1998 FORD MUSTANG warning

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled
maintenance.
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-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking,
the brake linings may be worn-out and should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock 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, bumps, wet or snowy roads is
normal and indicates proper functioning of the
vehicle's anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a
self-check at 17 km/h (10 mph) after you start the
engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical
noise may be heard during this test. This is normal.
If a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will
come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Driving
88

The ABS operates by
detecting the onset of
wheel lockup during
brake applications
and compensating for
this tendency. The
wheels are prevented
from locking even
when the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts the advantage of
an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with
loss of front braking traction.
ABS warning lamp
The
ABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster
momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned
on and the engine is off. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or
continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on,
the anti-lock brake
system is disabled and
normal braking is still
effective unless the brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake released. (If your
brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately).
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency
from the ABS is required, apply continuous full
force on the brake. The ABS will be activated
immediately, thus allowing you to retain full
steering control of your vehicle and, providing
there is sufficient space, will enable you to avoid
obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled
stop.
²The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce
P!
BRAKE
Driving
89

stopping distance. Always leave enough room
between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of
you to stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with
this braking technique. However, avoid taking any
unnecessary risks.
Hydraulic brake booster system (Hydroboost)
The Hydroboost system receives fluid pressure from
the power steering pump to provide power assist
during braking.
The sound of the pump operating may be heard by
the driver, but this is a normal characteristic of the
system.
For Hydroboost-equipped vehicles operating under
normal conditions, the noise of the fluid flowing
through the booster may be heard whenever the
brake is applied. This condition is normal. Vehicle
service is not required.
If braking performance or pedal response becomes
very poor, even when the pedal is strongly
depressed, it may indicate the presence of air in the
hydraulic system or leakage of fluid. Stop the vehicle
safely as soon as possible and seek service
immediately.
Parking brake
Apply the parking
brake whenever the
vehicle is parked. To
set the parking brake,
apply the brake pedal
and pull the handle up
as far as possible.
The BRAKE warning
lamp in the instrument
cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated
(when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking
brake is released.
P!
BRAKE
Driving
90

Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few
minutes. The transmission and tires may be
damaged or the engine may overheat.
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.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the
brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the
brakes may not be working properly. See your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with a 4±speed automatic transmission
(if equipped)
Understanding gearshift positions
Pull the gearshift lever towards you and downward
to move the automatic gearshift.
Hold the brake pedal down while you move
the gearshift lever from P (Park) to another
position. If you do not hold the brake pedal down,
your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure
someone.
Driving
94

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.
Illumination of the charging system warning light,
ªService Engine Soonº light or the temperature
warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful
and potentially lethal fumes into the
passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle owners and anyone
who manufactures, repairs, items, sells, leases,
trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are
not permitted to intentionally remove an emission
control device or prevent it from working.
Information about your vehicle's emission system is
on the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal
located on or near the engine. This decal identifies
engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete
emission warranty information.
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to
pass an I/M test of the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II)
system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº
light is on, refer to the description in theWarning
Lights and Chimessection of theInstrumentation
chapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
Maintenance and care
164

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........ 71
and child
safety seats ............. 73
description .............. 72
disposal .................... 76
indicator light ......... 75
passenger air bag ... 74
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .. 94,95,96,97
Axle
refill capacities ...... 178
Battery
voltage gauge .......... 15
Brakes ................... 88,90
anti-lock .............. 88,89
anti-lock brake
system (ABS)
warning light ........... 89
fluid, checking
and adding ............ 133
shift interlock .......... 93
Break-in period ........ 2,3
Child safety seats
attaching with
tether straps ........... 82
in rear seat .............. 80
tether anchorage
hardware ................. 82
Cleaning
your vehicle ............. 171
engine
compartment ......... 173
exterior ........... 173,176
exterior lamps ....... 174
interior ................... 175
plastic parts .......... 174
washing .................. 172
waxing ................... 172
wheels .................... 173
windows ................ 176wiper blades .......... 174
Clutch
fluid ........................ 135
operation
while driving ........... 98
recommended shift
speeds ...................... 99
Console ...................... 52
Controls
power seat ............... 64
Convertible ................ 53
cleaning ................. 176
installation
of the boot .............. 54
lowering the
convertible top ........ 53
raising the
convertible top ........ 55
Coolant ............. 139,140
checking
and adding ............ 138
refill capacities ...... 140
Defrost
rear window ............ 17
Emission
control system ......... 163
Engine
coolant ................... 137
idle speed control . 146
service points . 129,130
starting after a
collision ................. 108
Engine block heater . 86
Engine oil
checking
and adding ............ 132
dipstick .................. 130
specifications . 130,133
Exhaust fumes .......... 87
Floor mats ................. 51
Index
186

