Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Ford Thunderbird - part 1

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph and making a left turn, the power steering suddenly failed and the steering wheel would not turn in either direction, before the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 70,000.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird 🔎.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact approached a stop sign and the vehicle stopped as needed; however, after the contact depressed on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle began to misfire and shuddered for several minutes. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the failure was related to TSB 05-16-2 (moisture build up on the plugs and on cylinder) that caused the vehicle to misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,526.

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Throttle body system failure causing inappropriate vehicle deceleration while driving. This condition happens without warning and can cause another vehicle to rear end you. I have already had one throttle body replaced due to this condition in 2013 and my vehicle is having the same problems again. The computer program that cuts the engine to idle speed should be disabled until a permanent fix to this problem can be corrected. In the current mode, these vehicles are unsafe to drive.

See all problems of the 2005 Ford Thunderbird 🔎.

1st had to have 8 coils replaced ,2002 not covered on recall, but 2003 and after were. Yesterday had to have it towed to a Ford dealer, car would not start. After a diagnosis, found the fuel pump needed replaced and fuel filter. The cost was $1500. 00. There were 4 other t-birds there plus mine with the same problem. What next? do I need a tow truck to follow me all the time.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. While driving 60 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle began idling roughly. The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store where the employee found that cylinders 3, 4, and 7 were misfiring, as well as a random misfire. The contact opened the spark plug well and opened the coil pack. The contact discovered that the spark plug and coil pack were covered in oil. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact later spoke to a dealer who stated that they would come pick up the vehicle if the contact decided to have it serviced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they could not assist since there was no recall. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.

Vehicle unexpectedly lost power upon mild acceleration on a city street and developed a rough, skipping and hesitant idle upon warm up. We immediately brought the car in for evaluation at the sarat Ford dealership in agawam, MA. They diagnosed the dreaded Thunderbird coil on plug failure in this vehicle at only 33,165 total miles. Being that this car is now over ten years old, I was told that the fomoco extended warranty (10 years and 100,000 miles) on this vehicle, for this very same problem, does not apply. What is extremely aggravating and really maddening with this is that they grossly over charged me for the parts. Much more than what Ford charges on their own parts website for both the 8 spark plugs and the 8 coil components. Rather than trying to help a customer get through this unexpected and expensive mechanical failure (. . . Which they are fully aware of and should help cover) they decide to allow their dealers to price gouge. I have all paperwork from the repair.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. While driving approximately 25 mph on an incline, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact was able to coast the vehicle over to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body, valve cover gasket, and two coils unplugged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,787.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. While driving on the highway, the vehicle lunged forward and stopped accelerating. The vehicle independently began to operate normally afterwards; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle would not operate past approximately 35 mph. After the failure recurred, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the coil on plug was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The technician diagnosed that all eight vehicle coil on plugs needed to be replaced eventually. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle lost power without warning. The vehicle was restarted, but completely shut down. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, but the exact cause of the failure was unable to be diagnosed. The failure recurred and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and the fuel pressure was replaced. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the rear module and fuel pump were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,168.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. While driving 30 mph, the vehicle sputtered and misfired, and a warning light illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was 10,200.

While making a u-turn in a culd-e-sac at 5 mph, the wrench light came on. I can only reach a speed of 40 mph now. I am afraid to turn the car off until I get home.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Thunderbird 🔎.

Letter from constituent regarding an ongoing throttle problem with his 2005 Ford Thunderbird; information provided to NHTSA that may be the bases of a recall of the Thunderbird. The consumer stated in early August of this year, a yellow mechanic wrench light appeared on the dashboard at the time of start up. The consumer immediately stopped the vehicle, and made an appointment at the dealer. After a complete check-up, the vehicle was released to the consumer after the computer diagnostic system failed to reveal anything wrong. The next day, while driving 70 mph on the freeway while passing a slow moving truck, the wrench light illuminated again and the vehicle went into drive safe mode and immediately slowed down to 45 mph. The consumer was able to maneuver to the side of the road. Once the consumer made it to the dealer, the vehicle was left running, so the mechanic could do a computer diagnostic check. It was determined after testing, the throttle body and motor assembly were defective and replaced at a cost of $964. 27. Updated 03/31/14.

Car sputtered and misfired causing partial power loss and speed loss. Problem is ignition coils. Have now had to replace a total of three during two similar events. Two dealers failed to inform me of extended warranty on this known problem.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while e driving 20 mph, the engine misfired. The failure recurred frequently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who stated that there were two ignition coils that failed. The ignition coils were replaced however, the contact later noticed oil on several cylinders in the engine. The failure was not corrected. The failure was reported to the manufacturer. The failure and current mileage was 97,512.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford thunder bird. The contact stated that while having the vehicle service, the mechanic advised him that the engine coils and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the engine misfired and lost throttle response without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the coil over plug assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000 and the current mileage was 36,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that immediately after starting the ignition, the check engine warning lamp illuminated and the engine misfired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the ignition coils and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. The failure and current mileage was 45,000.

