removable hardtop, and a 'Landau' version with a vinyl roof insert.

Platform:

Shared platform with the Jaguar S-Type, contributing to its more refined driving dynamics than some previous Thunderbirds.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Page Count:

Over 1500 Pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Authorized Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis and repair of the 4.0L V8 engine, including fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control, and engine mechanical components.

Transmission:

Repair and overhaul procedures for the 5R55N 5-speed automatic transmission, including torque converter, valve body, and electronic controls.

Brakes:

Service and repair of the anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), brake hydraulics, pads, rotors, and parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension component service (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints), steering gear, power steering system, and alignment specifications.

Electrical Electronics:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, diagnosis and repair of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), lighting systems, comfort and convenience features, and instrument cluster.

Body Chassis:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, convertible top operation and repair (if applicable), glass replacement, interior trim, frame and chassis component service.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core service, climate control module, and blower motor.

Safety Restraints:

Airbag system diagnosis, SRS module service, seatbelt mechanisms, and related safety components.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, and battery service.

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.

Engine Repair:

Head gasket replacement, piston and ring service, camshaft and crankshaft repair, timing chain/belt service, and complete engine rebuild procedures.

Transmission Repair:

Transmission fluid and filter replacement, solenoid replacement, valve body diagnosis and repair, and full transmission overhaul.

Brake Repair:

Brake caliper service, master cylinder replacement, brake line repair, ABS sensor replacement, and bleeding procedures.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Component testing, sensor diagnosis, wiring harness repair, module programming (where applicable), and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation.

Suspension Steering Repair:

Replacement of struts, shocks, tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings, and power steering pump/rack service.

Body Work:

Panel alignment, dent repair, rust remediation, convertible top system servicing, and bumper repair/replacement.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full component overhauls and complex diagnostics, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for on-the-job use.

Resolution:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and schematics.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

4.0 Liters (3949 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

86 mm x 86 mm

Block Material:

Aluminum

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) ignition

Horsepower:

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

286 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Redline:

6500 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

18.0 gallons (68.1 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Model:

Ford/Jaguar 5R55N

Gear Ratios:

1st: 3.22, 2nd: 2.15, 3rd: 1.50, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.70, Reverse: 2.93

Optional Transmission:

None for the 2004 model year with the V8 engine.

Drive Modes:

SelectShift capability allowing manual gear selection.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

191.3 inches (4859 mm)

Width:

72.2 inches (1834 mm)

Height:

52.4 inches (1331 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.2 inches (2723 mm)

Front Track:

61.0 inches (1550 mm)

Rear Track:

61.3 inches (1557 mm)

Seating Capacity:

2

Front Headroom:

38.1 inches (968 mm)

Front Legroom:

42.2 inches (1072 mm)

Front Shoulder Room:

53.1 inches (1349 mm)

Front Hip Room:

52.6 inches (1336 mm)

Cargo Volume Convertible:

Approx. 5.2 cubic feet (with top down)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,800 - 4,000 lbs (depending on options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 4,780 lbs

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Standard Wheel Size:

17-inch alloy

Standard Tire Size:

235/50R17

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

4/5 Stars (Front/Rear)

Traction Control:

Standard (TCS)

Electronic Stability Control:

Optional (AdvanceTrac)

Antilock Brakes:

Standard (ABS)

Brake Assist:

Standard

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags, side-impact airbags (optional).

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up roll bars integrated behind the headrests (deploy automatically if rollover is detected).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system (e.g., JBL).

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional dual-zone automatic climate control.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Phone Integration:

Optional factory Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

Keyless Entry:

Standard keyless entry system.

Seats:

Power-adjustable front seats with optional heating and memory functions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. (Check owner's manual for specific conditions).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Iridium-tipped spark plugs: Every 100,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and fluid condition. Consult manual for specific recommendation.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.7 US quarts (6.3 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Orange)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mercon V ATF or equivalent

Coil On Plug Failure:

Premature failure of coil-on-plug units can lead to misfires and rough running.

Rear Main Seal Leak:

Leaking rear main crankshaft seal is a known, albeit often minor, issue.

Convertible Top Mechanism:

Hydraulic cylinders and seals in the convertible top mechanism can fail, leading to leaks or inoperable tops.

ABS Sensor Failure:

Wheel speed sensors for the ABS system can fail, triggering ABS warning lights.

தகवाल Module Issues:

Infotainment system glitches, screen issues, or Bluetooth connectivity problems have been reported.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Brand Legacy:

Ford has a long history of iconic personal luxury vehicles and convertibles dating back to the 1930s and the original Thunderbird's debut in 1955.

Thunderbird Lineage:

The 2004 model is part of the eleventh generation (2002-2005), which marked the revival of the Thunderbird nameplate with a retro-inspired design.

Design Inspiration:

Directly evokes the styling of the original two-seater 'Baby Bird' Thunderbirds of 1955-1957.

Production Period Eleventh Gen:

2002-2005

Assembly Location:

Ford Wixom Assembly Plant, Wixom, Michigan

Production Volume 2004:

Approximately 13,067 units (total for 2004 model year).

Last Model Year:

2005

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

The retro styling was widely praised and contributed to the car's initial appeal, though its long-term sales success was modest.

Performance Ratings:

Generally considered a comfortable cruiser rather than a sports car, with respectable V8 performance for its class.

Road Test Reviews:

Contemporary reviews often highlighted the stylish interior and exterior, comfortable ride, and strong V8 engine, while sometimes noting the limited practicality and higher price point.

Emission Standards:

Meets EPA and California LEV-II emission standards for its model year.