2000 FORD MUSTANG check transmission fluid

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

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

If your vehicle is
equipped with a 4.6L
V8 engine,check the
power steering fluid
level with the engine at
ambient temperature.
Allow at least one-half
hour after driving for
the power steering
fluid to cool.
1. Start the engine and
allow the engine to
idle.
2. Turn the steering
wheel left and right
several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be
between the MIN and MAX lines. 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.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
scheduled intervals for fluid checks and changes.
Your transmission does not consume fluid. However,
the fluid level should be checked if the transmission
is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips
or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed.
To obtain an accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle
until it is at normal operating temperature
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has
MAXMIN
Maintenance and care
153

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

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
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 also in theLubricant
specificationssection in theCapacities 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.
Maintenance and care
155

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
156

Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Transmission fluid
3Motorcraft
MERCONtVATFAutomatic with
3.8L OHV V6
engine13.1L
(13.9 quarts)4
Automatic with
4.6L SOHC V8
engine12.0L
(12.8 quarts)4
Motorcraft
MERCONtAT FManual with 3.8L
OHV V6 engine2.6L (5.6 pints)5
Manual with 4.6L
SOHC V8 engine3.1L (6.6 pints)5
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 3.8L (4.0 quarts)
1Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE
Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer to
Adding engine coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Rear axle lubricants do not need to be checked or changed unless a
leak is suspected, service is required or the axle assembly has been
submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time
the rear axle has been submerged in water. Fill 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4
inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole. Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of
Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or equivalent meeting Ford
specification EST-M2C118±A for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used.
Transmission fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on
the dipstick handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not
interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to
your Scheduled Maintenance Guide to determine the correct service
interval.
4Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may
vary based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The
amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the
indication on the dipstick's normal operating range.
5Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
Capacities and specifications
192

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ... 75,76
and child
safety seats ............. 77
description .............. 76
disposal .................... 80
driver air bag .......... 78
indicator light ...... 9,80
operation ................. 78
passenger air bag ... 78
Air cleaner filter ..... 191
Air conditioning ........ 20
manual heating
and air conditioning
system ..................... 20
Antifreeze (see
Engine coolant) ...... 143
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......... 95,96
Anti-theft system
warning light ............. 9
Audio system
(see Radio) ................ 23
Automatic
transmission ............ 100
driving an automatic
overdrive ............... 102
fluid, adding .......... 153
fluid, checking ...... 153
fluid,
refill capacities ...... 191
fluid,
specification .......... 194
Auxiliary
power point ............... 52
Axle
lubricant
specifications.. 193,194
refill capacities ...... 191
traction lok ............ 109
Battery ..................... 157acid, treating
emergencies .......... 157
charging system
warning light ............. 9
jumping a disabled
battery ................... 128
maintenance-free .. 157
replacement,
specifications ........ 191
servicing ................ 157
voltage gauge .......... 16
Belt minder ............... 71
Brakes ................... 95,97
anti-lock .............. 95,96
anti-lock brake
system (ABS)
warning light ...... 12,96
brake
warning light ........... 12
fluid, checking
and adding ............ 141
fluid,
refill capacities ...... 191
fluid,
specifications.. 193,194
lubricant
specifications.. 193,194
parking .................... 97
shift interlock ........ 100
Break-in period ........... 3
Capacities for
refilling fluids .......... 191
Certification Label .. 196
Child safety
restraints ................... 81
child safety belts .... 81
Child
safety seats ........... 82,83
attaching with
tether straps ........... 87
in front seat ............ 84
in rear seat .............. 84
Index
212