I was accelerating to merge onto the highway at full throttle and the engine shut itself off. I pulled over to the shoulder and turned the ignition off and restarted it and continued to my destination. This has occurred several times over the last few years, and it is only getting worse and more frequent. Sometimes the limp home light (wrench) comes on. I must turn the ignition off and back on to make the car work. I have had all 8 coils replaced and this did not fix the problem and it still occurs today. I checked the codes and it did say it was a forced shut down. I unfortunately do not remember the code number.

The first incident happened on 6/12/12 when the engine started sputtering and missing and then went into a "limp mode" and would only accelerate no more than 15 mph. After taking it to the shop they determined that the ignition coil on cylinder #8 was bad and replaced it for $270. The second incident happened 9/7/13 and left my wife stranded on the side of the road. After doing reasearch on the internet, I found out that Ford had issued a 10 year/100,000 mile extended warranty for all 2003, 2004, and 2005 Thunderbirds to replace the defective ignition coils. Ford has recogonized that this part is defective and is a safety problem, but since it has not been recalled, and I did not know about the extended warranty, they are charging me $1,200 dollars to replace 7 ignition coils. Looking at the Ford Thunderbird forums on the internet reveals that this is a common problem and should be recalled so owners can have them replaced, since Ford has acknowledged that there is a defect.

Driving on a 1,850 mile trip. Car engine repeatedly shut off on light acceleration from complete stop. Motor light and wrench light illuminated. Put can in neutral and re-started. Wrench light DE-illuminated, motor light stayed on. Acceleration could barely be attained to keep engine running up to 45 mph. After that speed, can ran somewhat normally,. Entering an expressway at very low speed with minimum acceleration became the only way to continue the trip. Very dangerous. Went to a Ford dealer on route. Because I was from out of state he agreed to work me in for service that day. However, after I described the problem, service writer refused my request to put car on their diagnostic machine. He agreed to change the fuel filter only. Dealer would do no other work. Told me I would have to leave it several days. I tried two tanks of fuel with a stoddard solvent injector cleaner. At home. I researched the problem. The ignition coils and throttle body are indicated. I have had both ignition coils replaced. 18,000 miles ago. Replacement for both was not free. This condition is absolutely dangerous and has no lead up symptoms to warn you. I have barely avoided being rear-ended several times as I tried to make it off the expressway. Local Ford dealer is trying to avoid scheduling my Thunderbird for repairs. A recall of the defective components is necessary. A check of the internet web sites indicate this is predominant with all Thunderbirds of this vintage.

I have a 2002 Ford t-bird with approx 60k milies, original owner. I've had three coils replaced at my expense. On 25 Aug 2011, while diving in the fast lane (three lanes) at approx 60 mph, the engine suddenly quit, causing a loss of brakes and steering. I was fortunate to be able to muscle the car into the break down lane and stop. The car started without issue after putting it in park.

Had number 8 ignition coil replaced August 1st 2011,other parts and labor ($1007. 02). Seven days later,August 8th 2011 had number 2 ignition coil replaced ($210. 91). Because this is a 2002 Thunderbird these repairs were not under warranty, but they are for 2003 up. Why? this makes me think about buying another brand of car, don't think it could be any worse.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that the spark plugs were causing damage to the engine. The dealer advised the contact to have the spark plugs removed and replaced with a different model spark plug. The manufacturer was aware of the failure yet no repairs were performed on the vehicle. The current and failure mileage was 6,000.

I've seen numerous complaints for this same issue and I've done a lot of research on it. My 2002 Ford Thunderbird began having this problem at 43,700 miles. I did not know what the issue was and it was intermittent. Within the past month (September, 2011), I have personally replaced all eight plugs, boots and coils. While doing this I found three plugs that were oil fouled. After completing this repair the car continues to drive rough. The tach will race, the car will not accelerate smoothly or at all while trying to enter a highway and behaves poorly on both neighborhood roads and the highway. I could not afford to have the dealer make the repairs. As a matter of fact, just a week before I replaced the plugs, boots and coils, I had the oil changed at the dealer. They changed the oil, rotated the tires, replaced the oil filter and air filter and windshield wipers. They charged me $151 for this. I think that is robbery!! when I checked out, the mechanic said that it appears I have a "coil" problem. Hmmm. I researched this issue and know that Ford will not admit nor include the 2002 in their extended warranty program. This is shameful! this coil on boot problem is a major safety issue and many folks can be hurt or killed because of how the car behaves when this problem arises. I called customer service at Ford corporate to attempt to register a complaint, the customer service person said "we don't have any problems that we can talk about with this model". Well, that sounds like an admission of guilt to me. I am hoping that perhaps you can assist all of us who own 2002 t-birds get justice from Ford and have them admit they have a problem and fix it! extend our warranties before another owner has an accident or dies as a result of this problem. There are 1000s of us! I've owned seven Fords and never have I had an issue or treatment like this before.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed smoke emitting from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who replaced both valve cover gaskets. The failure mileage was 57,400 and the current mileage was 57,405. Updated 02/23/lj updated 04/28/11.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated the oil and gas are mixing in the valve. The rings were replaced but the problem persisted. The contact called the Ford manufacturer and was told there is no recall or warranty on this problem and that they would have to repair the problem themselves. The failure mileage was 39,436.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph, the vehicle began to drive abnormally while the misfired warning illuminated. The contact could not describe the failure in great detail. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket and coil pack had failed and need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired twice but the failure was persistent. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. Ec.

