engine FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owner's Manual

Page 159 of 321

160 [GF02700(M )12/95]
one third page art:0010314-BThe parking brake
*
[GF03000(M )03/96]
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
[GF03200(M )12/95]
To release the parking brake, pull the handle
upward, push in the button, then lower the
handle. The Brake System warning light will
glow if the parking brake is not fully released
when the engine is running.
*
[GF03600( ALL)01/96]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
*
[GF03700( ALL)02/96]
WARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

Page 160 of 321

161 [GF03800( ALL)12/95]
The parking brake system is designed for static
parking only and is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
% [GF03900( ALL)12/95]Traction-Lok Axle (If equipped)
[GF04000( ALL)12/95]
This axle provides added traction on slippery
surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a
poor traction surface. Under normal conditions
the Traction-Lok axle functions as a standard
rear axle.
*
[GF04100( ALL)03/96]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
*
[GF04200( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
%
*
[GF05200( ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05400( ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

Page 161 of 321

162
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[GF06430(M )03/96]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary
depending on which type of transmission your
vehicle has.
[GF06460(M )03/96]
q
an automatic overdrive transmission with
transmission control switch
*
[GF06490(M )03/96]
q
a manual transmission
%
*
[GF06500( ALL)12/95]
Driving with an Automatic
Overdrive Transmission
[GF06600(MBC )12/95]
The gearshift lever is floor mounted.
%*
[GF06800( ALL)02/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
*
[GF06900( ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
[GF07100(MBC )04/96]
To move the shifter out of P (Park), the ignition
key must be turned to the ON position and the
shift lever thumb button must be pushed in.
*
[GF07200( ALL)12/95]
To operate:
*
[GF07300( ALL)12/95]
1. Start the engine.
*
[GF07400( ALL)12/95]
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[GF07500( ALL)12/95]
3. Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).
%*
[GF07600( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a Brake Shift
Interlock safety feature. This feature prevents the
gearshift from being moved from the P (Park)
position until the brake pedal is depressed. This
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

Page 162 of 321

163
feature is active when the ignition is in the ON
position. If the gearshift lever CANNOT be
moved from P (Park) with the brake pedal
depressed:
*
[GF07700( ALL)12/95]
1. Turn the engine off and remove the ignition
key.
*
[GF07800( ALL)12/95]
2. Apply parking brake.
*
[GF07900( ALL)04/96]
3. Reinsert the ignition key and turn clockwise
to the first position.
*
[GF08000( ALL)01/96]
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift
lever to N (Neutral) and start the engine.
*
[GF08100( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
*
[GF08200( ALL)03/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin
this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.
[GF08300(MBC )12/95]
The console-mounted gearshift will lock in P
(Park) when you turn the key to the LOCK
position. When the gearshift is in any position
except P (Park), the ignition key cannot be
turned to LOCK or removed from the steering
column. TO REMOVE THE KEY, the gearshift
lever must be in P (Park).
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

Page 165 of 321

166
*
[GF10400( ALL)12/95]
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth
gear Ðan overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at an appropriate consistent speed for
any length of time. This fourth gear will increase
your fuel economy when you travel at cruising
speeds.
[GF10500(MBC )12/95]
When to use D (Overdrive) Ð with
transmission control switch activated (O/D
OFF light illuminated)
*
[GF10700(MBC )12/95]
Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrain. If the transmission shifts back and forth
between Third and Fourth gears while you are
driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle does
not have adequate power for climbing hills,
depress the TCS.
[GF11000(M )04/96]
You can depress the TCS marked ªO/Dº at any
speed.
*
[GF11100( ALL)03/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[GF11200( ALL)12/95]
Use 2 (Second) for start-up on slippery roads or
to give you more engine braking to slow your
vehicle on downgrades.
*
[GF11300( ALL)03/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[GF11400( ALL)12/95]
Use 1 (Low) when driving down steep grades. It
gives more engine braking to slow your vehicle
than 2 (Second) on the downgrades. You can
upshift from 1 (Low) to 2 (Second) or from 1
(Low) to Overdrive at any speed.
*
[GF11500( ALL)03/96]
P (Park)
*
[GF11600( ALL)12/95]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park). This locks the
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
rotating.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

