1997 FORD MUSTANG warning

163
feature is active when the ignition is in the ON
position. If the gearshift lever CANNOT be
moved from P (Park) with the brake pedal
depressed:
*
[GF07700( ALL)12/95]
1. Turn the engine off and remove the ignition
key.
*
[GF07800( ALL)12/95]
2. Apply parking brake.
*
[GF07900( ALL)04/96]
3. Reinsert the ignition key and turn clockwise
to the first position.
*
[GF08000( ALL)01/96]
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift
lever to N (Neutral) and start the engine.
*
[GF08100( ALL)03/96]
WARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
*
[GF08200( ALL)03/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin
this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.
[GF08300(MBC )12/95]
The console-mounted gearshift will lock in P
(Park) when you turn the key to the LOCK
position. When the gearshift is in any position
except P (Park), the ignition key cannot be
turned to LOCK or removed from the steering
column. TO REMOVE THE KEY, the gearshift
lever must be in P (Park).
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

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.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

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

171 % [GF15700( ALL)12/95]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left front door lock facing or the door latch
post pillar.
*
[GF15800( ALL)01/96]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limits than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
*
[GF15900( ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
%*
[GF16000( ALL)01/96]
Limiting Your Vehicle's Load
*
[GF16100( ALL)12/95]
The load that you add to your vehicle must not
exceed the maximum load stated on the Safety
Compliance Certification Decal attached to the
left front door pillar.
*
[GF16200( ALL)01/96]
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add
the weights of:
*
[GF16300( ALL)01/96]
q
the driver and passengers
*
[GF16400( ALL)01/96]
q
luggage and any other items that you put in
your vehicle
*
[GF16500( ALL)12/95]
q
the tongue load of the loaded trailer
*
[GF16600( ALL)01/96]
q
the weight of any equipment that has been
added to your vehicle since it was delivered
to your dealer
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

172
*
[GF16700( ALL)01/96]
If you do not know the actual weights of these
items, use the following procedure to figure the
weight of a load:
*
[GF16800( ALL)01/96]
1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver,
passengers and luggage. You might take
your vehicle to a shipping company or an
inspection station for trucks.
*
[GF16900( ALL)01/96]
2. Then weigh your vehicle with the driver,
passengers and luggage.
*
[GF17000( ALL)01/96]
3. Subtract the first reading from the second to
figure the total weight of the load.
*
[GF17100( ALL)11/92]
After determining this load, you must also make
sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus
the load it carries, is less than its GVWR. Also,
make sure that the weight your vehicle carries
over each axle is less than the GAWR for the
respective axle.
*
[GF17200( ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[GF17300( ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Improper distribution of your vehicle's
load or carrying weight in excess of the
amount shown on the tire decal can cause
rapid tire wear or loss of vehicle control.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

173
%*
[GF17400(MBC )01/96]
Trailer Towing
*
[GF17600( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle does not come from the factory
fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are
available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealers.
*
[GF17700( ALL)12/95]
Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on
your vehicle, you must follow certain
precautions for your safety and the good of your
vehicle:
*
[GF17800( ALL)12/95]
q
Stay within the load limits for towing your
vehicle. (SeeTrailer towing specificationsin this
chapter.)
*
[GF17900( ALL)01/96]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF18000( ALL)01/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[GF18100( ALL)01/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
*
[GF18200( ALL)12/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should
be on the tongue. However, the tongue load
should never exceed 10% of the maximum
weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
*
[GF18300( ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a
temporary spare tire.
[GF18400( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing
vehicle. The amount of weight that you can
safely tow depends on the optional equipment
on your vehicle. See the following chart.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997

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

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