2000 FORD MUSTANG check engine

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid
whenever you stop for
fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add
enough fluid to fill the
reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the
reservoir all the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford
specifications. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
theCapacities and specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic
compounds may restrict the use of methanol, a
common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide cold
weather protection without damaging the vehicle's
paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Do not put washer fluid in the engine
coolant reservoir. Washer fluid placed in the
cooling system may harm engine and cooling
system components.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
Your engine's cooling system has been factory-filled
with a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and Ford
Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in
Canada, Motorcraft CXC-10), or an equivalent
premium engine coolant that meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44-A.
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143

When the engine is cold, check the level of the
engine coolant in the reservoir.
²The engine coolant should be at the ªcold fill
levelº as listed on the engine coolant reservoir.
²Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
service interval schedules.
²Be sure to read and understandPrecautions
when servicing your vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the
recommended interval, the engine coolant reservoir
may become low or empty. If the reservoir is low or
empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer to
Adding engine coolantin this chapter.
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable;
do not use engine coolant, antifreeze or
windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
Use only Ford Premium Engine Coolant
E2FZ-19549-AA (in Canada, Motorcraft
CXC-8-B) or a premium engine coolant that
meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
²DO NOT USE Ford Extended Life Engine
Coolant F6AZ-19544-AA (orange in color).
²DO NOT USE a DEX-COOLtengine coolant
or an equivalent engine coolant that meets
Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D.
²DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol antifreeze
or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or
methanol antifreeze.
²DO NOT USE supplemental coolant additives
in your vehicle. These additives may harm
your engine's cooling system.
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145

²DO NOT MIX recycled coolant and
conventional coolant together in your
vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants may harm
your engine's cooling system.
²The use of an improper coolant may harm
engine and cooling system components and
may void the warranty of your vehicle's
engine cooling system. If you are unsure
which type of coolant your vehicle requires,
contact your local dealer.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield
washer fluid reservoir. If engine coolant is
sprayed onto the windshield, it could make it
difficult to see through the windshield.
When the engine is cool, add a50/50 mixtureof
engine coolant and distilled water to the engine
coolant reservoir, until the coolant is at the ªcold fill
levelº as listed in the engine coolant reservoir.
²NEVER increase the coolant concentration
above 60%.
²NEVER decrease the coolant concentration
below 40%.
²Engine coolant concentrations above 60% or
below 40% will decrease the freeze
protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
Plain water may be added in an emergency, but you
mustreplace it with a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the reservoir before you
drive your vehicle the next few times (with the
engine cool). If necessary, add a50/50 mixtureof
engine coolant and distilled water to the engine
coolant reservoir until the coolant level is at the
ªcold fill levelº as listed on the reservoir.
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146

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.
If equipped with the 3.8L V6 engine, to
avoid scalding hot steam or coolant from
being released from the engine cooling system,
never remove the radiator cap from the radiator
while the engine is running or hot. Failure to
follow this warning may result in damage to the
engine's cooling system and possible severe
personal injury.
If equipped with the 4.6L V8 engine, to
avoid scalding hot steam or coolant from
being released from the engine cooling system,
never remove the pressure relief cap from the
engine coolant reservoir while the engine is
running or hot. Failure to follow this warning may
result in damage to the engine's cooling system
and possible severe personal injury.
If you must remove the pressure relief cap or
radiator cap (depending upon engine application),
follow these steps to avoid personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off
and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap. Slowly turn cap counterclockwise
until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been
released, use the cloth to turn it counterclockwise
and remove the cap.
Engine coolant drain and flush
Procedures for draining and flushing the cooling
system can be found in theCar Service Manual,
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147

12. Add a50/50 mixtureof engine coolant and
distilled water to the radiator until full.
13. Reinstall the radiator cap.
14. Check the coolant level in the reservoir before
you drive your vehicle the next few times (with the
engine cool).
15. If necessary, add a50/50 mixtureof engine
coolant and distilled water to the engine coolant
reservoir until the coolant level is at the ªcold fill
levelº as listed on the reservoir.
If you are unsure of how to operate the cooling
system vent plug when adding engine coolant to the
3.8L V6 engine, contact your dealer.
Engine coolant refill procedure-4.6L V8 engine
The following procedure should be used when
refilling the cooling system of a 4.6L V8 engine after
it has been drained or become extremely low.
1. Remove the pressure relief cap from the engine
coolant reservoir as previously outlined.
2. Slowly add a50/50 mixtureof engine coolant
and distilled water to the engine coolant reservoir
until the coolant level is at the ªcold fill levelº as
listed on the reservoir.
3. Reinstall the pressure relief cap.
4. Start and idle the engine until the upper radiator
hose is warm (this indicates the thermostat is open
and coolant is flowing through the entire system).
5. Shut the engine off and let it cool.
6. Remove the pressure relief cap from the engine
coolant reservoir as previously outlined.
7. Add a50/50 mixtureof engine coolant and
distilled water to the engine coolant reservoir until
the coolant level is at the ªcold fill levelº as listed on
the reservoir.
8. Reinstall the pressure relief cap.
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149

9. Check the coolant level in the reservoir before
you drive your vehicle the next few times (with the
engine cool).
10. If necessary, add a50/50 mixtureof engine
coolant and distilled water to the engine coolant
reservoir until the coolant level is at the ªcold fill
levelº as listed on the reservoir.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends the use of a
recycled engine coolant produced by Ford-approved
processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant
which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A. Use
of a recycled engine coolant which does not meet
the Ford specification 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.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined in
Adding engine coolantin this chapter.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
±36É C [±34É F]):
²it may be necessary to increase the coolant
concentration above 50%.
²NEVER increase the coolant concentration
above 60%.
²increased engine coolant concentrations
above 60% will decrease the overheat
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150

protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²refer to the chart on the coolant container
to ensure the coolant concentration in your
vehicle will provide adequate freeze
protection at the temperatures in which you
drive in the winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
²it is still necessary to maintain the coolant
concentration above 40%.
²NEVER decrease the coolant concentration
below 40%.
²decreased engine coolant concentrations
below 40% will decrease the corrosion
protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²decreased engine coolant concentrations
below 40% will decrease the freeze
protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²refer to the chart on the coolant container
to ensure the coolant concentration in your
vehicle will provide adequate protection at
the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates
should use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
distilled water for optimum cooling system and
engine protection.
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 MERCONtAT F.
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151

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
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152