1998 FORD MUSTANG coolant temperature

Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the
temperature of the
engine coolant. At
normal operating
temperature, the needle remains within the normal
area (the area between the ªHº and ªCº). If it enters
the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the
engine immediately and let the engine cool. Refer to
Engine coolantin theMaintenance and care
chapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap
while the engine is running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine
coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at
its proper level the gauge indication will not be
accurate.
Speedometer
Indicates the current vehicle speed.
²Base instrument
cluster
²Optional instrument
cluster
CH
10 203020 406080100
120
140
160
180
405060 70
80
90
100
11 0
120
FUEL DOOR MPH km/h
102040608020 40608010 012 0 14 0
160
180
200
220
240
100
120
140
305070 90
110
13 0
150
FUEL DOOR MPH km/h
Instrumentation
13

STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to 5
(START) without
pressing the
accelerator pedal and
release as soon as the
engine starts. The key
will return to 4 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above ±12ÉC (10ÉF) and the
engine does not start within five seconds on the first
try, turn the key to OFF, wait ten seconds and try
again.
3. If the temperature is below ±12ÉC (10ÉF) and the
engine does not start in fifteen seconds on the first
try, turn the key OFF and wait ten seconds and try
again. If the engine does not start in two attempts,
depress the accelerator and start the engine while
holding the accelerator down to the floor. Release
the accelerator when the engine starts.
4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake
and release the parking brake.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant,
which improves starting, warms up the engine faster
and allows the heater-defroster system to respond
quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where
temperatures reach ±23ÉC ( ±10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before starting the vehicle. Using the heater
for longer than three hours will not harm the engine,
so the heater can be plugged in the night before
starting the vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your
heater with ungrounded electrical systems
or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
3
2
1
5
4
Starting
86

For vehicles with orange coolant,no recycling
process has been approved at this time and use of
such coolant may harm engine and cooling system
components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for recycling and disposing
of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling
system can hold, refer toRefill capacitiesin the
Capacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system
for leaks if you have to add more than 1.0 liter
(1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
±36ÉC [±34ÉF]), it may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to the chart
on the coolant container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle is such that the
coolant will not freeze at the temperature level in
which you drive during winter months. Never
increase the engine coolant concentration above
60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme
climates.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service
interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtV ATF.
Maintenance and care
140

If your vehicle is
equipped with the
3.8L V6 engine,check
the power steering
fluid level with the
engine at normal
operating temperature.
1. Start the engine and
let it run until it
reaches normal
operating temperature
(the engine coolant
temperature gauge
indicator will be near
the center of the
normal area between H
and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel
left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be
within the FULL HOT range. 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.
FILL
HOT
Maintenance and care
141

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