Ford Thunderbird
Maintenance specs for 3 variants of the Ford Thunderbird — from 1985 to 2005.
1985–1997 Ford Thunderbird
3.8L V6 (Essex 3.8L) · RWD
140 hp / 215 lb-ft
Transmission
Type4-Speed Automatic (AOD/AODE)
FluidMercon
Drain & fill5.5 qt
Full capacity13.9 qt
Power Steering
TypeHydraulic
FluidMercon ATF
Capacity16 oz
Differentials
Rear fluid80W-90 GL-5
Rear capacity3.25 qt
Fuel
Tank18 gal
TypeRegular 87
Service Intervals
Oil change5,000 mi
Trans service30,000 mi
Coolant flush30,000 mi
Brake fluid30,000 mi
Spark plugs30,000 mi
Timingchain (no scheduled replacement)
Air filter30,000 mi
Drive belt60,000 mi
1989–1997 Ford Thunderbird
3.8L V6 Supercharged (Essex 3.8L SC) · RWD
230 hp / 330 lb-ft
Transmission
Type4-Speed Automatic (4R70W)
FluidMercon V
Drain & fill5.5 qt
Full capacity13.9 qt
Power Steering
TypeHydraulic
FluidMercon ATF
Capacity16 oz
Differentials
Rear fluid80W-90 GL-5
Rear capacity3.25 qt
Fuel
Tank18 gal
TypePremium 91
Service Intervals
Oil change5,000 mi
Trans service30,000 mi
Coolant flush30,000 mi
Brake fluid30,000 mi
Spark plugs30,000 mi
Timingchain (no scheduled replacement)
Air filter15,000 mi
Drive belt60,000 mi
2002–2005 Ford Thunderbird
3.9L V8 DOHC (3.9L InTech) · RWD
280 hp / 286 lb-ft
Transmission
Type5-Speed Automatic (5R55S)
FluidMercon V
Drain & fill5.5 qt
Full capacity13.5 qt
Power Steering
TypeHydraulic
FluidMercon V
Capacity18 oz
Differentials
Rear fluid75W-140 Synthetic
Rear capacity2.5 qt
Fuel
Tank18 gal
TypePremium 91
Service Intervals
Oil change5,000 mi
Trans service30,000 mi
Coolant flush45,000 mi
Brake fluid30,000 mi
Spark plugs60,000 mi
Timingchain (no scheduled replacement)
Air filter30,000 mi
Drive belt60,000 mi