FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual

151 %
*
[TO02100( ALL)01/96]
For a cold engine:
*
[TO02200( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
*
[TO02300( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
%*
[TO02400( ALL)01/96]
For a warm engine:
*
[TO02500( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.
*
[TO02600( ALL)01/96]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
*
[TO02700( ALL)01/96]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.
*
[TO02800( ALL)12/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that
prevents you from shifting out of P
(Park) unless your foot is on the brake
pedal.
File:08rctom.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:46:27 1997

152 %
*
[TO02900( ALL)01/96]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
*
[TO03000( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[TO03100( ALL)01/96]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[TO03200( ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[TO03300( ALL)01/96]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[TO03400( ALL)03/96]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up.
[TO03500( ALL)03/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchin the Index.
*
[TO03600( ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
*
[TO03700( ALL)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[TO03800( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
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Update:Thu Apr 3 07:46:27 1997

153
*
[TO03900( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[TO04000( ALL)01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[TO04100( ALL)01/96]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[TO04200( ALL)01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[TO04300( ALL)01/96]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.
*
[TO04400( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
*
[TO04500( ALL)01/96]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.
*
[TO04600( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Be sure to disconnect the engine block
heater before driving your vehicle.
File:08rctom.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:46:27 1997

154
*
[TO04700( ALL)12/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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[TO04800( ALL)01/96]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[TO04900( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO05000( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
*
[TO05100( ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
*
[TO05200( ALL)01/96]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[TO05300( ALL)01/96]
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[TO05400( ALL)01/96]
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
*
[TO05500( ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.
File:08rctom.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:46:27 1997

155 [TO05600( ALL)12/95]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, the
heating or air conditioning system should be set
to any function except MAX A/C or AUTO.
[TO05700(M )12/95]
q
If you use the heater, set the fan speed on
MEDIUM or HIGH with the function control
knob at any desired position.
[TO05900(M )12/95]
q
If you use the air conditioner, set the fan
speed on MEDIUM or HIGH with the
function control knob at any position except
OFF and the temperature control lever at
mid-position.
*
[TO06100( ALL)01/96]
Pushing
[TO06200(M )01/96]
Vehicles with automatic transmissions cannot be
started by pushing. Vehicles with manual
transmissions should not be push started due to
possible catalytic converter damage. Follow the
directions underIf Your Vehicle Needs a
Jump-Start.
File:08rctom.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:46:27 1997

157
Driving
%*
[GF00500( ALL)01/96]
Brakes
%*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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 %
*
[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
*
[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
*
[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.
*
[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