check engine FORD MUSTANG 1996 4.G Owner's Guide

260
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[SV22145( ALL)02/95]
If the level gets low, you can add tap water to
the battery, provided the water isn't hard or
doesn't have a high mineral or alkali content.
However, if possible you should refill the battery
with distilled water. If the battery needs water
quite often, have the charging system checked
for a possible malfunction.
%*
[SV22160( ALL)03/95]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[SV22175( ALL)04/95]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[SV22190( ALL)03/95]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
% [SV22192(M )03/95]
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control
conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. If you ever disconnect the battery, install
a new battery, or experience a dead battery, you
must allow the computer to ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will idle at its
best. To let the engine do this, put the gearshift
in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or Neutral
(manual transmission), turn off all the
accessories, and start the vehicle. Let the engine
idle for at least one minute. (Engine must be
warm in order to ªlearn.º) Also, allow
approximately 10 miles (16 km) of stop and go
traffic for your vehicle's engine to completely
ªrelearnº its idle.
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261 [SV22198(M )09/95]
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a 3.8L
engine you will need to perform
additional steps after the battery has
been disconnected, jump started or
replaced. SeeReadiness for
Inspection/Maintenance Testingin
Servicing Your Vehicle chapter.
%
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[SV22200( ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and
Wipers
%*
[SV22250( ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
[SV22300( ALL)12/94]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
periodically, or when the optional lamp indicates
low fluid. The reservoir for washer fluid is
located on the driver's side of the engine
compartment. Visual inspection can determine if
the washer fluid is adequate. Do not operate the
washer when the reservoir is empty.
[SV22900(M )10/95]
half page art:0010374-D
The reservoir for the windshield washer fluid
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262
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[SV23400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
%*
[SV23500( ALL)01/95]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOC's) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
%*
[SV23600( ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
*
[SV23700( ALL)03/95]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Substances such as tree
sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness
of wiper blades.
*
[SV23800( ALL)09/95]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do
not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents to clean your wiper blades. These will
damage your blades.
*
[SV23900( ALL)03/95]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply
turn the ignition to the ACC position and turn
your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to the OFF
position. Do not move the wipers manually.
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270 %
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[SV30550( ALL)02/95]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
*
[SV30560( ALL)05/95]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20
miles (30 km) of driving. However, if necessary,
you can check the fluid level without having to
drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal
operating temperature if outside temperatures
are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
[SV30575( ALL)03/94]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and, while fully applying the brake
pedal, move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage.Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
[SV30625(MBC )03/93]
NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven if
the fluid level is below the low cold
reading on the dipstick.
*
[SV30650( ALL)02/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out
and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
[SV30675(MBC )10/95]
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperature150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC), thefluid
level should be within the hot notched area on
the dipstick. When the vehicle has not been
driven, and the fluid is at room temperature
50ÊF-95ÊF (10ÊC-35ÊC), thefluid level should be
within the cold notched area.
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272
% [SV30875(M )12/94]
Manual Transmission Fluid
% [SV30925(M )03/95]
The fluid level and quality should not
deteriorate under normal driving conditions.
However, it is suggested that you have the fluid
level checked occasionally. If fluid is required,
seeLubricant Specificationsin the Index.
%
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[SV30950(M )02/95]
The Clutch
[SV30975(M )12/94]
The clutch on your vehicle is operated by a
cable that adjusts itself with a little help from
you. Complete the following steps every
5,000-6,000 miles (10,000 km) to adjust the
clutch.
[SV31001(M )01/89]
1. Turn your engine off and put your gearshift
in First.
[SV31025(M )10/89]
2. Put your foot under the clutch pedal and
gently pull it up until the pedal stops.
[SV31050(M )01/89]
3. Then push the clutch down slowly. You will
hear a click if your clutch needed adjusting
and adjusted itself.
%
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[SV31900( ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV32000( ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
[SV32300(M )03/95]
Check the brake fluid at each scheduled engine
oil change or at least once a year. You can do
this by looking at the fluid level in the plastic
reservoir on the master cylinder. Also, see label
on reservoir cap. (To locate the master cylinder,
seeThe Engine Typesin the Index.) The fluid
level should be between the MIN and MAX
marks.
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274 [SV33450(M )05/95]
one third page art:0011349-AThe brake fluid reservoir Ð 4.6L engines
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[SV33700( ALL)01/95]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[SV33750( ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
%
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[SV34800( ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV34900( ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV35000( ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
[SV35055(M )10/95]
3.8L SFI engine (check warm)
*
[SV35100( ALL)02/95]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
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275
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[SV35200( ALL)01/95]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[SV35300( ALL)05/95]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[SV35400(MBC )03/94]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[SV35500(MBC )07/94]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
*
[SV35600(MBC )03/95]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
[SV35700(MBC )12/94]
half page art:0010485-C
The dipstick for power steering fluid
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276 [SV35875(M GV)03/95]Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford
Specification MerconHATF XT-2-QDX.
*
[SV35900( ALL)01/95]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[SV36100(MBC )02/95]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
[SV36105(M )10/95]
NOTE: The brakes on the 4.6L engine vehicles
are powered by power steering fluid
from the power steering pump. The
fluid level in the power steering
reservoir will rise and fall due to the
amount of charge in the brake booster
accumulator. Therefore the following is
required.
[SV36157(M )10/95]
4.6L SFI engine (check cold)
[SV36170(MBC )03/95]
1. Check the fluid level when the system is
COLD (allow at least one half hour after
driving for the power steering fluid to cool).
[SV36171(MBC )10/95]
2. Locate the power steering reservoir mounted
to the front upper left-hand corner of the
engine.
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277 [SV36174(M )10/95]
NOTE: Brake fluid and power steering fluid
CAN NOT be mixed. Only add brake
fluid to the brake master cylinder
reservoir. Only add power steering
fluid to the power steering reservoir.
[SV36179(M )10/95]
3. Visually verify that the fluid level is above
the MIN line adjacent to the reservoir ªsight
window.º
[SV36183(M )10/95]
4. If the power steering fluid is below the MIN
line, remove the cap and add fluid in small
amounts until the level is between the MIN
and MAX lines.
[SV36186(M )10/95]
5. Reinstall the reservoir cap.
[SV36188(M)02/96]
It is normal for the fluid level to be above the
MAX line after the brake pedal has been pushed
several times with the engine off. (If you want
to double check it; restart the engine and turn
steering wheel to full right turn, the full left turn
and then turn engine off and re-check fluid
level. It should be between the MIN and MAX
line.)
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295
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[SV53150( ALL)05/95]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine
Ford replacement parts. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for the service of components
affecting emission control, such non-Ford parts
should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It
is the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
*
[SV53175( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[SV53200( ALL)05/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[SV53300( ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[SV53400( ALL)01/95]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
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