Fuel
choosing
the right fuel ......... 156
comparisons with EPA
fuel economy
estimates ............... 163
detergent in fuel ... 158
filling your vehicle
with fuel ......... 154,155
gauge ....................... 12
quality .................... 157
running
out of fuel ............. 158
safety information
relating to automotive
fuels ....................... 154
Fuses ................. 109,110
Gas mileage (see
Fuel economy) ........ 159
160,161,162
Gauges ....................... 12
engine coolant
temperature gauge . 13
engine oil pressure
gauge ....................... 15
Hazard flashers ....... 108
Head restraints ......... 63
Headlamps
aiming ............. 170,171
bulb
specifications ........ 170
high beam ............ 7,44
warning chime ........ 11
Heating ...................... 18
heating and air
conditioning
system ................ 18,20
Hood ........................ 128
Ignition ..................... 182
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ............ 164
Instrument panel ........ 6cleaning ................. 175
Keys
key in ignition
chime ....................... 11
positions of the
ignition .................... 45
removing from the
ignition .................. 101
Lamps
daytime
running light ........... 16
fog lamps ................. 52
headlamps ............... 16
headlamps, flash to
pass .......................... 44
instrument panel,
dimming ................... 17
interior
lamps ......... 49,169,170
replacing bulbs ..... 165
166,167,168,169
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ...... 43
Lights, warning and
indicator
air bag ........................ 7
anti-lock brakes
(ABS) ...................... 10
anti-theft ................... 7
brake ........................ 10
charging system ........ 7
check coolant .......... 11
low fuel ...................... 9
overdrive off .............. 9
safety belt ................. 7
service engine soon .. 8
turn signal indicator . 6
Lumbar support,
seats ...................... 65,66
Manual transmission
reverse ................... 100
Index
187

Mirrors
side view mirrors
(power) ................... 51
Motorcraft parts ...... 158
Octane rating .......... 157
Odometer ................... 14
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry system 57
Parking brake ............ 90
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ............. 113
Power door locks ...... 51
Power steering .......... 92
fluid, checking and
adding .................... 140
Radio ................ 21,22,23
24,25,26,27,28,29,30
31,32,33,34,35,36,37
38,39,40,41,42,43
Relays ...................... 109
Remote entry
system .............. 56,60,61
illuminated entry .... 58
locking/unlocking
doors ................... 56,57
replacement/additional
transmitters ............. 58
replacing
the batteries ............ 59
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ...... 11
Safety restraints
cleaning the safety
belts .................. 71,176
extension assembly 70
for children ........ 76,77
warning light and
chime .................. 11,70
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ........ 66,68,69
Seats .......................... 63
child safety seats .... 78cleaning ................. 175
Seats-easy access/
easyout feature ......... 65
Servicing your
vehicle ............... 126,127
Spark plugs,
specifications ........... 177
Special notice .............. 3
Specification chart,
lubricants ................. 180
Speed control ............ 46
Speedometer ............. 13
Starting your
vehicle .............. 83,84,86
jump starting ........ 120
121,122,123
Steering wheel
tilting ....................... 45
Tachometer ............... 14
Tires ........... 149,150,151
changing ......... 115,116
checking
the pressure .......... 151
replacing ................ 152
rotating .................. 151
snow tires
and chains ............. 153
tire grades ............. 150
treadwear .............. 150
Towing
wrecker .................. 124
Traction control ........ 91
active light .............. 10
Traction-lok
rear axle .................. 101
Transmission ........... 142
automatic
operation ................. 93
fluid, checking and
adding
(automatic) ........... 142
143,144
Index
188