1998 FORD MUSTANG charging

High beams
Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps
are turned on.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to the ON
position to remind you
to fasten your safety belts. For more information,
refer to theSeating and safety restraintschapter.
Charging system
Illuminates when the
ignition is turned to
the ON position and
the engine is off. The
light also illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring electrical system
service.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily
illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON.
If the light fails to
illuminate, continues to flash or remains on, have
the system serviced immediately.
Anti-theft system
Refer toSecuriLocky
passive anti-theft
systemin theControls
and featureschapter.
AIR
BAG
THEFT
Instrumentation
7

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

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

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