trailer FORD MUSTANG 2014 5.G User Guide

RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Note:Do not tow with the Shelby GT500 model. It cannot tow a trailer.
Note:Do not exceed the trailer weight for your vehicle configuration
listed in the chart below.
Note:Make sure to take into consideration trailer frontal area. Do not
exceed 12 feet
2(1.11 meters2) trailer frontal area.
Note:For high altitude operation, reduce the gross combined weight by
2% per 1000 feet (300 meters) starting at the 1000 foot (300 meter)
elevation point.
Note:Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers over a
specified weight. Be sure to check state regulations for this specified
weight. The maximum trailer weights listed may be limited to this
specified weight, as your vehicle’s electrical system may not include
the wiring connector needed to use electric trailer brakes.
Your vehicle may tow a Class I trailer provided the maximum trailer
weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed for
your vehicle configuration on the following chart.
Powertrain Maximum trailer weight - lb. (kg)
3.7L TiVCT 1000 (454)
5.0L TiVCT 1000 (454)
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive your vehicle at least 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See your
scheduled maintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency
gives you.
For load specification terms found on the tire label and Safety
Compliance label and for instructions on calculating your vehicle’s load,
refer toLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of your
vehicle load when calculating the total vehicle weight.
202Towing
2014 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto the bumper or attaches to the
axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the total trailer weight is on the
tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to the bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the hook retainers of your vehicle
hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross them under the trailer tongue and
allow enough slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow the chains to
drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: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.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if you install them properly and adjust them to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and federal regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle’s braking system operation is at
the gross vehicle weight rating, not the gross combined weight
rating.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING:Never connect any trailer lamp wiring to the
vehicle’s tail lamp wiring; this may damage the electrical system
resulting in a fire. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get the feel of your
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
Towing203
2014 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather,
place the gearshift in positionP(automatic transmission) or neutral
(manual transmission) to aid engine and transmission cooling and to
help A/C performance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain.
The speed control may turn off automatically when you are towing
on long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less
effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with a Grade Assist or Tow/Haul
feature, use this feature when towing. This provides engine braking
and helps eliminate excessive transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. Anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from
traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in positionPor manual
transmission in a low gear.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels.
(Chocks not included with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbeforebacking the trailer into
the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafterthe trailer is removed
from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 centimeters)
above the bottom edge of the rear bumper.
204Towing
2014 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

The rear wheels (drive wheels) must be on a tow dolly when towing your
vehicle from the front using wheel lift equipment. This prevents damage
to the transmission.
The front wheels should be on a tow dolly when towing your vehicle
from the rear using wheel lift equipment. This prevents damage to the
front fascia.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all
wheels on the ground, regardless of the powertrain and transmission
configuration) under the following conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward for towing in a forward direction.
•
Place the transmission in positionN.SeeAutomatic transmissionin
theTransmissionchapter if you cannot move the transmission intoN.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering your vehicle. See theClimate
Controlchapter.
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing,
such as towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. We designed these
guidelines to prevent damage to your transmission.
Do not tow your vehicle with any wheels on the ground, as vehicle or
transmission damage may occur. It is recommended to tow your vehicle
with all four (4) wheels off the ground, such as when using a car-hauling
trailer. Otherwise, you cannot tow your vehicle.
206Towing
2014 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

•Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a trailer.
•Carry unnecessary weight (approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for
every 400 pounds [180 kilograms] of weight carried).
•Add particular accessories to your vehicle (e.g.; bug deflectors,
rollbars or light bars, running boards, ski racks).
•Drive with the wheels out of alignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING:Drive through water in an emergency only, and not
as part of normal driving.
WARNING:Engine damage can occur if water enters the air
filter.
Note:Driving through deep water may allow water into the transmission
or air intake and can cause internal vehicle damage or cause it to stall.
Note:Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water,
traction or brake capability may be
limited. Also, water may enter your
engine’s air intake and severely
damage your engine or your vehicle
may stall.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle
as quickly as dry brakes.
Driving Hints213
2014 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the U.S.: Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program.
This program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
The service is available:
•24 hours a day, seven days a week
•for the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your owner’s manual portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been
supplied with a tire inflation kit).
•battery jump start.
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility).
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law, shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5 liters)
of gasoline or 5.0 gallons (18.9 liters) of diesel fuel to a disabled
vehicle. Fuel delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences
within a 12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford and Lincoln eligible vehicles towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56 kilometers) of the disablement location or
to the nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed
to an authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56 kilometers) from the
disablement location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage
costs in excess of 35 miles (56 kilometers).
Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
216Roadside Emergencies
2014 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

