2001 FORD MUSTANG automatic transmission

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 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
Maintenance and care
152

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.
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
(if equipped)
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.MAXMIN
Maintenance and care
167

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
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
Maintenance and care
168

a level surface. The normal operating temperature
can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
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.
Maintenance and care
169

Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Rear axle
lubricant
2Motorcraft SAE
80W-90 Premium
Rear Axle
Lubricant7 .5 inch axle 1.5L (3.25 pints)
Motorcraft SAE
75W-140
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lubricant8.8 inch axle 2.0L (4.25 pints)
Fuel tank N/A All 59.4L (15.7
gallons)
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
Mobil 1
SynthetictAT FManual with 4.6L
SOHC V8 engine3.8L (8.0 pints)5
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 3.8L (4.0 quarts)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.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.
Capacities and specifications
207

Item Ford part name Ford part
numberFord
specification
Automatic
transmission fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtVATF
2
XT-5-QM MERCONtV
3.8L Manual
transmission fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
4.6L Manual
transmission fluidMobil 1
SynthetictAT FN/A N/A
Disc brake caliper
railsSilicone Brake
Caliper Grease
and Dielectric
CompoundD7AZ-19A331-A
(Motorcraft
WA-10)ESE-M1C171-A
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1Add 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.
Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant that
does not require changing unless the axle has been
submerged in water.
2Ensure 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.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.8L OHV V6 engine 4.6L SOHC V8 engine
Cubic inches 232 281
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-00.056 inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-00.056 inch)
Ignition system EDIS Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.4:1 9.4:1
Capacities and specifications
209

A
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........ 88
and child safety
seats ......................... 90
description .............. 88
disposal .................... 93
driver air bag .......... 91
indicator light ..... 9, 92
operation ................. 91
passenger air bag ... 91
Air cleaner filter ..... 206
Air conditioning ........ 20
manual heating and air
conditioning
system ..................... 20
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) ................... 157
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .... 108±109
Anti-theft system
warning light ............. 9
Audio system (see
Radio) ........................ 24
Automatic
transmission ............ 113
driving an automatic
overdrive ............... 115
fluid, adding .......... 167
fluid, checking ...... 167
fluid, refill
capacities ............... 206
fluid,
specification .......... 209
Auxiliary power
point ........................... 60Axle
lubricant
specifications. 208±209
refill capacities ...... 206
traction lok ............ 122
B
Battery ..................... 171
acid, treating
emergencies .......... 171
charging system
warning light ............. 9
jumping a disabled
battery ................... 141
maintenance-free .. 171
replacement,
specifications ........ 206
servicing ................ 171
voltage gauge .......... 17
Belt minder ............... 83
Brakes .............. 108, 110
anti-lock ......... 108±109
anti-lock brake
system (ABS) warning
light .................. 12, 109
brake warning
light .......................... 13
fluid, checking and
adding .................... 155
fluid, refill
capacities ............... 206
fluid,
specifications 208±209
lubricant
specifications 208±209
parking .................. 110
shift interlock ........ 113
Break-in period ........... 3
Index
228

The Dispute
Settlement
Board ..................... 216
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ................. 219
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) .............. 18
Defrost
rear window ............ 19
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ........................ 167
engine oil ............... 151
Doors
lubricant
specifications ........ 208
Driving under special
conditions
through water ....... 128
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ........ 141
Emission control
system ...................... 190
Engine .............. 209±210
check engine/service
engine soon light ...... 9
cleaning ................. 202
coolant ................... 157
idle speed
control ................... 171
lubrication
specifications. 208±209refill capacities ...... 206
service
points ............. 150±151
starting after a
collision ................. 130
Engine block
heater ....................... 106
Engine oil ................ 151
checking and
adding .................... 151
dipstick .................. 151
filter,
specifications. 154, 206
recommendations.. 154
refill capacities ...... 206
specifications. 208±209
Exhaust fumes ........ 107
F
Floor mats ................. 60
Fluid capacities ....... 206
Foglamps ................... 19
Fuel .......................... 180
calculating fuel
economy ................ 186
cap ................... 11, 182
capacity ................. 206
choosing the
right fuel ................ 183
comparisons with EPA
fuel economy
estimates ............... 190
detergent in fuel ... 185
filling your vehicle
with
fuel ......... 180, 182, 186
filter,
specifications. 185, 206
Index
230