1998 FORD MUSTANG check transmission fluid

4.6L SOHC V8 engine
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Power distribution box
4. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
5. Battery
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if
equipped)
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
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Maintenance and care
130

If your vehicle is
equipped with a 4.6L
V8 engine,check the
power steering fluid
level with the engine at
ambient temperature.
Allow at least one-half
hour after driving for
the power steering
fluid to cool.
1. Start the engine and
allow the engine to
idle.
2. Turn the steering
wheel left and right
several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be
between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if
the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
correct operating range. Be sure to put the cap back
on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
scheduled intervals for fluid checks and changes.
Your transmission does not consume fluid. However,
the fluid level should be checked if the transmission
is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips
or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed.
To obtain an accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle
until it is at normal operating temperature
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has
MAXMIN
Maintenance and care
142

been operated for an extended period at high
speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a
trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about
30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the
parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on
the brake pedal, start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges. Allow
sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the
engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean,
dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in
the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level.
The fluid should be in the designated area for
normal operating temperature (H) or ambient
temperature (C).
Low fluid level
Do not drive the
vehicle if the fluid level
is at the bottom of the
dipstick and the ambient temperature is above 10ÉC
(50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal
operating temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on
a level surface. The normal operating temperature
can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the
ambient temperature is above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However,
if fluid is added at this time, an overfill condition
Maintenance and care
143

An overfill condition of transmission fluid may
cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler
plug and inspect the
fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be
at bottom of the
opening.
4. Add enough fluid
through the filler
opening so that the
fluid level is at the
bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer
to theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Maintenance and care
145

Fluid Ford Part
NameAppli-
cationCapacity
Fuel tank N/A All 58.7L (15.5
gallons)
Trans-
mission
fluidMotorcraft
MER-
CONtV
AT FAutomatic
with 3.8L
OHV V6
engine13.1L (13.9
quarts)
Automatic
with 4.6L
SOHC V8
engine12.0L (12.8
quarts)
Motorcraft
MERCONt
AT FManual
with 3.8L
OHV V6
engine2.6L
(5.6 pints)
Manual
with 4.6L
SOHC V8
engine
3
3.1L
(6.6 pints)
Windshield
washer
fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll Fill to line
on
reservoir
1If your engine coolant is green in color, use Ford
Premium Cooling System Fluid. If your coolant is
orange in color, use Ford Extended Life Engine
Coolant. Refer toAdding engine coolant, in the
Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Rear axle lubricants do not need to be checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required
or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The
axle lubricant should be changed any time the rear axle
has been submerged in water. Fill 6 mm to 14 mm
(1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole. Add
118 ml (4 oz.) of additive friction modifier
C8AZ-19B546-A, Ford specification EST-M2C118±A for
complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
3Service refill capacity is determined by filling the
transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with the
vehicle on a level surface.
Capacities and specifications
179

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

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

1If your engine coolant is green in color, use Ford
Premium Cooling System Fluid. If your engine
coolant is orange in color, use Ford Extended Life
Engine Coolant. Refer toAdding engine coolant, in
the Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Service refill capacity is determined by filling the
transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with the
vehicle on a level surface.
3Ensure correct automatic transmission fluid is used
for a specific application. Check the container to
verify the fluid is MERCONtand/or MERCONtV
approved. Some fluids have been approved as
meeting both MERCONtand MERCONtV
requirements and will be labeled as such. Fluids
labeled as meeting only MERCONtor only
MERCONtV requirements must not be used
interchangeably. DO NOT mix MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Transmission fluid requirements are
indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick handle.
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide to
determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
192