A dissimilar spare tire and wheel assembly is defined as a spare tire or
wheel that is different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires
and wheels and can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare:This spare tire begins with the letter T for tire
size and may have Temporary Use Only molded in the sidewall.
2.Full-size dissimilar spare with label on wheel:This spare tire
has a label on the wheel that states: THIS TIRE AND WHEEL FOR
TEMPORARY USE ONLY
When driving with one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above, do not:
•exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
•load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label.
•tow a trailer.
•use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire.
•use more than one dissimilar spare tire at a time.
•use commercial car washing equipment.
•try to repair the dissimilar spare tire.
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above at any one wheel
location can lead to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-wheel driving capability
3.Full-size dissimilar spare without label on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire and wheel assembly,
do not:
•exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
•use more than one dissimilar spare tire and wheel at a time.
•use commercial car washing equipment.
•use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire and wheel.
290Wheels and Tires
2014 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire and wheel assembly can lead
to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire and wheel assembly,
additional caution should be given to:
•towing a trailer.
•driving vehicles equipped with a camper body.
•driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack.
Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare tire and wheel,
and seek service as soon as possible.
Tire Change Procedure
WARNING:When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transmission alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or
slipping off the jack, even if the transmission selector lever is in
positionPorN.
WARNING:To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change a tire, be sure to place the transmission selector lever in
positionPorN, set the parking brake and block (in both directions)
the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the
vehicle) to the tire being changed.
Wheels and Tires291
2014 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS – 3.7L AND 5.0L ENGINES
If you operate your vehicleprimarilyin any of the following conditions,
you need to perform additional maintenance as indicated. If you
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under any of these conditions, it is
not necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or technician.
Perform the services in the preceding table when specified or within
3000 miles (4800 kilometers) of the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message
appearing in the information display.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes
on at 28751 miles (46270 kilometers); perform the 30000 mile
(48000 kilometers) automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on,
but the odometer reads 30000 miles (48000 kilometers); perform the
engine air filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor was reset
at 25000 miles [40000 kilometers].)
Towing a Trailer or Using a Camper or Car-top Carrier
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
information display and perform services listed in
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect and lubricate U-joints.
See axle maintenance items underExceptions.
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change manual transmission fluid.
Extensive Idling and Low-speed Driving for Long Distances as
in Heavy Commercial Use (i.e., Delivery, Taxi, Patrol car or
Livery)
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
information display and perform services listed in
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart.
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredReplace cabin air filter (if equipped).
Replace engine air filter.
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Replace spark plugs.
Scheduled Maintenance329
2014 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

EXCEPTIONS
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:
Rear axles and power take-off units
with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with Ford-design axles
are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid unless a leak is
suspected, service is required or the assembly has been submerged in
water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside temperatures
above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long periods above
45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should be changed every
3000 miles (4800 kilometers) or three months, whichever comes first. This
interval can be waived if the axle is filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid
meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number F1TZ-19580-B or
equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for
complete refill of Traction-Lok rear axles (seeTechnical specificationsin
theCapacities and Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100000 miles (160000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived
if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent.
Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water.
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Hot climate oil change intervals:Vehicles operating in the Middle
East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates
using an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline
Engines (Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal oil
change interval is 5000 miles (8000 kilometers).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not available, then the oil change
service interval is 3000 miles (4800 kilometers).
Engine air filter and cabin air filter replacement:Engine air filter
and cabin air filter life are dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty
conditions. Vehicles operated in these conditions require frequent
inspection and replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
Scheduled Maintenance333
2014 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)