This is a copy of a forum members complaint. I could not say it better so I'm using it. I have not had the problem yet. But this could be real scary in heavy traffic, especially on the highways. I am writing to hopefully prevent a dangerous and serious situation. I own a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. This particular car and others like it have defective ignition coils which could cause the car(s) to become involved in accidents. The coils are prone to cease functioning at any moment, thus causing the engine to suddenly and rapidly lose power. This is dangerous at best at low speeds, and deadly at highway speeds. The Ford motor company has issued a letter stating that 2003-2005 Thunderbirds can have their coils replaced at no cost to the owner. However, they have failed to include the owners of 2002 models in this action. The result of this is that 2002 owners cannot afford to have their coils replaced due to the expense (between $1500 and $2500). This places thousands of cars on the road that endanger not only their own occupants, but those of other vehicles as well. Since Ford has acknowledged that there is a problem with the coils (the 2002 uses the same as those being replaced for free), I implore you to use whatever influence you might have to rectify this situation. Many potential deaths could be avoided if Ford would simply include the 2002 model Thunderbird in the list of approved vehicles for coil replacement at no cost.

Ford recalled the cop's (coil on plug) for leakage and failure. Ford so say repaired the problem, however, within three months of their repair. The exact same issue occurred. Apparently, their are a number of issues with the 3. 9 liter engine and it's coil packs. One only has to do research on line to find the number of complaints about the cop system. However, Ford has refused to own up to it's responsibility. The engine misses and is a cause of possible failure while in operation. Silsbee Ford in silsbee, TX has refused to re repair the problem and Ford has refused to honor it's quality commitment. Research the Ford Thunderbird and Mercury LS models from 2000 to 2005 on line for further complaints. Some are replacing the cop's themselves every few months to keep the vehicle operational.

Engine idle racing. Can't stop unless placed in neutral, where car would run over 2000 rpm. Dealer replaced idle air control and power control module. Dealer stated that idle air control burns out the power train control modules on many v-6 Ford engines. Car had only 34,518 miles checked other surges that this is a safety issue of racing engines in accidents of v-6 motors and Ford refusing any recalls for possible fire of idle air control and the burning out of power train control module.

See all problems of the 1997 Ford Thunderbird 🔎.

3. 8 cylinder head failure.

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird 🔎.

While driving at any speed or at an idle the vehicle experienced a power serge or loss of power (TSB 870197). Rpms jumped from 500 to 1100 at idle.

Consumer started vehicle while parked in garage. Placed gear in reverse with foot applied to brake and car suddenly accelerated, in reverse, crashing into closed garage door. Consumer turned off ignition, restarted car and placed gear in drive to move forward. Vehicle suddenly accelerated again crashing into forward wall of garage. Incident caused over $7000 in damage to vehicle and $4000 damage to consumer's home. Vehicle's engine had previously surged without warning while driving. Dealer inspected was not able to determine cause. Ts.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The contact stated the ignition coil was failing. This failure caused the vehicle to mis-fire and sporadically, the vehicle would abnormally accelerate. The dealer confirmed the failure, but stated that the part needed for repairs was not covered. The failure and current mileage were 20,000.

I am writing to hopefully prevent a dangerous and serious situation. I own a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. This particular car and others like it have defective ignition coils which could cause the car(s) to become involved in accidents. The coils are prone to cease functioning at any moment, thus causing the engine to suddenly and rapidly lose power. This is dangerous at best at low speeds, and deadly at highway speeds. The Ford motor company has issued a letter stating that 2003-2005 Thunderbirds can have their coils replaced at no cost to the owner. However, they have failed to include the owners of 2002 models in this action. The result of this is that 2002 owners cannot afford to have their coils replaced due to the expense (between $1500 and $2500). This places thousands of cars on the road that endanger not only their own occupants, but those of other vehicles as well. Since Ford has acknowledged that there is a problem with the coils (the 2002 uses the same as those being replaced for free), I implore you to use whatever influence you might have to rectify this situation. Many potential deaths could be avoided if Ford would simply include the 2002 model Thunderbird in the list of approved vehicles for coil replacement at no cost.