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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 or ambient
temperature.
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
147
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![FORD MUSTANG 1999 4.G Owners Manual could result when the vehicle reaches normal
operating temperature.
The transmission fluid
should be in this range
if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC [150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fl FORD MUSTANG 1999 4.G Owners Manual could result when the vehicle reaches normal
operating temperature.
The transmission fluid
should be in this range
if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC [150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fl](/manual-img/11/5206/w960_5206-147.png)
could result when the vehicle reaches normal
operating temperature.
The transmission fluid
should be in this range
if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC [150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fluid
should be in this range
if at ambient
temperature (10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the
safe range may result
in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible
damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating
condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type
is used. The type of fluid used is normally indicated
on the dipstick and/or dipstick handle and also in
theLubricant specificationssection in the
Capacities and specificationschapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission
fluid may cause internal transmission
component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint)
increments through the filler tube until the level is
correct.
If an overfill occurs,
excess fluid should be
removed by a qualified
technician.
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148
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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
149
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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
151
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²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go
driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only
recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of
alignment will reduce fuel economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant
Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance
items. Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule and owner maintenance checks found in
your vehicle Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may
reduce fuel economy at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel
economy (approximately 2 km/h [1 mpg] is lost
for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for
example bug deflectors, rollover/light bars,
running boards, ski/luggage racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel
economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 12±16 km (8±10
miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel
economy as compared to driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when
operated in the top cruise gear and with steady
pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
Maintenance and care
167
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3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is
used. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated
on the dipstick or on the dipstick handle. MERCONt
and MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your
Scheduled Maintenance Guide to determine the
correct service interval.
4Service refill capacity is determined by filling the
transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with the
vehicle on a level surface.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
speci-
fication
Brake fluid High Per-
formance
DOT 3
Motor
Vehicle
Brake FluidC6AZ-
19542-ABESA-
M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Door
weather-
stripsSilicone
LubricantF7AZ-
19G208-BA
and F5AZ-
19553-AAESR-
M13P4-A
Door latch,
hood latch,
auxiliary
hood latch,
door
hinges,
striker
plates, seat
tracks and
fuel filler
door hingeMulti-
Purpose
GreaseD0AZ-
19584-AA
or F5AZ-
19G209-AAESB-
M1C93-B
or ESR-
M1C159-A
Capacities and specifications
185
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Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
speci-
fication
Engine
coolantFord
Premium
Engine
CoolantE2FZ-
19549-AA
(in Oregon,
F5FZ-
19549-CC,
in Canada,
Motorcraft
CXC-10)ESE-
M97B44-A
Engine oil Motorcraft
5W-30
Super
Premium
Motor OilXO-
5W30-QSPWSS-
M2C153-G
with API
Certification
Mark
Lock
cylindersPenetrating
and Lock
LubricantE8AZ-
19501-Bnone
Power
steering
fluid and
convertible
top fluid (if
equipped)Motorcraft
MERCONt
AT FXT-5-QM MERCONtV
Rear axle
lubricantMotorcraft
SAE 80W90
Premium
Rear Axle
Lubricant
1
XY-
80W90-QLWSP-
M2C197-A
Automatic
transmission
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FXT-5-QM MERCONtV
Capacities and specifications
186
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Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
speci-
fication
Manual
transmission
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONt
AT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Disc brake
caliper railsSilicone
Brake
Caliper and
Dielectric
compoundD7AZ-
19A331-A
(Motorcraft
WA-10)ESE-
M1C171-A
Windshield
washer
fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-
19550-ACESR-
M17P5-A
1Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of additive friction modifier
C8AZ-19B546±A, Ford specification EST-M2C118±A
for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant
that does not require changing unless the axle has
been submerged in water.
Capacities and specifications
187