Page 166 of 321

167
*
[GF11700( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
*
[GF11800( ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
*
[GF12000(MBC )12/95]
You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) if the lever is
adjacent to the P (Park) and you cannot move it
without pushing in the thumb button.
%
*
[GF12100(M )01/96]
Driving with a Manual
Transmission
%*
[GF12200(M )01/96]
Using the Clutch
[GF12300(M )12/95]
After starting the engine with the clutch pedal
pushed to the floor, allow it to idle for a few
seconds. Then, hold your right foot on the brake
pedal. Release the hand brake. Move the
gearshift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse) gear.
[GF12400(M )12/95]
To move the vehicle, pull your right foot off the
brake pedal and then slowly release the clutch
pedal. (You may need to press down slowly on
the accelerator at the same time that you release
the clutch pedal.)
*
[GF12500(M )01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold
your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch
life.
*
[GF12600(M )01/96]
Driving with your foot resting on the clutch may
cause the vehicle to jerk sharply when pressing
or removing your other foot from the
accelerator.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

Page 168 of 321

169
*
[GF13900(M )08/95]
Upshifting
*
[GF14000(M )01/96]
Most of the time, you should upshift at the
following speeds:
[GF14100(M )12/95]
Shift Speeds for 3.8L Engine Models
[GF14200(M )12/95]
eight pica chart:0010311-C[GF14300(M )12/95]
Shift Speeds for 4.6L Engine Models
[GF14400(M )12/95]
eight pica chart:0010312-C[GF14500(M )12/95]
* In these gears, you may sometimes shift at
lower speeds than those we suggest to improve
fuel economy.
[GF14600(M )12/95]
Sometimes, you will upshift at higher speeds.
For example, you may want to stay in a lower
gear to gain more power for passing or for
climbing a hill. However, you must stay within
the allowable tachometer range when you
upshift or downshift. SeeTachometerin the
Index.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

Page 169 of 321

170 %
*
[GF14700(M )01/96]
Downshifting
*
[GF14800(M )03/96]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill,
always downshift before the engine starts to lose
power. Downshifting reduces the chance of
stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration
to increase speed again.
*
[GF14900(M )01/96]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting
helps you keep a safe speed and helps prevent
unnecessary wear on the brakes.
*
[GF15000(M )01/96]
When you come to a stop, do not downshift
through each gear. Disengage the clutch and use
the brake as necessary. Downshifting through
the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel economy.
[GF15100(M )12/95]
NOTE: Do not downshift into 1 (First) when
your vehicle is moving faster than
15 mph (24 km/h). This will damage
the clutch.
*
[GF15200(M )01/96]
Parking
*
[GF15300(M )01/96]
To park your vehicle, shift into 1 (First), set the
parking brake fully, and turn off the ignition.
*
[GF15400(M )01/96]
WARNING
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it
may move unexpectedly and injure
someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the
parking brake fully.
%
*
[GF15500( ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF15600( ALL)01/96]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

Page 175 of 321

176 %
*
[GF22000( ALL)12/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[GF22100( ALL)12/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
*
[GF22300( ALL)12/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting
system.
%*
[GF22400( ALL)01/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF22500( ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[GF22800(MBC )12/95]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, depress the
Transmission Control Switch (TCS). This will
also give the engine more power going up hills
and better engine braking going down hills.
[GF22900(M )12/95]
If your vehicle has a manual transmission and
you are towing a trailer, you should select gear
positions which will avoid jerking or excessive
engine speed. If you need to drive excessively in
1 (First) or 2 (Second), it may indicate that the
trailer is too big or heavily loaded for your
vehicle's drivetrain. Continuous driving in these
two gears while towing a trailer is not
recommended.
[GF23000(M )12/95]
When you tow up or down steep hills, move the
manual transmission gearshift to a lower gear.
This will increase engine power on upgrades
and engine braking on downgrades.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

Page 177 of 321

178
*
[GF24900(M )01/96]
WARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into Low with the
automatic transmission when moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into First with the manual
transmission when moving faster than
5 mph (8 km/h).
*
[GF25100( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
Do not use the speed control in heavy
traffic or on roads that are winding,
slippery, or unpaved.
[GF25300(MBC )01/96]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may try to ªrockº it out of the
spot. Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward
and reverse gears. At the same time, press
lightly on the accelerator.
*
[GF25400( ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
[GF25500( ALL)12/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transmission, or damage the
tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two
of rocking, call for a tow truck.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

Page:   < prev 1-10 11-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 ... 100 next >