1997 FORD MUSTANG check engine light

217 %
*
[MC06500( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC06600( ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[MC06700( ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC06800( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC07000(M )01/96]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
*
[MC07100( ALL)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[MC07200( ALL)01/96]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[MC07300( ALL)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[MC07450(M )03/96]
one inch art:0011386-B
Engine oil dipstick Ð 4.6 liter engine
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 1997

218 [MC07600(MBC )12/95]
one inch art:0000970-BEngine oil dipstick Ð 3.8 liter engines
[MC07750(M )03/96]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line (3.8L)
or at the ªMINº mark (4.6L), add engine oil
as necessary. If the oil level is beyond the
letter ªFº in full (3.8L) or ªMAXº (4.6L)
mark, engine damage or high oil
consumption may occur and some oil must
be removed from the engine.
*
[MC07800( ALL)01/96]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
*
[MC07900( ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[MC08000( ALL)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 1997

231
*
[MC18000( ALL)12/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap securely.
*
[MC18100( ALL)12/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock.
*
[MC18200( ALL)12/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
occasions of vehicle use.
%
*
[MC18300( ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC18400( ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC18500( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
[MC18650(M )04/96]
3.8L SFI engine (check warm)
*
[MC18700( ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC18800( ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC18900( ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[MC19000(MBC )01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[MC19200(MBC )01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 1997

252
*
[MC35700( ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[MC35800( ALL)12/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
additional money and contribute to the driving
efficiency of your vehicle.
*
[MC35900( ALL)12/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
*
[MC36000( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[MC36100( ALL)12/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
*
[MC36200( ALL)12/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[MC36300( ALL)12/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[MC36400( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%
*
[MC36500( ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC36600( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[MC36700( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 1997

254
*
[MC37600( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
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.
*
[MC37700( ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[MC37800( ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[MC37900( ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC38000( ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[MC38100( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 1997

314 Index
Cold engine starting........... 151
Combination lap and shoulder belts . . 111, 114
Compact disc player (see Electronic sound
system)................. 34
Console, description............ 83
Controls, mirrors............. 77
Convenience kit in cargo area...... 193
Convertible
cleaning................ 91
installation of the boot.......... 87
lowering the convertible top....... 85
raising the convertible top........ 90
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 224
checking and adding......... 224
drain and flush............ 228
preparing for storage......... 270
refill capacities............ 266
specifications............. 267
temperature gauge........... 18
warnings............... 224
Cooling fan............... 210
Crankcase emission filter......... 265
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 277
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........277, 283
D
Daytime running light system....... 59
Defrost
rear window.............. 58
windshield............... 57
Dipstick................ 217
automatic transmission fluid....234, 236
engine oil.............. 217
power steering fluid.......... 231
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 207
Dispute Settlement Board........ 278
File:rcixm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:52:02 1997

316 Index
Engine
check engine warning light....... 17
does not start...........152, 190
fuel injected engine, starting....149±150
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 190
preparing to start........... 149
refill capacities............ 266
service points............. 213
starting................ 150
starting after a collision........ 190
storing your vehicle........268±269
Engine block heater........... 153
Engine coolant............. 224
checking and adding......... 224
checking hoses............ 226
disposal...........210, 219, 236
drain and flush............ 228
low coolant warning light........ 14
preparing for storage......... 270
proper solution........210, 219, 236
recovery reservoir.........213, 224
refill capacities............ 266
specifications............. 267
temperature gauge........... 18
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 18
description............... 18
mechanical.............18±19
Engine coolant temperature
guage:electronic............. 18
Engine fan............... 210
Engine oil............... 216
changing oil and oil filter.....217, 219
checking and adding......... 217
dipstick............... 217
disposal...........210, 219, 236
engine oil pressure gauge........ 22
filter, specifications.......... 265
refill capacities............ 266
specifications...........216, 267
synthetic oil............. 216
File:rcixm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:52:02 1997

Index 321
J
Jack.................. 193
operation............194±195
positioning............194±196
storage............... 193
Jump-starting your vehicle
attaching cables............ 202
disconnecting cables.......... 206
K
Keys
key in ignition chime.......... 66
positions of the ignition......... 65
removing from the ignition....... 66
stuck in lock position........65±66
L
Lamps
bulb replacement specifications chart . . 260
checking............... 256
daytime running light system...... 59
dome lamps.............. 61
flashing the lamps........... 68
fog lamps............... 84
hazard flashers............. 71
headlamps............... 60
high beams.............. 68
illuminated mirrors........... 79
instrument panel, dimming....... 61
interior lamps........... 59,61
replacing bulbs............ 256
trailer................ 176
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal) . 67±68
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 14
anti-lock brakes (ABS).......... 12
brake................. 11
charging system............ 15
check engine.............. 17
File:rcixm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:52:02 1997