check engine FORD MUSTANG 2003 4.G Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Interior Luggage
Compartment
Release Symbol
Panic Alarm
Engine OilEngine Coolant
Engine Coolant
TemperatureDo Not Open When
Hot
BatteryAvoid Smoking,
Flames, or Sparks
Battery AcidExplosive Gas
Fan WarningPower Steering
Fluid
Maintain Correct
Fluid LevelMAX
MINEmission System
Engine Air FilterPassenger
Compartment Air
Filter
JackCheck fuel cap
Low tire warning
Introduction
9

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Base instrument cluster
Optional instrument cluster
Turn signals
Illuminates when the
turn signals or the
hazard lights are
turned on. If the lights stay on continuously or flash
faster, check for a burned-out bulb.
High beams
Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps
are turned on.
Safety belt
Illuminates to remind
you to fasten your
safety belts. For more
information, refer to
theSeating and safety restraintschapter.
P! BRAKE
L
0
00000 00
C
E
FH
LH
10 203020 406080100
120
140
160
180
405060 70
80
90
100
11 0
1204
5
6
7 3
2
1
H
THEFT
RPMX1000
FUEL DOORSELECT/RESET
LOW
FUELO/D
OFF AIR
BAGSERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
MPH km/h
ABS
.
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
P! BRAKE
L
0
00000 00
C
E
FH
LH
102040608020 40608010 012 0 14 0
160
180
200
220
240
100
120
140
305070 90
110
13 0
1504
5
6
7
8 3
2
1
H
THEFT
RPMX1000
FUEL DOORSELECT/RESET
LOW
FUELO/D
OFF AIR
BAGSERVICE
ENGINE
SOONCHECK
FUEL
CAP
MPH km/h
ABS
.
Instrument Cluster
10

recommended octane and/or properly installing and
securely tightening the fuel cap. After three driving
cycles without these or any other temporary
malfunctions present, the light should turn off. (A
driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup
followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No
additional vehicle service is required.
If the light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at
the first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your
catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate
fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration)
and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive
exhaust temperatures could damage the
catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor
coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Check fuel cap
Illuminates when the
fuel cap is not installed
correctly. Check the
fuel cap for proper
installation. When the fuel filler cap is properly
re-installed, the light(s) will turn off after a period of
normal driving. Continuing to operate the vehicle
with the check fuel cap light on, or a mis-installed
fuel cap can activate theService Engine
Soon/Check Enginewarning light.
It may take a long period of time for the
system to detect an improperly installed fuel
filler cap.
For more information, refer toFuel filler capin the
Maintenance and specificationschapter.
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
Instrument Cluster
12

Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are
on, the key is removed from the ignition and the
driver’s door is opened.
GAUGES
Base instrument cluster gauges
Optional instrument cluster gauges
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the
temperature of the
engine coolant. At
normal operating
temperature, the needle remains within the normal
area (the area between the“H”and“C”). If it enters
the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the
engine immediately and let the engine cool. Refer to
Engine coolantin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
P! BRAKE
L C
EFH
LH
10 203020 406080100
120
140
160
180
405060 70
80
90
100
11 0
1204
5
6
7 3
2
1
H
THEFT
RPMX1000
FUEL DOORSELECT/RESET
LOW
FUELO/D
OFF AIR
BAGSERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
MPH km/h
ABS
00000 00.
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
P! BRAKE
0
00000 00
FH
H
102040608020 40608010 012 0 14 0
160
180
200
220
240
100
120
140
305070 90
110
13 0
1504
5
6
7
8 3
2
1
H
THEFT
RPMX1000
FUEL DOORSELECT/RESET
LOW
FUELO/D
OFF AIR
BAGSERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
MPH km/h
ABS
.
L
LCHECK
FUEL
CAP
CH
Instrument Cluster
15

