Page 169 of 321
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 170 %
*
[GF14700(M )01/96]
Downshifting
*
[GF14800(M )03/96]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill,
always downshift before the engine starts to lose
power. Downshifting reduces the chance of
stall FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 170 %
*
[GF14700(M )01/96]
Downshifting
*
[GF14800(M )03/96]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill,
always downshift before the engine starts to lose
power. Downshifting reduces the chance of
stall](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-168.png)
170 %
*
[GF14700(M )01/96]
Downshifting
*
[GF14800(M )03/96]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill,
always downshift before the engine starts to lose
power. Downshifting reduces the chance of
stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration
to increase speed again.
*
[GF14900(M )01/96]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting
helps you keep a safe speed and helps prevent
unnecessary wear on the brakes.
*
[GF15000(M )01/96]
When you come to a stop, do not downshift
through each gear. Disengage the clutch and use
the brake as necessary. Downshifting through
the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel economy.
[GF15100(M )12/95]
NOTE: Do not downshift into 1 (First) when
your vehicle is moving faster than
15 mph (24 km/h). This will damage
the clutch.
*
[GF15200(M )01/96]
Parking
*
[GF15300(M )01/96]
To park your vehicle, shift into 1 (First), set the
parking brake fully, and turn off the ignition.
*
[GF15400(M )01/96]
WARNING
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it
may move unexpectedly and injure
someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the
parking brake fully.
%
*
[GF15500( ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF15600( ALL)01/96]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997
Page 174 of 321
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 175 %
*
[GF21000( ALL)12/95]
Connecting the safety chains
*
[GF21100( ALL)12/95]
Always attach the trailers safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the
hitch breaks.
*
[GF212 FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 175 %
*
[GF21000( ALL)12/95]
Connecting the safety chains
*
[GF21100( ALL)12/95]
Always attach the trailers safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the
hitch breaks.
*
[GF212](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-173.png)
175 %
*
[GF21000( ALL)12/95]
Connecting the safety chains
*
[GF21100( ALL)12/95]
Always attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the
hitch breaks.
*
[GF21200( ALL)12/95]
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
*
[GF21300( ALL)12/95]
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue
and attach them to your vehicle's frame or
hook retainers. Never attach the safety
chains to your vehicle's bumper. The bumper
is not designed to bear the weight of a
trailer.
*
[GF21400( ALL)12/95]
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in
the chains to allow you to turn corners.
*
[GF21500( ALL)12/95]
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives you.
%*
[GF21600( ALL)12/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[GF21700( ALL)12/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that
your trailer's brakes meet local and federal
regulations.
*
[GF21900( ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997
Page 175 of 321
![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
Page 176 of 321
![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
Page 178 of 321
179 %
*
[GF25600( ALL)01/96]
High water
*
[GF25700( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel rims.
*
[GF25800( ALL)01/96]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[GF25900( ALL)01/96]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997
Page 189 of 321
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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 FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-188.png)
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
Page 192 of 321
![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 200 of 321
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 202
*
[ER20900( ALL)02/96]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicles
electrical system.
*
[ER21000( ALL)02/96]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the h FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 202
*
[ER20900( ALL)02/96]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicles
electrical system.
*
[ER21000( ALL)02/96]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the h](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-199.png)
202
*
[ER20900( ALL)02/96]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[ER21000( ALL)02/96]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[ER21100( ALL)02/96]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
*
[ER21200( ALL)02/96]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles.
Turning on the fan helps protect the
electrical system from voltage surges. Turn
off all other switches and lights in both
vehicles to prevent possible damage to either
vehicle's electrical systems.
%*
[ER21300( ALL)02/96]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[ER21400( ALL)02/96]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect either jumper cable
to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you
use the same cable for both positive
terminals.) Most jumper cables have a red
cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and
the black for the negative ones.
*
[ER21500( ALL)02/96]
2. Connect the other end of the first cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
File:10rcerm.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 10:01:28 1997