Page 163 of 321
164 % [GF08500(M )04/96]
half page art:0010306-EThe positions of the console-mounted gearshift
*
[GF08700( ALL)01/96]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired
position, release the brake pedal and use the
accelerator as necessary.
%*
[GF08800( ALL)01/96]
R (Reverse)
*
[GF08900( ALL)01/96]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
*
[GF09000( ALL)01/96]
N (Neutral)
[GF09100( ALL)12/95]
As in P (Park), there is no power transferred
through the transmission. However, the final
drive is not locked so the wheels are free to
rotate. The vehicle may be started in the N
position, but the ignition key cannot be
removed.
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Page 164 of 321
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 165 %
*
[GF09200( ALL)03/96]
Driving
[GF09500(M )04/96]
Your vehicles gearshift is console-mounted on
the floor. The Transmission Control Switch (TCS)
is located on the gearshift handle. The
Transmis FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 165 %
*
[GF09200( ALL)03/96]
Driving
[GF09500(M )04/96]
Your vehicles gearshift is console-mounted on
the floor. The Transmission Control Switch (TCS)
is located on the gearshift handle. The
Transmis](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-163.png)
165 %
*
[GF09200( ALL)03/96]
Driving
[GF09500(M )04/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift is console-mounted on
the floor. The Transmission Control Switch (TCS)
is located on the gearshift handle. The
Transmission Control Indicator Light (O/D OFF)
is located on the instrument panel. You can put
the gearshift lever in any of the several
positions.
[GF09700(MBC )12/95]
The OVERDRIVE OFF light is off (not
illuminated) during normal vehicle operation.
This allows the transmission to upshift and
downshift from 1st through 4th gears. When the
TCS is pressed, the Transmission Control
Indicator Light will illuminate (O/D OFF) on the
instrument panel. When this O/D OFF is
illuminated the transmission will upshift and
downshift from 1st through 3rd gears.
[GF09800( ALL)12/95]
If the O/D OFF light does not come ªonº when
the TCS is depressed or if the light ªFLASHESº
when you are driving, have your vehicle
serviced at the first opportunity. If this condition
persists, damage could occur to the transmission.
[GF10000(M )04/96]
To return the transmission to normal operation
(1st through 4th gear) depress the TCS marked
ªO/Dº again. This switch may be used to cancel
overdrive any time the vehicle is being driven.
Each time your vehicle is started, the overdrive
system will automatically be in the normal
overdrive mode and the O/D light will not be
illuminated.
%*
[GF10200(MBC )01/96]
When to use D (Overdrive)
*
[GF10300( ALL)12/95]
Overdrive is the usual driving position for an
automatic overdrive transmission. It works the
same way Drive works, automatically upshifting
or downshifting as the vehicle speeds or slows.
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![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 166
*
[GF10400( ALL)12/95]
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth
gear Ðan overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at an appropriate consistent speed for
any length of time. This fourth gea FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 166
*
[GF10400( ALL)12/95]
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth
gear Ðan overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at an appropriate consistent speed for
any length of time. This fourth gea](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-164.png)
166
*
[GF10400( ALL)12/95]
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth
gear Ðan overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at an appropriate consistent speed for
any length of time. This fourth gear will increase
your fuel economy when you travel at cruising
speeds.
[GF10500(MBC )12/95]
When to use D (Overdrive) Ð with
transmission control switch activated (O/D
OFF light illuminated)
*
[GF10700(MBC )12/95]
Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrain. If the transmission shifts back and forth
between Third and Fourth gears while you are
driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle does
not have adequate power for climbing hills,
depress the TCS.
[GF11000(M )04/96]
You can depress the TCS marked ªO/Dº at any
speed.
*
[GF11100( ALL)03/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[GF11200( ALL)12/95]
Use 2 (Second) for start-up on slippery roads or
to give you more engine braking to slow your
vehicle on downgrades.
*
[GF11300( ALL)03/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[GF11400( ALL)12/95]
Use 1 (Low) when driving down steep grades. It
gives more engine braking to slow your vehicle
than 2 (Second) on the downgrades. You can
upshift from 1 (Low) to 2 (Second) or from 1
(Low) to Overdrive at any speed.
*
[GF11500( ALL)03/96]
P (Park)
*
[GF11600( ALL)12/95]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park). This locks the
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
rotating.
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![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 167
*
[GF11700( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
*
[GF11800( ALL)01/96]
FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 167
*
[GF11700( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
*
[GF11800( ALL)01/96]](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-165.png)
167
*
[GF11700( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
*
[GF11800( ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
*
[GF12000(MBC )12/95]
You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) if the lever is
adjacent to the P (Park) and you cannot move it
without pushing in the thumb button.
%
*
[GF12100(M )01/96]
Driving with a Manual
Transmission
%*
[GF12200(M )01/96]
Using the Clutch
[GF12300(M )12/95]
After starting the engine with the clutch pedal
pushed to the floor, allow it to idle for a few
seconds. Then, hold your right foot on the brake
pedal. Release the hand brake. Move the
gearshift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse) gear.
[GF12400(M )12/95]
To move the vehicle, pull your right foot off the
brake pedal and then slowly release the clutch
pedal. (You may need to press down slowly on
the accelerator at the same time that you release
the clutch pedal.)
*
[GF12500(M )01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold
your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch
life.
*
[GF12600(M )01/96]
Driving with your foot resting on the clutch may
cause the vehicle to jerk sharply when pressing
or removing your other foot from the
accelerator.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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![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