brakes FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual

6
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[II03400( ALL)01/96]
Breaking Your Vehicle In
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[II03500( ALL)01/96]
Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or
break-in period during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in
period, you need to pay careful attention to how
you drive your vehicle.
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[II03600( ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid sudden stops.Because your vehicle
has new brake linings, you should take these
steps:
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[II03700( ALL)01/96]
Ð Watch traffic carefully so that you can
anticipate when to stop.
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[II03800( ALL)01/96]
Ð Begin braking well in advance.
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[II03900( ALL)01/96]
Ð Apply the brakes gradually.
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[II04000( ALL)01/96]
The break-in period for new brake linings
lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or
1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.
%*
[II04100( ALL)03/96]
q
Use only the type of engine oil that Ford
recommends.SeeEngine oil recommendations
in the Index. Do not use special ªbreak-inº
oils.
*
[II04200( ALL)03/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
Powertrain Control Module that limits engine
and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out mode to
promote durability.
File:02rciim.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:37:44 1997

11
[IS03100(ALL)12/95] Thisligh tcome son whe ntheparkin gbrak eis
WARNING
Th eBRAK Eligh tindicate stha tth ebrakes

157
Driving
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[GF00500( ALL)01/96]
Brakes
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[GF00600( ALL)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
[GF00700( ALL)12/95]
Braking non ABS models
[GF00800(M )04/96]
All models have power 4-wheel disc brakes.
They adjust automatically as the brake pads or
linings wear down.
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[GF01200( ALL)01/96]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
[GF01300( ALL)12/95]
On vehicles without anti-lock brakes, extreme
braking can make the wheels lock and slide,
possibly decreasing your control of the steering.
If you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal
and repeat the ªsqueezeº technique.
[GF01301(M )02/97]
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does
not indicate a performance concern with the
vehicle's brake system. In normal operation,
automotive brake systems may emit occasional
or intermittent squeal or groan noises when the
brakes are applied. Such noises are usually
heard during the first few brake applications in
the morning; however they may be heard at any
time while braking and can be aggravated by
environmental conditions such as cold, heat,
moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a
ªmetal-to-metalº or ªcontinuous grindingº sound
is present while braking, the brake linings may
be worn-out and should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

158 [GF01400( ALL)12/95]Braking with ABS brakes
[GF01401(M )02/97]
On vehicles equipped with an antilock braking
system (ABS), a noise from the hydraulic pump
motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal
pulsation coupled with noise while braking
under panic conditions or on loose gravel, wet
or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper
functioning of the vehicle's antilock brake
system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder while braking, felt mainly in the
steering wheel, the vehicle most likely needs
service.
[GF01500( ALL)12/95]
On vehicles with anti-lock brakes, the wheels
will not lock and slide when you press down
hard on the brake pedal. The anti-lock brakes
automatically start releasing and reapplying the
front brakes independently and the rear brakes
together whenever your wheels start to lock. Do
not ªpumpº the brake pedal on vehicles
equipped with anti-lock brakes. When this
happens, you will feel the brake pedal pulse.
This ªpulseº may be an unfamiliar feeling but it
is normal and indicates the ABS is working as
designed.
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[GF01600( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicle's stopping distance. Brake rotor
damage may also eventually occur.
*
[GF01700( ALL)02/96]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

159 %
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[GF01800( ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
[GF01900( ALL)12/95]
Ford Motor Company has not found any
detrimental effects of popular mobile radio
transmitting equipment installed on vehicles
with the anti-lock brake system, if the equipment
is installed according to the manufacturer's
instructions. However, if mobile radio
transmitting equipment is installed in your
vehicle and, if either the anti-lock brake system
cycles or the check anti-lock light comes on at
any time other than right after you turn the key
to ON or during a sudden stop, have your
mobile radio dealer inspect the installation.
%*
[GF02000( ALL)01/96]
Parking Brake
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[GF02100( ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[GF02200(M )12/95]
The brake handle is located between the front
seats.
[GF02400(M )12/95]
To set the parking brake after parking your
vehicle, apply the brake pedal with your right
foot and pull up on the parking brake handle.
The brake system warning light will glow.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

160 [GF02700(M )12/95]
one third page art:0010314-BThe parking brake
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[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

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.
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[GF04200( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
%
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[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

170 %
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[GF14700(M )01/96]
Downshifting
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[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
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[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.
%
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[GF15500( ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
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[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

175 %
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[GF21000( ALL)12/95]
Connecting the safety chains
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[GF21100( ALL)12/95]
Always attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the
hitch breaks.
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[GF21200( ALL)12/95]
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
*
[GF21300( ALL)12/95]
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue
and attach them to your vehicle's frame or
hook retainers. Never attach the safety
chains to your vehicle's bumper. The bumper
is not designed to bear the weight of a
trailer.
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[GF21400( ALL)12/95]
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in
the chains to allow you to turn corners.
*
[GF21500( ALL)12/95]
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives you.
%*
[GF21600( ALL)12/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[GF21700( ALL)12/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that
your trailer's brakes meet local and federal
regulations.
*
[GF21900( ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

177 %
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[GF23100( ALL)01/96]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
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[GF23200( ALL)12/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[GF23300( ALL)03/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule
booklet for additional information.
%
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[GF23600( ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF23700( ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[GF23800( ALL)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[GF23900( ALL)01/96]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
%*
[GF24000( ALL)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[GF24100( ALL)01/96]
Slippery roads
*
[GF24200( ALL)01/96]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[GF24300( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
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[GF24400( ALL)01/96]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[GF24500( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not use speed control.
*
[GF24600( ALL)01/96]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[GF24700( ALL)04/96]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your wheels. (Does not apply
to vehicles with anti-lock brakes.)
*
[GF24800( ALL)01/96]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997