service FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owner's Manual

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[GF09200( ALL)03/96]
Driving
[GF09500(M )04/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift is console-mounted on
the floor. The Transmission Control Switch (TCS)
is located on the gearshift handle. The
Transmission Control Indicator Light (O/D OFF)
is located on the instrument panel. You can put
the gearshift lever in any of the several
positions.
[GF09700(MBC )12/95]
The OVERDRIVE OFF light is off (not
illuminated) during normal vehicle operation.
This allows the transmission to upshift and
downshift from 1st through 4th gears. When the
TCS is pressed, the Transmission Control
Indicator Light will illuminate (O/D OFF) on the
instrument panel. When this O/D OFF is
illuminated the transmission will upshift and
downshift from 1st through 3rd gears.
[GF09800( ALL)12/95]
If the O/D OFF light does not come ªonº when
the TCS is depressed or if the light ªFLASHESº
when you are driving, have your vehicle
serviced at the first opportunity. If this condition
persists, damage could occur to the transmission.
[GF10000(M )04/96]
To return the transmission to normal operation
(1st through 4th gear) depress the TCS marked
ªO/Dº again. This switch may be used to cancel
overdrive any time the vehicle is being driven.
Each time your vehicle is started, the overdrive
system will automatically be in the normal
overdrive mode and the O/D light will not be
illuminated.
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[GF10200(MBC )01/96]
When to use D (Overdrive)
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[GF10300( ALL)12/95]
Overdrive is the usual driving position for an
automatic overdrive transmission. It works the
same way Drive works, automatically upshifting
or downshifting as the vehicle speeds or slows.
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173
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[GF17400(MBC )01/96]
Trailer Towing
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[GF17600( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle does not come from the factory
fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are
available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealers.
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[GF17700( ALL)12/95]
Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on
your vehicle, you must follow certain
precautions for your safety and the good of your
vehicle:
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[GF17800( ALL)12/95]
q
Stay within the load limits for towing your
vehicle. (SeeTrailer towing specificationsin this
chapter.)
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[GF17900( ALL)01/96]
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Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
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[GF18000( ALL)01/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
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[GF18100( ALL)01/96]
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Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
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[GF18200( ALL)12/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should
be on the tongue. However, the tongue load
should never exceed 10% of the maximum
weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
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[GF18300( ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a
temporary spare tire.
[GF18400( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing
vehicle. The amount of weight that you can
safely tow depends on the optional equipment
on your vehicle. See the following chart.
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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
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[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
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[GF23700( ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
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[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.
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[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.
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[GF24000( ALL)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
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Slippery roads
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[GF24200( ALL)01/96]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
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[GF24300( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
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[GF24400( ALL)01/96]
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Drive slower than you normally would.
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[GF24500( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not use speed control.
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[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.)
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[GF24800( ALL)01/96]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
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191
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[ER08100( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
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[ER08200( ALL)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
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[ER08300( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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[ER08400( ALL)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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[ER08500( ALL)01/96]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
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[ER08600( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
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[ER08700( ALL)03/96]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
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[ER09300( ALL)02/96]
Changing a Tire
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[ER09400( ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
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198
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[ER16000(MBC )03/96]
6. Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug
nuts in the order shown in the following
illustration. As soon as possible, have your
dealer or a qualified service technician check
the lug nuts for proper torque specifications.
% [ER16100( ALL)12/95]
quarter page art:0010350-A
The lug nuts on the wheel
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[ER16200(MBC )03/96]
7. Place any wheel covers and ornaments in the
trunk.
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[ER16300(MBC )03/96]
8. Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. Make
sure the jack is securely fastened so it does
not rattle when you drive.
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[ER16400(MBC )03/96]
9. Unblock the wheels.
% [ER16600(MBC )12/95]
Aluminum Road Wheel Ornaments
(If equipped)
[ER16700(MBC )12/95]
To remove the ornament, stick the tapered end
of the jack handle between the ornament and
wheel and pry off the ornament.
[ER16800(MBC )12/95]
To replace the ornament, stick one side of the
ornament into the center of the wheel and strike
the other side with the palm of your hand.
[ER18300(M GV)12/95]
Remove the base wheelcover from the wheel
using the flanged end of the wheel nut wrench
by inserting the handle and then prying against
the inner wheelcover flange.
[ER18301(MBC )02/97]
Remove the exposed lug nut wheel cover by
using the wheel lug nut wrench to unscrew each
lug nut cover counter-clockwise.
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201 %
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[ER20200( ALL)02/96]
WARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[ER20300( ALL)02/96]
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
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[ER20400( ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
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[ER20500( ALL)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in
the order they are given. If in doubt, call for
road service.
%*
[ER20600( ALL)02/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
[ER20700( ALL)02/96]
NOTE: also see label on battery.
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[ER20800( ALL)02/96]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
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207
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[ER23500( ALL)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
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[ER23600( ALL)01/96]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact
a professional towing service or, if you are a
member, your roadside assistance center.
[ER23670(M )04/96]
Mustang/Mustang GT
[ER23675(M )04/96]
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed
with wheel lift or flatbed equipment. If slingbelt
equipment must be used, the towbar will deform
the soft fascia (bumper). However, it will return
to an acceptable shape.
[ER23680(M )04/96]
Mustang Convertible
[ER23685(M )04/96]
DO NOT TOW WITH SLINGBELT
EQUIPMENT. Ford Motor Company has not
developed or approved a T-hook sling-type
procedure. Use wheel lift or flatbed equipment.
If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear
using wheel lift equipment, the front wheels
must be placed on a dolly to prevent damage to
the front fascia (bumper).
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209
Maintenance and Care
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[MC00200( ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
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[MC00300( ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[MC00400( ALL)01/96]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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[MC00500( ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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[MC00600( ALL)01/96]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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[MC00700( ALL)03/96]
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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[MC00800( ALL)02/96]
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
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[MC00900( ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*
[MC01000( ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
*
[MC01100( ALL)02/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet be performed for
the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance
Checklist, be alert for any unusual noise,
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210vibration, or other indication that your vehicle
may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced
promptly.
*
[MC01200( ALL)01/96]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts conforming to Ford
specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is
your assurance that Ford-built quality stays in
your vehicle.
%*
[MC01300( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
%
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[MC01400( ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
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[MC01500( ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
%*
[MC01600(MBC )01/96]
q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
*
[MC01700(MBC )05/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
*
[MC01800( ALL)01/96]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
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213
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[MC04500( ALL)03/96]
Engine Compartment
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[MC04600(MBC )01/96]
Your vehicle has one of these types of engines:
[MC04800(MBC )02/96]
q
a 3.8 liter SFI engine
[MC04900(MBC )12/95]
q
a 4.6 liter SFI engine
*
[MC05000(MBC )03/96]
The following pages show diagrams of each
engine type and where to find items that you
should regularly service.
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