Page 160 of 321
![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
Page 170 of 321
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 171 % [GF15700( ALL)12/95]
You can find your vehicles GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left front door lock facing or the door latch
post pillar.
*
[GF15800( ALL)01/9 FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 171 % [GF15700( ALL)12/95]
You can find your vehicles GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left front door lock facing or the door latch
post pillar.
*
[GF15800( ALL)01/9](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-169.png)
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
Page 173 of 321
![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
Page 177 of 321
![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.
File:09rcgfm.ex
Update:Mon Feb 24 10:18:27 1997
Page 190 of 321
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 192 %
*
[ER09500( ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
[ER09700(MBC )02/96]
You have a high pressure temporary spare tire.
This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire and
is designed for emergency u FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 192 %
*
[ER09500( ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
[ER09700(MBC )02/96]
You have a high pressure temporary spare tire.
This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire and
is designed for emergency u](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-189.png)
192 %
*
[ER09500( ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
[ER09700(MBC )02/96]
You have a high pressure temporary spare tire.
This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire and
is designed for emergency use only. Use it only
when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon
as you can. This spare tire is marked with the
words ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that you
can easily identify it.
*
[ER09800( ALL)02/96]
NOTE: Extended use of other than
conventional spare 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.
*
[ER09900( ALL)02/96]
WARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire
continuously or do not follow these
precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly
injuring yourself or others.
*
[ER10000( ALL)02/96]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire,
DO NOT:
*
[ER10100( ALL)02/96]
q
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any
circumstances.
*
[ER10200( ALL)02/96]
q
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than
the maximum vehicle load rating listed on
the tire decal.
*
[ER10300( ALL)02/96]
q
tow a trailer.
*
[ER10400( ALL)02/96]
q
use tire chains on this tire.
*
[ER10500( ALL)02/96]
q
try to repair the temporary spare tire or
remove it from its wheel.
File:10rcerm.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 10:01:28 1997
Page 237 of 321
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 239
*
[MC24500( ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 239
*
[MC24500( ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-236.png)
239
*
[MC24500( ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do
not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents to clean your wiper blades. These will
damage your blades.
*
[MC24600( ALL)01/96]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply
turn the ignition to the ACC position and turn
your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to the OFF
position. Do not move the wipers manually.
Manually moving the wipers across the
windshield may damage them.
*
[MC24700( ALL)02/96]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[MC24800( ALL)01/96]
If the wiper blades still do not work properly
after you clean them, you may need to replace
the wiper blade assembly or the blade element.
When replacing the wiper blade assembly, blade
refill, or wiper arm always use a Motorcraft part
or equivalent. To replace the blades, follow the
instructions that come with them.
%
*
[MC24900( ALL)01/96]
Tires
%*
[MC25001( ALL)03/96]
Checking Tire Pressure
*
[MC25100( ALL)02/96]
q
Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
*
[MC25200( ALL)02/96]
q
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold,
after the vehicle has been parked for at least
one hour or has been driven less than 3 miles
(5 km).
*
[MC25400( ALL)03/96]
q
Adjust tire pressure to recommended
specifications found on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 1997
Page 238 of 321
240
*
[MC25900( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
%*
[MC26000( ALL)01/96]
Tire Rotation
*
[MC26100( ALL)01/96]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires
perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly
and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the
following diagram.
*
[MC26200( ALL)05/96]
For tire rotation intervals, see theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet. If you notice that the tires wear
unevenly, have them checked.
[MC26300(M )12/95]
half page art:0010378-C
Rotating the tires
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 1997
Page 239 of 321
![FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 241 %
*
[MC26800( ALL)01/96]
Replacing the Tires
*
[MC26900( ALL)01/96]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (2 mm) of tread left.
% [MC27000 FORD MUSTANG 1997 4.G Owners Manual 241 %
*
[MC26800( ALL)01/96]
Replacing the Tires
*
[MC26900( ALL)01/96]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (2 mm) of tread left.
% [MC27000](/manual-img/11/5204/w960_5204-238.png)
241 %
*
[MC26800( ALL)01/96]
Replacing the Tires
*
[MC26900( ALL)01/96]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (2 mm) of tread left.
% [MC27000( ALL)12/95]
one inch art:0001318-A
A worn-out tire
*
[MC27100( ALL)02/96]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly,
you may need to replace them before a wear
band appears across the entire tread.
*
[MC27200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix
radial, bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use
only the tire sizes that are listed on the
tire pressure decal. Make sure that all tires
are the same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire
combinations recommended on the decal.
If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and
safely.
*
[MC27300( ALL)01/96]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicle's original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
File:11rcmcm.ex
Update:Thu Apr 3 07:49:33 1997