1997 FORD MUSTANG coolant temperature

18 %
*
[IS14200( ALL)03/96]
Fuel Gauge
[IS14500(M )12/95]
one third page art:0011344-A
The fuel gauge
[IS14600( ALL)12/95]
The fuel gauge displays approximately how
much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the
ignition switch is ON. For proper fuel gauge
indication after adding fuel, turn the ignition
switch OFF while refueling the vehicle.
[IS14700( ALL)12/95]
The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly when
the vehicle is in motion. The most accurate
reading is obtained with the vehicle on level
ground.
*
[IS14800( ALL)01/96]
With ignition switch OFF, the fuel gauge
indicator may drift from the ignition switch ON
position.
%*
[IS15700( ALL)03/96]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[IS15800( ALL)02/96]
This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.
[IS15900(M )04/96]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the NORMAL band as your engine coolant
warms up. Under normal driving conditions, the
pointer should stay in the NORMAL band. It is
acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate within the
NORMAL band under normal driving
File:03rcism.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:38:50 1997

19
conditions, and under certain driving conditions
such as, heavy stop and go traffic, or driving up
hills in hot weather, for the pointer to indicate at
the top of the NORMAL band.
*
[IS16000(M )04/96]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the NORMAL band, the engine is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
% [IS16100(M )12/95]
one third page art:0011143-B
The engine coolant temperature gauge
*
[IS16400( ALL)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
*
[IS16500( ALL)04/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[IS16600( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn off the engine.
*
[IS16700( ALL)03/96]
3. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE
COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL
THE ENGINE IS COOL.
*
[IS16800( ALL)03/96]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine Coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[IS16900( ALL)03/96]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the
coolant system serviced.
File:03rcism.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:38:50 1997

153
*
[TO03900( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[TO04000( ALL)01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[TO04100( ALL)01/96]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[TO04200( ALL)01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[TO04300( ALL)01/96]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.
*
[TO04400( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
*
[TO04500( ALL)01/96]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.
*
[TO04600( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Be sure to disconnect the engine block
heater before driving your vehicle.
File:08rctom.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:46:27 1997

224as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
%
*
[MC11700( ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC11800( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[MC11900( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[MC12000(M )05/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
%*
[MC12200( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
*
[MC12300( ALL)02/96]
The coolant additives also protect the entire
cooling system from internal passageway
corrosion and these additives lubricate the water
pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted
in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 1997

228
*
[MC14905( ALL)05/96]
Coolant refill capacity
[MC14910( ALL)05/96]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's
cooling system can hold, refer toRefill Capacities
in theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
*
[MC14915( ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add more than a
quart (liter) of engine coolant per month.
*
[MC15005( ALL)05/96]
Severe winter climate
*
[MC15105( ALL)05/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
-34ÊF [-36ÊC]), it may benecessary to increase
the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that
the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months.
Never increase the engine coolant concentration
above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in
non-extreme climates.
%*
[MC15200( ALL)05/96]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
[MC15300( ALL)04/96]
Proper procedures for a complete coolant drain
and flush of the cooling system can be found in
theCar Service Manual. Following these
recommended procedures will ensure that the
specified coolant level and a 50/50 or
appropriate mixture of coolant and water is
maintained.
*
[MC15400( ALL)12/95]
Engine Coolant Refill Procedure
*
[MC15500( ALL)12/95]
When the entire cooling system is drained and
refilled, the following procedure should be used
to ensure a complete fill:
*
[MC15600( ALL)12/95]
NOTE: It is imperative the following
procedure be adhered to. Failure to do
so could result in damage to your
engine.
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 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

314 Index
Cold engine starting........... 151
Combination lap and shoulder belts . . 111, 114
Compact disc player (see Electronic sound
system)................. 34
Console, description............ 83
Controls, mirrors............. 77
Convenience kit in cargo area...... 193
Convertible
cleaning................ 91
installation of the boot.......... 87
lowering the convertible top....... 85
raising the convertible top........ 90
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 224
checking and adding......... 224
drain and flush............ 228
preparing for storage......... 270
refill capacities............ 266
specifications............. 267
temperature gauge........... 18
warnings............... 224
Cooling fan............... 210
Crankcase emission filter......... 265
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 277
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........277, 283
D
Daytime running light system....... 59
Defrost
rear window.............. 58
windshield............... 57
Dipstick................ 217
automatic transmission fluid....234, 236
engine oil.............. 217
power steering fluid.......... 231
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 207
Dispute Settlement Board........ 278
File:rcixm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:52:02 1997

316 Index
Engine
check engine warning light....... 17
does not start...........152, 190
fuel injected engine, starting....149±150
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 190
preparing to start........... 149
refill capacities............ 266
service points............. 213
starting................ 150
starting after a collision........ 190
storing your vehicle........268±269
Engine block heater........... 153
Engine coolant............. 224
checking and adding......... 224
checking hoses............ 226
disposal...........210, 219, 236
drain and flush............ 228
low coolant warning light........ 14
preparing for storage......... 270
proper solution........210, 219, 236
recovery reservoir.........213, 224
refill capacities............ 266
specifications............. 267
temperature gauge........... 18
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 18
description............... 18
mechanical.............18±19
Engine coolant temperature
guage:electronic............. 18
Engine fan............... 210
Engine oil............... 216
changing oil and oil filter.....217, 219
checking and adding......... 217
dipstick............... 217
disposal...........210, 219, 236
engine oil pressure gauge........ 22
filter, specifications.......... 265
refill capacities............ 266
specifications...........216, 267
synthetic oil............. 216
File:rcixm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:52:02 1997