towing FORD MUSTANG 2008 5.G Owners Manual

Seating and Safety Restraints 94
Seating 94
Safety restraints 100
Airbags 115
Child restraints 126
Tires, Wheels and Loading 140
Tire information 140
Tire inflation 142
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 155
Vehicle loading 160
Trailer towing 166
Recreational towing 168
Driving 169
Starting 169
Brakes 175
Traction Control™ 176
Transmission operation 179
Roadside Emergencies 186
Getting roadside assistance 186
Hazard flasher switch 188
Fuel pump shut-off switch 188
Fuses and relays 189
Changing tires 195
Temporary mobility kit 201
Lug nut torque 209
Jump starting 210
Wrecker towing 215
Customer Assistance 216
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 222
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 223
Cleaning 224
Table of Contents
2
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

1. Insert a previously programmed
coded key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition from the
1 (OFF/LOCK) position to the
3 (ON) position. Keep the ignition
in the 3 (ON) position for at least
one second, but no more than
10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition to the
1 (OFF/LOCK) position, and remove
the coded key from the ignition.
4. Within ten seconds of removing the previously programmed coded key,
insert the other previously programmed coded key into the ignition.
5. Turn the ignition from the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position to the 3 (ON)
position. Keep the ignition in the 3 (ON) position for at least one second
but not more than 10 seconds.
6. Turn the ignition to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position, and remove the
second key from the ignition.
7. Within twenty seconds of removing the previously programmed coded
key, insert the unprogrammed key (new/valet key) into the ignition.
8. Turn the ignition from the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position to the 3 (ON)
position. Keep the ignition in the 3 (ON) position for at least one second.
9. Your new unprogrammed key is now programmed.
If the key has been successfully programmed it will start the vehicle’s
engine and the theft indicator light will illuminate for three seconds and
then go out. If the key was not successfully programmed, it will not start
your vehicle’s engine and the theft indicator light will flash on and off
rapidly. If failure repeats, bring your vehicle to your authorized dealer to
have the new key(s) programmed.
To program additional new unprogrammed key(s), repeat this procedure
from Step 1 for each additional key.
ACTIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The active anti-theft system is designed to warn you in the event of an
unauthorized entry to your vehicle and is also designed to help prevent
the unwanted towing of the vehicle.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Locks and Security
91

When the vehicle is locked and armed, the active anti-theft system
monitors the following:
•Doors
•Hood
•Trunk
•Movement inside the vehicle
•Change in vehicle inclination
Note:The active anti-theft system includes a motion detection system
which monitors the passenger cabin and a vehicle incline sensor which
detects changes in vehicle attitude.
The interior motion detection and vehicle incline sensing systems
will operate only when the vehicle is locked using the remote
keyless entry transmitter or when using the power door lock
control with the accompanying door open and all doors then
become closed. For convertible vehicles, the convertible top must
be in the fully closed and latched position for the interior motion
sensing system to arm. If you lock the vehicle using the key in the
driver door key cylinder, the system will monitor the doors,
trunk, and hood but the motion sensing and vehicle incline
sensing will not arm.
Do not arm the interior motion detection system if movement within the
vehicle is likely to occur. Additionally, do not arm the vehicle incline
sensing system when the vehicle is in transport.
For proper operation of the interior motion detection system, ensure all
windows are closed prior to arming the system. This will help prevent
accidental alarm activation due to external influences and ensure proper
interior motion detection. Additionally, the interior motion sensing
system will not arm if either door or the trunk is ajar.
If there is any potential active anti-theft problem with your vehicle,
ensureALL remote entry transmittersare taken to an authorized
dealer to aid in troubleshooting.
Arming the system
When armed, the active anti-theft system is designed to notify you of an
unauthorized entry. When unauthorized entry or towing occurs, the
system will flash the turn signal lamps and interior lamps and sounds the
security horn.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Locks and Security
92

Example only:
Cargo Weight– includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load
weight is also part of cargo weight.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight)– is the total weight placed on each axle
(front and rear) – including vehicle curb weight and all payload.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
162

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear).These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label
located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. The total
load on each axle must never exceed its GAWR.
Note:For trailer towing information refer toTrailer towingfound in
this chapter or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your
authorized dealer.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)– is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo +
passengers.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)– is the maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
vehicle (including all options,
equipment, passengers and cargo).
The GVWR is shown on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label located on the B-Pillar or
the edge of the driver’s door.
The GVW must never exceed the
GVWR.
Exceeding the Safety Compliance Certification Label vehicle
weight rating limits could result in substandard vehicle handling
or performance, engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious
damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
163

GCW (Gross Combined Weight)– is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer – including all cargo and
passengers – that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicles’ braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe
control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the towing
vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.The
GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight– is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
10–15% (conventional trailer), and driver only (150 lb. [68 kg]).Consult
your authorized dealer (or theRV and Trailer Towing Guide
provided by your authorized dealer) for more detailed
information.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities
than the original tires because they may lower the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit
than the original tires do not increase the GVWR and GAWR
limitations.
Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Steps for determining the correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
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2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400–750 (5 x 150)
= 650 lb.). In metric units (635–340 (5 x 68) = 295 kg.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
The following gives you a few examples on how to calculate the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity:
•Another example for your vehicle with 1400 lb. (635 kg) of cargo and
luggage capacity. You decide to go golfing. Is there enough load
capacity to carry you, 4 of your friends and all the golf bags? You and
four friends average 220 lb. (99 kg) each and the golf bags weigh
approximately 30 lb. (13.5 kg) each. The calculation would be: 1400 -
(5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100 - 150 = 150 lb. Yes, you have
enough load capacity in your vehicle to transport four friends and
your golf bags. In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg -
(5 x 99 kg) - (5 x 13.5 kg) = 635 - 495 - 67.5 = 72.5 kg.
•A final example for your vehicle with 1400 lb. (635 kg) of cargo and
luggage capacity. You and one of your friends decide to pick up
cement from the local home improvement store to finish that patio
you have been planning for the past 2 years. Measuring the inside of
the vehicle with the rear seat folded down, you have room for 12-100 lb.
(45 kg) bags of cement. Do you have enough load capacity to
transport the cement to your home? If you and your friend each weigh
220 lb. (99 kg), the calculation would be: 1400 - (2 x 220) - (12 x 100) =
1400 - 440 - 1200 = - 240 lb. No, you do not have enough cargo
capacity to carry that much weight. In metric units, the calculation
would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) - (12 x 45 kg) = 635 - 198 - 540 =
-103 kg. You will need to reduce the load weight by at least 240 lb.
(104 kg). If you remove 3-100 lb. (45 kg) cement bags, then the load
calculation would be:
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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1400 - (2 x 220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 900 = 60 lb. Now you have
the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home.
In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) -
(9x45kg)=635-198-405=32kg.
The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label found on the edge of the driver’s door.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer up to 1,000 lb. (454 kg) gross
trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 100 lb. (45 kg). Do not
tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
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USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Do not splice into the vehicle lamp wiring for trailer lamps. Your
vehicle uses an advanced electronic module to control and
monitor your vehicle lamps. Splicing into the wiring or attaching
wiring to the vehicle bulb. may DISABLE the rear vehicle lamps
or cause them not to function properly.
See your authorized dealer for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•Shift out of D (Overdrive) into D (Overdrive cancelled) or a lower
gear (3, 2, or 1) when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
167

Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles:
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel
drive capability.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h)
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km)
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford Motor Company
recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician at an authorized dealer. See your authorized dealer for
driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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