maintenance FORD MUSTANG 1998 4.G User Guide

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine
compartment for easy location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which
makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your
dealership can provide necessary parts and service.
Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out which parts
and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and
service parts conforming to specifications. Motorcraft
parts are designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR
VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing
your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing,
jewelry or long hair away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running
in an enclosed space, unless you are sure you
have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit
material away from the battery and all fuel related
parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained in theBatterysection in
this chapter.
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Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
3. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
4. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the
engine is running.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and
place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the
engine is running.
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127

OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle,
pull the hood release
handle located under
the bottom left corner
of the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the
auxiliary latch that is located under the front center
of the hood.
3. Lift the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
HOOD
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
3.8L OHV V6 engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Power distribution box
5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if
equipped)
6
1023
4
5
789
1
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4.6L SOHC V8 engine
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Power distribution box
4. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
5. Battery
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if
equipped)
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
56798
23
4
110
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2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level
indicator (dipstick).
²3.8L OHV V6 engine
²4.6L SOHC V8
engine
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully,
then remove it again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MINÐMAX
marks,the oil level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD
OIL.
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
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²If the oil level is
below the MIN mark,
add enough oil to
raise the level within
the MINÐMAX
range.
²Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine
damage. Some oil must be removed from the
engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully
seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to
Checking the engine oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal
range, add only certified engine oil of the
recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler
cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the
opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil
level is not above the F in FULL mark on the
dipstick.
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132

Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this
certification mark.
Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C153-G.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified for gasoline
engines by the American Petroleum Institute.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil
treatments or engine treatments. They are
unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your
warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the
appropriate schedule listed in the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil
filters are designed for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter is used that does
not meet Ford material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate
Motorcraft oil filter (or another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine application.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and refilled as
needed. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for the service interval schedules:
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²3.8L OHV V6 engine
²4.6L SOHC V8
engine
1. Clean the reservoir cap before removal to prevent
dirt or water from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the
fluid level.
3. If necessary, add
brake fluid until the
level reaches MAX. Do
not fill above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid certified to meet
Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
MAX
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If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3,
you will cause permanent damage to your
brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the brakes
to fail.
CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch
adjustment. Refer to
the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide for
the service interval
schedules.
The clutch on your
vehicle is operated by a
cable. As necessary, adjust the clutch as described
below.
1. Turn the engine off and shift into 1 (First).
2. Put your foot under the clutch pedal and gently
pull it up until the pedal stops.
3. Push the clutch pedal down slowly. You will hear a
click as the clutch adjusts itself.
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