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 Thunderbird : The odometer is in the middle of the speedometer
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.
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 )
If it is a 5.0 from a 1991-93 Thunderbird/Cougar, then yes
1997 Ford Thunderbird 4.6L SFI 8cylThe Spark Plug Gap.054 (In thousandths of an inch)
In a 1997 Ford Thunderbird the 3.8 liter V6 engine has a timing CHAIN
On a 1997 Ford Thunderbird ( V6 and V8 ) 68.1 liters ( 18.0 U.S. gallons )
you might be able to just go through the back of the glovebox to get to the heater core