1997 FORD MUSTANG steering wheel

157
Driving
%*
[GF00500( ALL)01/96]
Brakes
%*
[GF00600( ALL)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
[GF00700( ALL)12/95]
Braking non ABS models
[GF00800(M )04/96]
All models have power 4-wheel disc brakes.
They adjust automatically as the brake pads or
linings wear down.
*
[GF01200( ALL)01/96]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
[GF01300( ALL)12/95]
On vehicles without anti-lock brakes, extreme
braking can make the wheels lock and slide,
possibly decreasing your control of the steering.
If you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal
and repeat the ªsqueezeº technique.
[GF01301(M )02/97]
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does
not indicate a performance concern with the
vehicle's brake system. In normal operation,
automotive brake systems may emit occasional
or intermittent squeal or groan noises when the
brakes are applied. Such noises are usually
heard during the first few brake applications in
the morning; however they may be heard at any
time while braking and can be aggravated by
environmental conditions such as cold, heat,
moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a
ªmetal-to-metalº or ªcontinuous grindingº sound
is present while braking, the brake linings may
be worn-out and should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

158 [GF01400( ALL)12/95]Braking with ABS brakes
[GF01401(M )02/97]
On vehicles equipped with an antilock braking
system (ABS), a noise from the hydraulic pump
motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal
pulsation coupled with noise while braking
under panic conditions or on loose gravel, wet
or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper
functioning of the vehicle's antilock brake
system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder while braking, felt mainly in the
steering wheel, the vehicle most likely needs
service.
[GF01500( ALL)12/95]
On vehicles with anti-lock brakes, the wheels
will not lock and slide when you press down
hard on the brake pedal. The anti-lock brakes
automatically start releasing and reapplying the
front brakes independently and the rear brakes
together whenever your wheels start to lock. Do
not ªpumpº the brake pedal on vehicles
equipped with anti-lock brakes. When this
happens, you will feel the brake pedal pulse.
This ªpulseº may be an unfamiliar feeling but it
is normal and indicates the ABS is working as
designed.
*
[GF01600( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicle's stopping distance. Brake rotor
damage may also eventually occur.
*
[GF01700( ALL)02/96]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

161 [GF03800( ALL)12/95]
The parking brake system is designed for static
parking only and is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
% [GF03900( ALL)12/95]Traction-Lok Axle (If equipped)
[GF04000( ALL)12/95]
This axle provides added traction on slippery
surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a
poor traction surface. Under normal conditions
the Traction-Lok axle functions as a standard
rear axle.
*
[GF04100( ALL)03/96]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
*
[GF04200( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
%
*
[GF05200( ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05400( ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

162
*
[GF05500( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[GF06430(M )03/96]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary
depending on which type of transmission your
vehicle has.
[GF06460(M )03/96]
q
an automatic overdrive transmission with
transmission control switch
*
[GF06490(M )03/96]
q
a manual transmission
%
*
[GF06500( ALL)12/95]
Driving with an Automatic
Overdrive Transmission
[GF06600(MBC )12/95]
The gearshift lever is floor mounted.
%*
[GF06800( ALL)02/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
*
[GF06900( ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
[GF07100(MBC )04/96]
To move the shifter out of P (Park), the ignition
key must be turned to the ON position and the
shift lever thumb button must be pushed in.
*
[GF07200( ALL)12/95]
To operate:
*
[GF07300( ALL)12/95]
1. Start the engine.
*
[GF07400( ALL)12/95]
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[GF07500( ALL)12/95]
3. Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).
%*
[GF07600( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a Brake Shift
Interlock safety feature. This feature prevents the
gearshift from being moved from the P (Park)
position until the brake pedal is depressed. This
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

177 %
*
[GF23100( ALL)01/96]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
*
[GF23200( ALL)12/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[GF23300( ALL)03/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule
booklet for additional information.
%
*
[GF23600( ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF23700( ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[GF23800( ALL)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[GF23900( ALL)01/96]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
%*
[GF24000( ALL)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[GF24100( ALL)01/96]
Slippery roads
*
[GF24200( ALL)01/96]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[GF24300( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[GF24400( ALL)01/96]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[GF24500( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not use speed control.
*
[GF24600( ALL)01/96]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[GF24700( ALL)04/96]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your wheels. (Does not apply
to vehicles with anti-lock brakes.)
*
[GF24800( ALL)01/96]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

191
*
[ER08100( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
*
[ER08200( ALL)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ER08300( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ER08400( ALL)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ER08500( ALL)01/96]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
*
[ER08600( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[ER08700( ALL)03/96]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
%
*
[ER09300( ALL)02/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[ER09400( ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
File:10rcerm.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 10:01:28 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

233 [MC20350(M )04/96]
4.6L SFI engine (check cold)
[MC20355(M )04/96]
NOTE: The brakes on the 4.6L engine vehicles
are powered by power steering fluid
from the power steering pump. The
fluid level in the power steering
reservoir will rise and fall due to the
amount of charge in the brake booster
accumulator. Therefore the following is
required.
[MC20400(MBC )12/95]
1. Check the fluid level when the system is
COLD (allow at least one half hour after
driving for the power steering fluid to cool).
[MC20500(MBC )04/96]
2. Locate the power steering reservoir mounted
to the front upper left-hand corner of the
engine.
[MC20550(M )04/96]
NOTE: Brake fluid and power steering fluid
CAN NOT be mixed. Only add brake
fluid to the brake master cylinder
reservoir. Only add power steering
fluid to the power steering reservoir.
[MC20600(MBC )12/95]
3. Visually verify that the fluid level is above
the MIN line adjacent to the reservoir ªsight
window.º
[MC20700(MBC )12/95]
4. If the power steering fluid is below the MIN
line, remove the cap and add fluid in small
amounts until the level is between the MIN
and MAX lines.
[MC20800(MBC )12/95]
5. Reinstall the reservoir cap.
[MC20850(M )03/96]
It is normal for the fluid level to be above the
MAX line after the brake pedal has been pushed
several times with the engine off. (If you want
to double check it; restart engine and turn
steering wheel to full right turn, then full left
turn and then turn engine off and re-check fluid
level. It should be between MIN and MAX line.)
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 1997