check engine FORD MUSTANG 1998 4.G Owner's Manual

If your vehicle is
equipped with the
3.8L V6 engine,check
the power steering
fluid level with the
engine at normal
operating temperature.
1. Start the engine and
let it run until it
reaches normal
operating temperature
(the engine coolant
temperature gauge
indicator will be near
the center of the
normal area between H
and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel
left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be
within the FULL HOT range. Do not add fluid if the
level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
correct operating range. Be sure to put the cap back
on the reservoir.
FILL
HOT
Maintenance and care
141

If your vehicle is
equipped with a 4.6L
V8 engine,check the
power steering fluid
level with the engine at
ambient temperature.
Allow at least one-half
hour after driving for
the power steering
fluid to cool.
1. Start the engine and
allow the engine to
idle.
2. Turn the steering
wheel left and right
several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be
between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if
the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
correct operating range. Be sure to put the cap back
on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
scheduled intervals for fluid checks and changes.
Your transmission does not consume fluid. However,
the fluid level should be checked if the transmission
is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips
or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed.
To obtain an accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle
until it is at normal operating temperature
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has
MAXMIN
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142

been operated for an extended period at high
speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a
trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about
30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the
parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on
the brake pedal, start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges. Allow
sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the
engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean,
dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in
the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level.
The fluid should be in the designated area for
normal operating temperature (H) or ambient
temperature (C).
Low fluid level
Do not drive the
vehicle if the fluid level
is at the bottom of the
dipstick and the ambient temperature is above 10ÉC
(50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal
operating temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on
a level surface. The normal operating temperature
can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the
ambient temperature is above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However,
if fluid is added at this time, an overfill condition
Maintenance and care
143

4. The relearning process will automatically
complete as you drive the vehicle.
²The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km
(10 miles) or more to relearn the idle and fuel
trim strategy.
²If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle
trim, the idle quality of your vehicle may be
adversely affected until the idle trim is eventually
relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new
battery has been installed, the clock and the preset
radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
²Always dispose of
automotive batteries
in a responsible
manner. Follow your
local authorized
standards for
disposal. Call your
local authorized
recycling center to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when
they seem less effective. Substances such as tree sap
and some hot wax treatments used by commercial
car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and wiper blades using undiluted
windshield wiper solution or a mild detergent. Rinse
thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and care
148

2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8
of a turn until it stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with
the notches on the filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
If the ªService Engine Soon/Check Engineº indicator
comes on and stays on when you start the engine,
the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed.
Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap and
reinstall it being careful to align the cap properly.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace
it with a genuine Ford or Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank or fuel system if a genuine
Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel filler cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before
completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
the pressure in the fuel tank can damage
the fuel system or cause it to work improperly in a
collision.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel
is prohibited by law and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use gasolines containing methanol. It can
damage critical fuel systems components.
Vehicles certified to meet California emission
standards (indicated on the underhood Vehicle
Maintenance and care
156

²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go
driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only
recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of
alignment will reduce fuel economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant
Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance
items. Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule and owner maintenance checks found in
your vehicle Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may
reduce fuel economy at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel
economy (approximately 2 km/h [1 mpg] is lost
for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for
example bug deflectors, rollover/light bars,
running boards, ski/luggage racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
²Use of fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel
economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 12±16 km
(8±10 miles) of driving.
²Flat terrain driving improves fuel economy over
hilly roads.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when
operated in the top cruise gear and with steady
pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
Maintenance and care
162

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.
Illumination of the charging system warning light,
ªService Engine Soonº light or the temperature
warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful
and potentially lethal fumes into the
passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle owners and anyone
who manufactures, repairs, items, sells, leases,
trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are
not permitted to intentionally remove an emission
control device or prevent it from working.
Information about your vehicle's emission system is
on the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal
located on or near the engine. This decal identifies
engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete
emission warranty information.
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to
pass an I/M test of the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II)
system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº
light is on, refer to the description in theWarning
Lights and Chimessection of theInstrumentation
chapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
Maintenance and care
164

If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD-II system is reset to a
ªnot ready for I/M testº condition. To ready the
OBD-II system for I/M testing, a minimum of
30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary
as described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an
expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go,
city-type traffic with at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours
without starting the engine. Then, start the engine
and complete the above driving cycle. The engine
must warm up to its normal operating temperature.
Once started, do not turn off the engine until the
above driving cycle is complete.
EXTERIOR BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps
frequently:
²Headlamps
²Tail lamps
²Brakelamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Turn signals
²Backup lamps
²License plate lamp
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they will be
replaced immediately. If a bulb is removed for an
extended period of time, contaminants may enter
the lamp housings and affect performance.
Maintenance and care
165

Fluid Ford Part
NameAppli-
cationCapacity
Fuel tank N/A All 58.7L (15.5
gallons)
Trans-
mission
fluidMotorcraft
MER-
CONtV
AT FAutomatic
with 3.8L
OHV V6
engine13.1L (13.9
quarts)
Automatic
with 4.6L
SOHC V8
engine12.0L (12.8
quarts)
Motorcraft
MERCONt
AT FManual
with 3.8L
OHV V6
engine2.6L
(5.6 pints)
Manual
with 4.6L
SOHC V8
engine
3
3.1L
(6.6 pints)
Windshield
washer
fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll Fill to line
on
reservoir
1If your engine coolant is green in color, use Ford
Premium Cooling System Fluid. If your coolant is
orange in color, use Ford Extended Life Engine
Coolant. Refer toAdding engine coolant, in the
Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Rear axle lubricants do not need to be checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required
or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The
axle lubricant should be changed any time the rear axle
has been submerged in water. Fill 6 mm to 14 mm
(1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole. Add
118 ml (4 oz.) of additive friction modifier
C8AZ-19B546-A, Ford specification EST-M2C118±A for
complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
3Service refill capacity is determined by filling the
transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with the
vehicle on a level surface.
Capacities and specifications
179

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........ 71
and child
safety seats ............. 73
description .............. 72
disposal .................... 76
indicator light ......... 75
passenger air bag ... 74
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .. 94,95,96,97
Axle
refill capacities ...... 178
Battery
voltage gauge .......... 15
Brakes ................... 88,90
anti-lock .............. 88,89
anti-lock brake
system (ABS)
warning light ........... 89
fluid, checking
and adding ............ 133
shift interlock .......... 93
Break-in period ........ 2,3
Child safety seats
attaching with
tether straps ........... 82
in rear seat .............. 80
tether anchorage
hardware ................. 82
Cleaning
your vehicle ............. 171
engine
compartment ......... 173
exterior ........... 173,176
exterior lamps ....... 174
interior ................... 175
plastic parts .......... 174
washing .................. 172
waxing ................... 172
wheels .................... 173
windows ................ 176wiper blades .......... 174
Clutch
fluid ........................ 135
operation
while driving ........... 98
recommended shift
speeds ...................... 99
Console ...................... 52
Controls
power seat ............... 64
Convertible ................ 53
cleaning ................. 176
installation
of the boot .............. 54
lowering the
convertible top ........ 53
raising the
convertible top ........ 55
Coolant ............. 139,140
checking
and adding ............ 138
refill capacities ...... 140
Defrost
rear window ............ 17
Emission
control system ......... 163
Engine
coolant ................... 137
idle speed control . 146
service points . 129,130
starting after a
collision ................. 108
Engine block heater . 86
Engine oil
checking
and adding ............ 132
dipstick .................. 130
specifications . 130,133
Exhaust fumes .......... 87
Floor mats ................. 51
Index
186