1998 FORD MUSTANG battery

BATTERY
Your vehicle is
equipped with a
Motorcraft
maintenance-free
battery which normally
does not require
additional water during
its life of service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature
climates, check the battery electrolyte level. Refer to
the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service
interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the
ªlevel indicatorº. Do not overfill the battery
cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can
add plain tap water to the battery, as long as you do
not use hard water (water with a high mineral or
alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill
the battery cells with distilled water. If the battery
needs water often, have the charging system
checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it
is reinstalled after the battery has been
cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of
the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are always tightly fastened to the
battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminals and clean with
a wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a
solution of baking soda and water.
Maintenance and care
146

Batteries normally produce explosive gases
which can cause personal injury. Therefore,
do not allow flames, sparks or lighted substances
to come near the battery. When working near the
battery, always shield your face and protect your
eyes. Always provide proper ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,
excessive pressure on the end walls could
cause acid to flow through the vent caps, resulting
in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or
battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or
with your hands on opposite corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact
with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes when
working near the battery to protect against
possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with
water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get
prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call
a physician immediately.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control conditions
are maintained by power from the battery. When the
battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed,
the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim
strategy for optimum driveability and performance.
To begin this process:
1. Set your parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or the neutral position (manual
transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Let the engine idle for at least one minute.
Maintenance and care
147

4. The relearning process will automatically
complete as you drive the vehicle.
²The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km
(10 miles) or more to relearn the idle and fuel
trim strategy.
²If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle
trim, the idle quality of your vehicle may be
adversely affected until the idle trim is eventually
relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new
battery has been installed, the clock and the preset
radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
²Always dispose of
automotive batteries
in a responsible
manner. Follow your
local authorized
standards for
disposal. Call your
local authorized
recycling center to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when
they seem less effective. Substances such as tree sap
and some hot wax treatments used by commercial
car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and wiper blades using undiluted
windshield wiper solution or a mild detergent. Rinse
thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and care
148

If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD-II system is reset to a
ªnot ready for I/M testº condition. To ready the
OBD-II system for I/M testing, a minimum of
30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary
as described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an
expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go,
city-type traffic with at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours
without starting the engine. Then, start the engine
and complete the above driving cycle. The engine
must warm up to its normal operating temperature.
Once started, do not turn off the engine until the
above driving cycle is complete.
EXTERIOR BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps
frequently:
²Headlamps
²Tail lamps
²Brakelamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Turn signals
²Backup lamps
²License plate lamp
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they will be
replaced immediately. If a bulb is removed for an
extended period of time, contaminants may enter
the lamp housings and affect performance.
Maintenance and care
165

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.8L OHV V6
engine4.6L SOHC V8
engine
Air filter FA-1611 FA-1634
Fuel filter FG-800A FG-800A
Battery BXT-59 BXT-59
Oil filter FL-400S FL-820S
PCV valve EV-152 EV-98
Spark plugs* AWSF-42EE** AWSF-32PP***
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information
(VECI) decal for spark plug gap information.
**If a spark plug is removed for inspection, it must
be reinstalled in the same cylinder. Cylinders No. 1,
2 and 3 have an ªEGº suffix. Cylinders No. 4, 5 and
6 have an ªEº suffix. If a spark plug needs to be
replaced, use only spark plugs with the same service
part number suffix letter as shown on the engine
decal.
*** If a spark plug is removed for inspection, it must
be reinstalled in the same cylinder. Cylinders No. 1,
2, 3 and 4 have a ªPGº suffix. Cylinders No. 5, 6, 7
and 8 have a ªPº suffix. If a spark plug needs to be
replaced, use only spark plugs with the same service
part number suffix letter ªPPº as shown on the
engine decal.
Capacities and specifications
177

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