![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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 ad FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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 ad](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-155.png)
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
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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
o FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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
o](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-156.png)
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
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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 emergen FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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 emergen](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-159.png)
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
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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] FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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]](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-160.png)
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
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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 FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-162.png)
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.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997
![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.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 174 % [GF18500( ALL)12/95]Trailer towing specifications
[GF18600(M )12/95]
six pica chart:0010320-C*
[GF19000( ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF19100( ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of yo FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 174 % [GF18500( ALL)12/95]Trailer towing specifications
[GF18600(M )12/95]
six pica chart:0010320-C*
[GF19000( ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF19100( ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of yo](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-172.png)
174 % [GF18500( ALL)12/95]Trailer towing specifications
[GF18600(M )12/95]
six pica chart:0010320-C*
[GF19000( ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF19100( ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[GF19200( ALL)12/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the load.
*
[GF19300( ALL)12/95]
Always check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires when preparing to tow (see inflation
recommendation on the tire label).
%*
[GF19400( ALL)12/95]
Using the hitch
*
[GF19500(MBC )12/95]
Your vehicle uses aload carryinghitch. Because
this type of hitch places the tongue load of a
trailer on the rear wheels of your vehicle, you
must distribute the load in your trailer so that
only 10 to 15% of the total weight of the trailer
is on the tongue.
*
[GF20000( ALL)12/95]
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and
change the weight on the hitch. This will
prevent damage to your vehicle and make your
vehicle easier to handle.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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
*
[G FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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
*
[G](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-175.png)
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