1996 FORD MUSTANG ECU

212of the wheelcover until it is snapped firmly in
place on the wheel.
%*
[RE12700(MBC )03/95]
Anti-Theft Wheel Lug Nuts (If equipped)
[RE12801(M )10/95]
The aluminum wheels on Mustang 4.6L engine
vehicles are secured with locking lug nuts. One
of the lug nuts on each wheel must be removed
and installed with a special key. The key and a
registration card are attached to the lug wrench
and stored with the spare tire. If you lose the
key, send the registration card to the
manufacturer (not to the dealer) to get a
replacement key.
*
[RE12850(MBC )03/95]
NOTE: If entire lug wrench/lug nut key
assembly is lost, see your nearest Ford
or Lincoln-Mercury dealer who has
access to a master set of keys.
*
[RE12875(MBC )09/95]
NOTE: DO NOT USE A POWER IMPACT
WRENCH ON THE LUG NUT KEY.
[RE13000(MBC )03/95]
quarter page art:0010357-B
The anti-theft lug nut and key
*
[RE13100(MBC )03/95]
Removing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[RE13300(MBC )03/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Make
sure that you hold the key square to the lug nut.
If you hold the key on an angle, you may
damage the key and the lug nut.
*
[RE13400(MBC )03/95]
Place the lug nut wrench over the lug nut key
and apply pressure on the key with the wrench.
Turn the wrench in a counterclockwise direction
to remove the lug nut.
File:12rcrem.ex
Update:Wed Mar 27 09:34:49 1996

235
Servicing Your Mustang
%*
[SV00300( ALL)03/95]
Service Made Easy
*
[SV00400( ALL)01/95]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[SV00550( ALL)01/95]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
*
[SV00600( ALL)01/95]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
*
[SV00700( ALL)01/95]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
*
[SV00800( ALL)01/95]
q
When possible, we design parts Ð such as
the headlamp bulbs Ð that can be replaced
without tools.
*
[SV00900( ALL)05/94]
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet.
*
[SV01000( ALL)01/95]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*
[SV01100( ALL)02/95]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
*
[SV01250( ALL)03/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your
File:15rcsvm.ex
Update:Thu Mar 28 14:48:54 1996

237
*
[SV01900( ALL)06/95]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[SV02000( ALL)06/95]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[SV02100( ALL)08/95]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[SV02200( ALL)06/95]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[SV02600(MBC )03/95]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
*
[SV02800( ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine off:
[SV02900(M )03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully, block the wheels,
and make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic transmission)
or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
*
[SV03100( ALL)06/95]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[SV03150( ALL)06/95]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV03200( ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
[SV03300(M )03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully, and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or Neutral
(manual transmission).
*
[SV03501( ALL)03/95]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
File:15rcsvm.ex
Update:Thu Mar 28 14:48:54 1996

238
*
[SV03600( ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
%*
[SV03650( ALL)03/95]
Opening the Hood
[SV03800( ALL)03/95]
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
located under the lower left corner of the
instrument panel.
[SV04000( ALL)03/95]
2. Go around to the front of the vehicle, and
release the auxiliary catch that is located
under the front edge of the hood at the
center of the vehicle.
[SV04085(M )05/95]
one third page art:0011350-A
The auxiliary catch under the front edge of the hood
[SV04100(M )01/89]
3. Lift the hood and secure it with the prop
rod using only the hole marked ªPROPº.
[SV04300(M )01/89]
Whenever you close the hood, make sure the
prop rod is secured in its retainer and that the
hood latches securely.
*
[SV04450( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at
six-month intervals to maintain smooth
and trouble-free operation.
File:15rcsvm.ex
Update:Thu Mar 28 14:48:54 1996

249
*
[SV13670( ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680( ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690( ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700( ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
%*
[SV13702( ALL)03/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[SV13703( ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
%*
[SV13775( ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800( ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[SV13900( ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000( ALL)02/95]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[SV14050(M )03/95]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
*
[SV14100( ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[SV14200( ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
File:15rcsvm.ex
Update:Thu Mar 28 14:48:54 1996

258 [SV21200(MBC )03/93]q
Start and idle engine until the radiator upper
hose is warm (this indicates the thermostat is
open and coolant is flowing through the
entire system).
[SV21300(MBC )03/93]
q
Immediately shut off engine. Cover cap
completely with a thick cloth and cautiously
remove radiator pressure cap and add a
50/50 mixture of recommended coolant and
water until system is full.
[SV21400(MBC )03/91]
q
Reinstall the radiator cap securely.
[SV21500(MBC )05/94]
q
Remove the cap from the engine coolant
recovery reservoir and add a 50/50 mixture
of recommended cooling system fluid and
water to the FULL-HOT mark on the engine
coolant recovery reservoir. Check that
reservoir hose is not kinked.
[SV21800(MBC )03/93]
q
Reinstall the reservoir cap.
*
[SV21900(MBC )05/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock, block plug
and vent plug.
*
[SV22000(MBC )03/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
occasions of vehicle use.
[SV22012(M )05/95]
4.6L (2V) engine only Ð GT models
*
[SV22014( ALL)03/95]
q
With the engine OFF and cool, remove the
pressure cap, located on the coolant reservoir.
Remove the heater hose and clamp, located
on the rear of the intake manifold.
*
[SV22021( ALL)03/95]
q
Add a 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and
water to the coolant reservoir. Refer toRefill
Capacitieslater in this chapter for the correct
amount. Add coolant to the reservoir until
the coolant continuously flows out of the tube
in the rear of engine. Reattach hose and
secure clamp.
File:15rcsvm.ex
Update:Thu Mar 28 14:48:54 1996

259 [SV22026( ALL)03/95]
q
Continue to fill the reservoir until the coolant
is at the FULL COLD level.
*
[SV22031( ALL)05/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap to the fully
installed position.
*
[SV22036( ALL)05/95]
q
Start and idle the engine until the radiator
upper hose is warm (this indicates the
thermostat is open and coolant is flowing
through the entire system).
*
[SV22041( ALL)03/95]
q
Immediately shut off the engine and let cool.
Cautiously remove the pressure relief cap and
add a 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and
water until the coolant is at the COLD FILL
level in the coolant reservoir.
*
[SV22046( ALL)03/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap securely.
*
[SV22050( ALL)03/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock.
*
[SV22055( ALL)03/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
occasions of vehicle use.
%
*
[SV22090( ALL)03/95]
Battery
*
[SV22100( ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. When the original
equipment battery is replaced under warranty, it
may be replaced by a Motorcraft
Low-Maintenance Battery.
*
[SV22130( ALL)06/95]
The Low-Maintenance Battery has removable
vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and
for adding water, if necessary. The electrolyte
level should be checked at least every 24 months
or 24,000 miles (40,000 km) in temperatures up
to 90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore often in temperatures
above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the electrolyte level in
each cell up to the level indicator. Do not
overfill.
File:15rcsvm.ex
Update:Thu Mar 28 14:48:54 1996

269
*
[SV29200( ALL)01/95]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV29300( ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[SV29400( ALL)10/94]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[SV29500( ALL)05/94]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29600( ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29700( ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29800( ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
%
*
[SV30450( ALL)01/95]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[SV30475( ALL)01/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since
your vehicle does not use up transmission fluid.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for replacement intervals. However, if
the transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
File:15rcsvm.ex
Update:Thu Mar 28 14:48:54 1996