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![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 176 %
*
[GF22000( ALL)12/95]
Connecting the trailers lights
*
[GF22100( ALL)12/95]
Do not connect a trailers lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicles lighting system
wiring.To get the prope FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 176 %
*
[GF22000( ALL)12/95]
Connecting the trailers lights
*
[GF22100( ALL)12/95]
Do not connect a trailers lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicles lighting system
wiring.To get the prope](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-174.png)
176 %
*
[GF22000( ALL)12/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[GF22100( ALL)12/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
*
[GF22300( ALL)12/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting
system.
%*
[GF22400( ALL)01/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF22500( ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[GF22800(MBC )12/95]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, depress the
Transmission Control Switch (TCS). This will
also give the engine more power going up hills
and better engine braking going down hills.
[GF22900(M )12/95]
If your vehicle has a manual transmission and
you are towing a trailer, you should select gear
positions which will avoid jerking or excessive
engine speed. If you need to drive excessively in
1 (First) or 2 (Second), it may indicate that the
trailer is too big or heavily loaded for your
vehicle's drivetrain. Continuous driving in these
two gears while towing a trailer is not
recommended.
[GF23000(M )12/95]
When you tow up or down steep hills, move the
manual transmission gearshift to a lower gear.
This will increase engine power on upgrades
and engine braking on downgrades.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997
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![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 178
*
[GF24900(M )01/96]
WARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into Low with the
automatic transmission when moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into Fi FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 178
*
[GF24900(M )01/96]
WARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into Low with the
automatic transmission when moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into Fi](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-176.png)
178
*
[GF24900(M )01/96]
WARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into Low with the
automatic transmission when moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into First with the manual
transmission when moving faster than
5 mph (8 km/h).
*
[GF25100( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
Do not use the speed control in heavy
traffic or on roads that are winding,
slippery, or unpaved.
[GF25300(MBC )01/96]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may try to ªrockº it out of the
spot. Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward
and reverse gears. At the same time, press
lightly on the accelerator.
*
[GF25400( ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
[GF25500( ALL)12/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transmission, or damage the
tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two
of rocking, call for a tow truck.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997
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![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 194 %
*
[ER12700( ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
[ER12800(M )03/96]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. If you have an automatic
transmission, put the gearshift in P (Park). FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 194 %
*
[ER12700( ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
[ER12800(M )03/96]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. If you have an automatic
transmission, put the gearshift in P (Park).](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-191.png)
194 %
*
[ER12700( ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
[ER12800(M )03/96]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. If you have an automatic
transmission, put the gearshift in P (Park). If
you have a manual transmission, put the
gearshift in 1 (First). Set the parking brake
and block the wheel that is diagonally
opposite the tire that you are changing.
*
[ER13000(M )03/96]
When one of the back wheels is off the ground,
the transmission alone will not prevent the
vehicle from moving or slipping off the jack,
even if the vehicle is in P (Park) or 1 (First). To
prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change a tire, be sure the parking brake is set,
then block the wheel (both directions) that is
diagonally opposite (other side and end of the
vehicle) to the tire that is being changed.
*
[ER13200( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
*
[ER13600( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
File:10rcerm.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 10:01:28 1997
Page 209 of 321
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 211
*
[MC01900( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[MC02000( ALL)01/96]
q
Never get under a vehicle FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 211
*
[MC01900( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[MC02000( ALL)01/96]
q
Never get under a vehicle](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-208.png)
211
*
[MC01900( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[MC02000( ALL)01/96]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[MC02100( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[MC02200(MBC )01/96]
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.
*
[MC02300( ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
[MC02400(M )12/95]
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).
*
[MC02600( ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[MC02700( ALL)01/96]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02800( ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine on:
[MC02900(M )12/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully, and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or Neutral
(manual transmission).
*
[MC03100( ALL)01/96]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC03200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 1997
Page 215 of 321
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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 t FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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 t](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-214.png)
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
Page 235 of 321
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 237
% [MC23000(M )12/95]
Manual Transmission Fluid
% [MC23100(M )12/95]
The fluid level and quality should not
deteriorate under normal driving conditions.
However, it is suggested that you have the f FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 237
% [MC23000(M )12/95]
Manual Transmission Fluid
% [MC23100(M )12/95]
The fluid level and quality should not
deteriorate under normal driving conditions.
However, it is suggested that you have the f](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-234.png)
237
% [MC23000(M )12/95]
Manual Transmission Fluid
% [MC23100(M )12/95]
The fluid level and quality should not
deteriorate under normal driving conditions.
However, it is suggested that you have the fluid
level checked occasionally. If fluid is required,
seeLubricant Specificationsin the Index.
%
*
[MC23200( ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC23300( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC23400( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC23500( ALL)01/96]
If the level gets low, you can add tap water to
the battery, provided the water isn't hard or
doesn't have a high mineral or alkali content.
However, if possible you should refill the battery
with distilled water. If the battery needs water
quite often, have the charging system checked
for a possible malfunction.
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 1997
Page 236 of 321
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 238 %
*
[MC23600( ALL)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC23700( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 238 %
*
[MC23600( ALL)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC23700( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-235.png)
238 %
*
[MC23600( ALL)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC23700( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[MC23800( ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
% [MC23900(M )12/95]
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control
conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. If you ever disconnect the battery, install
a new battery, or experience a dead battery, you
must allow the computer to ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will idle at its
best. To let the engine do this, put the gearshift
in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or Neutral
(manual transmission), turn off all the
accessories, and start the vehicle. Let the engine
idle for at least one minute. (Engine must be
warm in order to ªlearn.º) Also, allow
approximately 10 miles (16 km) of stop and go
traffic for your vehicle's engine to completely
ªrelearnº its idle.
%
*
[MC24300( ALL)02/96]
Wiper Blades
*
[MC24400( ALL)01/96]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Substances such as tree
sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness
of wiper blades.
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 1997
Page 311 of 321

322 Index
Lights, warning and indicator (continued)
engine oil pressure........... 22
hazard warning light.......... 71
high beam............... 16
low coolant............... 14
oil pressure............... 22
overdrive off.............. 15
safety belt............... 13
service engine soon........... 17
turn signal indicator....... 17,67±68
Load limits............... 170
GAWR................ 170
GVWR................ 170
trailer towing............. 173
Lubricant specifications......... 267
Lug nuts................ 194
anti-theft............... 199
standard............... 195
tightening sequence........194, 198
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule and
Record booklet)............. 4
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 209
Maintenance (see servicing)........ 209
Manual transaxle
backing up (reverse).......... 168
clutch................ 167
shifting gears............. 168
shift speeds.............. 169
Manual transmission
backing up (reverse).......... 168
clutch..............167, 222
driving................ 167
fluid, checking and adding....... 237
fluid capacities............ 266
lubricant specifications......... 267
shifting gears............. 168
shift speeds.............. 169
File:rcixm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:52:02 1997