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap
while the engine is running or hot. Steam
and scalding liquid from a hot cooling system can
burn you badly.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine
coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at
its proper level the gauge indication will not be
accurate.
Engine oil pressure gauge
Indicates engine oil
pressure. At normal
operating temperature,
the needle will be in
the normal range (the area between the“L”and
“H”); if the needle goes below the normal range,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and
switch off the engine immediately. Check the oil
level. Add oil if needed (refer toEngine oilin the
Maintenance and specificationschapter). If the oil
level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your
dealership or by a qualified technician.
Battery voltage gauge
Indicates battery
voltage. If the pointer
moves and stays
outside the normal
operating range, have the vehicle’s electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
Fuel gauge
Displays approximately
how much fuel is in the
fuel tank. The fuel
gauge may vary slightly
when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade.
LH
LH
F
Instrument Cluster
16

turn ignition OFF and restart the engine with all
other objects on the key ring held away from the
ignition key. Check to make sure thecoded keyis
an approved Fordcoded key.
If your keys are lost or stolen you will need to do
the following:
•Use your spare key to start the vehicle, or
•Have your vehicle towed to a dealership or a
locksmith. The key codes will need to be erased
from your vehicle and new key codes will need to
be re-coded.
Replacing coded keys can be very costly and you
may want to store an extra programmed key away
from the vehicle in a safe place to prevent an
unforeseen inconvenience.
The correctcoded keymust be used for your
vehicle. The use of the wrong type ofcoded key
may lead to a“no start”condition.
If an unprogrammed key is used in the ignition
it will cause a“no start”condition.
Programming spare keys
A maximum of eight keys can be coded to your
vehicle. Only SecuriLock
keys can be used. To
program acoded keyyourself, you will need two
previously programmedcoded keys(keys that
already operate your vehicle’s engine) and the new
unprogrammed key(s) readily accessible for timely
implementation of each step in the procedure.
If two previously programmed coded keys are not
available, you must bring your vehicle to your
dealership to have the spare coded key(s)
programmed.
Please read and understand the entire procedure
before you begin.
Locks and Security
97

the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the
engine. For more information on starting the vehicle,
refer toStarting the enginein this chapter.
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.
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.
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. SeeGuarding against
exhaust fumesin this chapter for more
instructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine’sidle
revolutions per minute (RPM). When the engine
starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in
order to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed
does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more
than 10 minutes at high engine RPM.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled
their safety belts. For more information on safety
belts and their proper usage, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Driving
134

Makesurethecorrespondinglights illuminate or
illuminate briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have
the vehicle serviced.
•If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the
light
may not illuminate.
Starting the engine
Note:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the
key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
1. Turn the key to 5
(START) without
pressing the
accelerator pedal and
release as soon as the
engine starts. The key
will return to 4 (ON).
2. If the temperature is
above–12°C (10°F) and the engine does not start
within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to
OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine
does not start in two attempts, press the accelerator
all the way to the floor and hold. Turn the key to
the START position.
P! BRAKE
L
0
00000 00
C
E
FH
LH
10 203020 406080100
120
140
160
180
405060 70
80
90
100
11 0
1204
5
6
7 3
2
1
H
THEFT
RPMX1000
FUEL DOORSELECT/RESET
LOW
FUELO/D
OFF AIR
BAGSERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
MPH km/h
ABS
.
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
3
2
1
5
4
Driving
136

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
•the vehicle is raised for service.
•the sound of the exhaust system changes.
•the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).
Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped)
to bring in fresh air.
Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves and other debris.
BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled
maintenance.
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
Driving
138

To release the parking
brake, the brake handle
may need to be pulled
up slightly to release
pressure before
pushing in the button.
Push the button on the
end of the parking
brake handle and push the handle down as far as
possible. Driving with the parking brake applied will
cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock 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, bumps, wet or snowy roads is
normal and indicates proper functioning of the
vehicle’s anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a
self-check after you start the engine and begin to
drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be heard
during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is
found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the
steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by
detecting the onset of
wheel lockup during
brake applications and
compensates for this
tendency. The wheels
are prevented from
locking even when the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts the advantage of
an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with
loss of front braking traction.
Driving
140