engine coolant FORD MUSTANG 2005 5.G User Guide
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When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the“FULL COLD”level or within the
“COLD FILL RANGE”as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).
•Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
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Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
•Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored), VC-7–A (U.S., except CA and OR), VC-7–B
(CA and OR only), meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M97B51–A1.
Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, may
darken the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
•Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 (US) or
CXC-209 (Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44–D
with the factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Speciality Orange
Engine Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product with your
factory filled coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the“FULL COLD”level. For all other vehicles which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
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To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the“COLD FILL RANGE”or the“FULL COLD”level on
the reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill
the radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to–34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
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Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin this section.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than–34°F[–36°C ]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (4.6L V8 engine only)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The“fail-safe”distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
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How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The“engine coolant temperature”
indicator will illuminate.
•TheService engine soonindicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
•The engine will completely shut down.
•Steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
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CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules.If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCON
AT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel to its furthest point
(until it stops) left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the“MIN”and
“MAX”lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised; seek service from
your dealer immediately.
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Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine coolant
1Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)4.0L V6 engine 12.5 quarts
(11.8L)
4.6L V8 engine 12.72 quarts
(13.4L)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT F4.0L V6 engine Fill to between
MIN and MAX
lines on
reservoir 4.6L V8 engine
Rear axle
lubricant
2Motorcraft SAE
75W-140
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lubricant7.5 inch axle
(V6)3.25 pints (1.5L)
8.8 inch axle
(V8)4.25 pints (2.0L)
Fuel tank N/A All 16.0 gallons
(60.6L)
Transmission
fluid–
Automatic
3
Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FAll 11.9 quarts
(11.2L)4
Transmission
fluid–Manual3Motorcraft
MERCONAT F4.0L V6 engine 2.75 quarts
(2.6L)5
4.6L V8 engine 3.2 quarts
(3.0L)5
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0 quarts
(3.8L)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
2Rear axle lubricants do not need to be checked or changed unless a
leak is suspected, service is required or the axle assembly has been
submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time the
rear axle has been submerged in water. Fill 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm
to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole. Add 4 oz. (118 ml) of Additive
Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification
EST-M2C118–A for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
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3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guideto
determine the correct service interval.
4Approximate dry capacity, includes cooler and tubes. Fluid level should
be checked by a qualified service technician.
5Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
6Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C929-a
(4.0L) or WSS-M2C930-A (4.6L) and the API Certification mark.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1 ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Door
weatherstripsSilicone
LubricantXL-6 ESR-M13P4-A
Door latch, hood
latch, auxiliary
hood latch,
striker plates,
seat tracks and
fuel filler door
hingeMulti-Purpose
GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 ESR-M1C159-A
or ESB-M1C93-B
Engine coolant Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7-A (U.S.,
except CA and
OR), VC-7-B
(CA and OR
only)WSS-M97B51–A1
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A
Accessory delay ..........................45
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ............................94–95, 101
and child safety seats ..............96
description ........................95, 101
disposal ....................................103
driver air bag ....................97, 102
indicator light .........................103
operation ...........................97, 102
passenger air bag .............97, 102
side air bag ..............................101
Air cleaner filter .......................219
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................200
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................148 –149
Anti-theft system ........................74
Audio system (see Radio) ...19, 22
Automatic transmission ............151 driving an automatic
overdrive .................................153
fluid, adding ............................217
fluid, checking ........................217
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specification ..................224
Auxiliary power point .................44
Axle lubricant specifications ..222, 224
refill capacities ........................220
traction lok ..............................151
B
Battery .......................................198 acid, treating emergencies .....198
jumping a disabled battery ....167
maintenance-free ....................198 replacement, specifications ...219
servicing ..................................198
BeltMinder ...................................90
Brakes ........................................148 anti-lock ...........................148 –149
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................148
fluid, checking and adding ....216
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specifications .........222, 224
lubricant specifications ..222, 224
parking ....................................149
shift interlock ..........................151
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................35
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....220
Cassette tape player ...................19
Cell phone use ............................50
Certification Label ....................226
Changing a tire .........................121
Child safety restraints ..............104 child safety belts ....................104
Child safety seats ......................107 attaching with tether straps ..111
in front seat ............................108
in rear seat ..............................108
Cleaning your vehicle engine compartment ..............183
instrument panel ....................185
interior .....................................186
plastic parts ............................185
washing ....................................182
waxing .....................................182
wheels ......................................183
wiper blades ............................185
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Clock adjust6-CD in dash .............................24
Clutch operation while driving ..........156
recommended shift speeds ....156
Console ........................................49
Controls power seat .................................78
Convertible ..................................59 cleaning ...................................185
lowering the convertible top ...59
raising the convertible top ......60
Coolant checking and adding ..............200
refill capacities ................204, 220
specifications ..................222, 224
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................47
Customer Assistance ................158 Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................187
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................180
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............179
Getting roadside assistance ...158
Getting the service you
need .........................................173
Ordering additional owner ’s
literature .................................180
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................176
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................178 D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................32
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................217
engine oil .................................193
Doors lubricant specifications ..........222
Driving under special
conditions ..................................155 through water .........................157
E
Electronic message center .........50
Emergencies, roadside jump-starting ..........................167
Emission control system ..........213
Engine ................................224 –225
cleaning ...................................183
coolant .....................................200
fail-safe coolant ......................204
idle speed control ...................198
lubrication specifications ......222,
224
refill capacities ........................220
service points ..................191 –192
Engine block heater .................147
Engine oil ..................................193 checking and adding ..............193
dipstick ....................................193
filter, specifications ........196, 219
recommendations ...................196
refill capacities ........................220
specifications ..................222, 224
Exhaust fumes ..........................147
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