Market Segment:
Personal luxury coupe, retro-styled convertible.
Competitors:
Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, Pontiac Firebird Convertible, Toyota Solara Convertible, Mercury Cougar (previous generation competitor).
Design Philosophy:
Retro-inspired design paying homage to the classic 1955-1957 Thunderbird, featuring a two-seater layout and a convertible soft-top. Also offered in a coupe body style.
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a stylish, comfortable, and leisurely driving experience with a distinctive personal luxury appeal.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control systems (PCM/ECM).
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (4R75W), driveline components (propeller shaft, CV joints, rear axle), differential.
Chassis:
Suspension systems (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, front/rear discs), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, power windows, power seats, mirrors, climate control, audio system, instrument cluster, charging system, starting system, body control module (BCM).
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seats, body panel repairs.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service, electrical component replacement.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for removing and installing components.
Specifications Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, alignment procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls and advanced electrical system diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
3.9L V8 SOHC (Modular V8)
Displacement:
3935 cc (240.1 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
90.2 mm x 77.5 mm (3.55 in x 3.05 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
253 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
285 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
ECU:
Ford Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 stars (driver and passenger) - based on typical ratings for vehicles of this era.
NHTSA Side Impact:
4 stars (front passenger) - based on typical ratings for vehicles of this era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS).
Airbags:
Dual front airbags (driver and passenger), optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced windshield frame and A-pillars.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, whichever comes first.
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years, whichever comes first, using Ford Premium Coolant.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil (API Certified).
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter change.
Coolant:
Ford Premium Coolant (Yellow) - 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercon V (same as transmission fluid).
Ignition Coils:
Premature failure of ignition coils (especially on earlier models) leading to misfires and rough running. Covered by TSBs.
Rear Main Seal:
Potential for oil leaks from the rear main seal, requiring transmission removal for repair.
Convertible Top Mechanism:
Issues with the power convertible top hydraulic system or fabric wear, requiring specialized attention.
ABS Modulator:
ABS warning light illuminated due to a faulty ABS modulator or wheel speed sensors.
PCM Failures:
Occasional reports of Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failures, affecting engine performance and diagnostics.
Brand Legacy:
Ford has a long history of iconic vehicles, with the Thunderbird being one of its most cherished models, originally launched in 1955 as a personal luxury car.
Retro Revival:
The 2002 Thunderbird marked the revival of the nameplate after a hiatus, with a design deliberately evoking the charm of the original '55-'57 models. This generation was part of Ford's 'retro-futurism' design trend.
Production Period:
This generation of the Thunderbird was produced from the 2002 model year through the 2005 model year.
Manufacturing Location:
Oakville Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada.
