towing FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual

5
*
[II03090( ALL)04/96]
Ford ESP is an optional service contract, backed
and administered by Ford. It provides:
*
[II03120( ALL)04/96]
q
protection against repair costs after your
Bumper to Bumper Warranty expires;
*
[II03150( ALL)04/96]
and
*
[II03180( ALL)04/96]
q
other benefits during the warranty period
(such as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage
for certain maintenance and wear items).
*
[II03210( ALL)04/96]
You may purchase Ford ESP from any
participating Ford Motor Company dealer. There
are several Ford ESP plans available in various
time-and-mileage combinations. Each plan can be
tailored to fit your own driving needs, including
reimbursement benefits for towing and rental.
(In Hawaii, rules vary. See your dealer for
details.)
*
[II03240( ALL)04/96]
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive
peace-of-mind protection throughout the United
States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,100 participating Ford Motor
Company dealers.
*
[II03270( ALL)04/96]
NOTE: Repairs performed outside the United
States and Canada are not eligible for
ESP coverage.
*
[II03310( ALL)04/96]
This information is subject to change, ask your
dealer for complete details about Ford ESP
coverage.
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Update:Thu Apr 3 07:37:44 1997

173
%*
[GF17400(MBC )01/96]
Trailer Towing
*
[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.
*
[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:
*
[GF17800( ALL)12/95]
q
Stay within the load limits for towing your
vehicle. (SeeTrailer towing specificationsin this
chapter.)
*
[GF17900( ALL)01/96]
q
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.)
*
[GF18000( ALL)01/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[GF18100( ALL)01/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
*
[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.
*
[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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174 % [GF18500( ALL)12/95]Trailer towing specifications
[GF18600(M )12/95]
six pica chart:0010320-C*
[GF19000( ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF19100( ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[GF19200( ALL)12/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the load.
*
[GF19300( ALL)12/95]
Always check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires when preparing to tow (see inflation
recommendation on the tire label).
%*
[GF19400( ALL)12/95]
Using the hitch
*
[GF19500(MBC )12/95]
Your vehicle uses aload carryinghitch. Because
this type of hitch places the tongue load of a
trailer on the rear wheels of your vehicle, you
must distribute the load in your trailer so that
only 10 to 15% of the total weight of the trailer
is on the tongue.
*
[GF20000( ALL)12/95]
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and
change the weight on the hitch. This will
prevent damage to your vehicle and make your
vehicle easier to handle.
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Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

176 %
*
[GF22000( ALL)12/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[GF22100( ALL)12/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
*
[GF22300( ALL)12/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting
system.
%*
[GF22400( ALL)01/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF22500( ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[GF22800(MBC )12/95]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, depress the
Transmission Control Switch (TCS). This will
also give the engine more power going up hills
and better engine braking going down hills.
[GF22900(M )12/95]
If your vehicle has a manual transmission and
you are towing a trailer, you should select gear
positions which will avoid jerking or excessive
engine speed. If you need to drive excessively in
1 (First) or 2 (Second), it may indicate that the
trailer is too big or heavily loaded for your
vehicle's drivetrain. Continuous driving in these
two gears while towing a trailer is not
recommended.
[GF23000(M )12/95]
When you tow up or down steep hills, move the
manual transmission gearshift to a lower gear.
This will increase engine power on upgrades
and engine braking on downgrades.
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Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

177 %
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
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191
*
[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.
*
[ER08200( ALL)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ER08300( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ER08400( ALL)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[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.
*
[ER08600( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[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.
%
*
[ER09300( ALL)02/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[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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Update:Tue Mar 4 10:01:28 1997

207
%*
[ER23500( ALL)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
*
[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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Update:Tue Mar 4 10:01:28 1997

208 [ER23690(M )03/96]
three fourths page art:0011387-B
*
[ER23800( ALL)01/96]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator
what kind of vehicle you have. A towing
manual is available from Ford Motor Company
for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for
the proper hook-up and towing procedures for
your vehicle.
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Update:Tue Mar 4 10:01:28 1997

275
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205( ALL)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210( ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first.
To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto
Club in the United States or Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada), contact
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Additional
Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00215( ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220( ALL)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225( ALL)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230( ALL)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235( ALL)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240( ALL)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
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314 Index
Cold engine starting........... 151
Combination lap and shoulder belts . . 111, 114
Compact disc player (see Electronic sound
system)................. 34
Console, description............ 83
Controls, mirrors............. 77
Convenience kit in cargo area...... 193
Convertible
cleaning................ 91
installation of the boot.......... 87
lowering the convertible top....... 85
raising the convertible top........ 90
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 224
checking and adding......... 224
drain and flush............ 228
preparing for storage......... 270
refill capacities............ 266
specifications............. 267
temperature gauge........... 18
warnings............... 224
Cooling fan............... 210
Crankcase emission filter......... 265
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 277
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........277, 283
D
Daytime running light system....... 59
Defrost
rear window.............. 58
windshield............... 57
Dipstick................ 217
automatic transmission fluid....234, 236
engine oil.............. 217
power steering fluid.......... 231
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 207
Dispute Settlement Board........ 278
File:rcixm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:52:02 1997