2000 FORD MUSTANG service

²3.8L OHV V6 engine
²4.6L SOHC V8
engine
²Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine
damage. Some oil must be removed from the
engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully
seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to
Checking the engine oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal
range, add only certified engine oil of the
recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler
cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the
opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil
level is not above the MAX mark on the engine oil
level indicator (dipstick).
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139

BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and refilled as
needed. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for the service interval schedules.
²3.8L OHV V6 engine
²4.6L SOHC V8
engine
1. Clean the reservoir cap before removal to prevent
dirt or water from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the
fluid level.
3. If necessary, add
brake fluid from a
clean un-opened
container until the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
MAX
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141

4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid certified to meet
Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts
the eyes, flush eyes with running water for
15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation
persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce
vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3,
you will cause permanent damage to your
brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the brakes
to fail.
CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch
adjustment. Refer to
the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide for
the service interval
schedules.
The clutch on your
vehicle is operated by
a cable. As necessary, adjust the clutch as described
below.
1. Turn the engine off and shift into 1 (First).
2. Put your foot under the clutch pedal and gently
pull it up until the pedal stops.
3. Push the clutch pedal down slowly. You will hear a
click as the clutch adjusts itself.
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142

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

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

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

BATTERY
Your vehicle is
equipped with a
Motorcraft
maintenance-free
battery which normally
does not require
additional water during
its life of service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature
climates, check the battery electrolyte level. Refer to
the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service
interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the
ªlevel indicatorº. Do not overfill the battery
cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can
add plain tap water to the battery, as long as you do
not use hard water (water with a high mineral or
alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill
the battery cells with distilled water. If the battery
needs water often, have the charging system
checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it
is reinstalled after the battery has been
cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of
the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are always tightly fastened to the
battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminals and clean with
a wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a
solution of baking soda and water.
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157

windshield wiper solution or a mild detergent. Rinse
thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm
away from the
windshield and lock
into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an
angle from the wiper
arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the
blade and pull the
wiper blade down
toward the windshield
to remove it from the arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the wiper arm and press
it into place until a click is heard.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
New vehicles are fitted
with tires that have a
rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades.
The Quality grades can
be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For example:
²Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by
standards that the United States Department of
Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for
use on passenger cars. They do not apply to deep
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