Press the shift lever detent button then lift up sharply
I discovered the answer myself. The car has a lockup system if you don't step on the brake pedal before trying to move the gearshift selector.
If it is a manual trans.take the screws out holding the shift lever boot on. Slide the boot up the gearshift. there will be a bolt holding the lever on, take that out and pull on the lever. you may have to get a little rough with the lever to get it to come off once the bolt is out.
On a 1997 Ford Expedition : It may not shift into overdrive until you are travelling around 50 MPH (80 Km/H) and you will see the RPM on the tachometer drop. * If the overdrive has been SWITCHED OFF using the switch on the end of the gearshift lever, then OFF will light up near the end of the gearshift lever.
On a 1997 Ford Thunderbird : The odometer is in the middle of the speedometer
Remove your idler pulley first. it is the pulley right next to the alternator.
The 1997 Thunderbird 4.6L engine has only 1 catalytic converter.
According to the 1997 Ford Thunderbird Owner Guide : ( 18.0 U.S. gallons / 68.1 litres )
you might be able to just go through the back of the glovebox to get to the heater core
If it is a 5.0 from a 1991-93 Thunderbird/Cougar, then yes
In a 1997 Ford Thunderbird the 3.8 liter V6 engine has a timing CHAIN
1997 Ford Thunderbird 4.6L SFI 8cylThe Spark Plug Gap.054 (In thousandths of an inch)
On a 1997 Ford Thunderbird ( V6 and V8 ) 68.1 liters ( 18.0 U.S. gallons )