2000 FORD MUSTANG maintenance

system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the
air bag back up power and the air bag ignitors.
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument
cluster or a tone to indicate the condition of the
system. Refer to theAir bag readinesssection in
theInstrumentationchapter. Routine maintenance
of the air bag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or
more of the following:
²The readiness light
will either flash or
stay lit.
²The readiness light will not illuminate immediately
after ignition is turned on.
²A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone
pattern will repeat periodically until the problem
and light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently,
have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a
qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced,
the system may not function properly in the event of
a collision.
Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped
vehicles (including pretensioners)
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles,
see your local dealership or qualified technician. Air
bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN
See the following sections for directions on how to
properly use safety restraints for children. Also see
Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)in
this chapter for special instructions about using air
bags.
AIR
BAG
Seating and safety restraints
80

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled
maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not
indicate a performance concern with the vehicle's
brake system. In normal operation, automotive brake
systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal
or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such
noises are usually heard during the first few brake
applications in the morning; however, they may be
heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as
cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a
ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking,
the brake linings may be worn-out and should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking
system (ABS), a noise from the hydraulic pump
motor and pulsation in the pedal may be observed
during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled
with noise while braking under panic conditions or
on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is
normal and indicates proper functioning of the
vehicle's anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a
self-check after you start the engine and begin to
drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be heard
during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is
found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the
steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
Driving
95

your Scheduled Maintenance guide for more
information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area before starting on a trip to get the feel of the
vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs
and other obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer
attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the
loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles),
thoroughly check your hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in
hot weather, place the gearshift in P (Park) and
increase idle speed. This aids engine cooling and
air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel
chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Recreational towing (all wheels on the ground)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain
combination to tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground (such as behind a recreational
vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged due to insufficient
lubrication.
All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities
with rear wheel drive capability.
An example of recreational towing is towing your
vehicle behind a Motorhome. The following
recreational towing guidelines are designed to
Driving
114

Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine
compartment. The power distribution box contains
high-current fuses that protect your vehicle's main
electrical systems from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before
servicing high current fuses.
Always replace the cover to the Power
Distribution Box before reconnecting the
battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
If the battery has been disconnected and
reconnected, refer to theBatterysection of the
Maintenance and carechapter.
5
RELAY4
RELAY3
RELAY2
RELAY1
RELAY
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MAXI
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DIODE28
CB27
MAXI26
MAXI25
MAXI23
MINI
24
MINI
21
MINI
22
MINI
19
MINI17
MINI18
MINI15
MINI13
MINI
14
MINI16
MINI20
MINI
11
MAXI10
MAXI9
MAXI8
MAXI7
MAXI6
MAXI5
MAXI4
MAXI3
MAXI2
MAXI1
MAXI
SEE OWNERS MANUAL CONSULTER LA GUIDE
Roadside emergencies
122

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine
compartment for easy location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which
makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your
dealership can provide necessary parts and service.
Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out which parts
and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and
service parts conforming to specifications. Motorcraft
parts are designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR
VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing
your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing,
jewelry or long hair away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running
in an enclosed space, unless you are sure you
have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit
material away from the battery and all fuel related
parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained in theBatterysection in
this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
Maintenance and care
133

2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
3. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
4. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the
engine is running.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and
place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the
engine is running.
Maintenance and care
134

OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle,
pull the hood release
handle located under
the bottom left corner
of the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the
auxiliary latch that is located under the front center
of the hood.
3. Lift the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
HOOD
Maintenance and care
135

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
3.8L OHV V6 engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Power distribution box
5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if
equipped)
6
1023
4
5
789
1
Maintenance and care
136