2000 FORD MUSTANG brake

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

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

4.6L SOHC V8 engine
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Power distribution box
4. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
5. Battery
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if
equipped)
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain into the oil pan.
56798
23
4
110
Maintenance and care
137

3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level
indicator (dipstick).
²3.8L OHV V6 engine
²4.6L SOHC V8
engine
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully,
then remove it again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MINÐMAX
marks,the oil level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD
OIL.
²If the oil level is below the MIN mark, add enough
oil to raise the level within the MINÐMAX range.
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
138

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
Maintenance and care
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.
Maintenance and care
142

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. If necessary, refer toIdentifying
components in the engine compartmentin this
chapter for the location of the dipstick.
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.
Maintenance and care
154

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. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the
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.
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158