2002 FORD MUSTANG maintenance schedule

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled
maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not
indicate a performance concern with the vehicle's
brake system. In normal operation, automotive brake
systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal
or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such
noises are usually heard during the first few brake
applications in the morning; however, they may be
heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as
cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a
ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking,
the brake linings may be worn-out and should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
If you are driving down a long or steep hill,
shift to a lower gear. Do not apply your
brakes continuously, as they may overheat and
become less effective.
Parking brake
Apply the parking
brake whenever the
vehicle is parked. To
set the parking brake,
apply the brake pedal
and pull the parking
brake handle up as far
as possible.
The BRAKE warning
lamp in the instrument
cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated
(when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking
brake is released.
P!
BRAKE
Driving
142

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 the necessary parts and
service. Check yourWarranty Guideto 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 Specifications
201

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
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
specification ESR-M17P5±A. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
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.
Note: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 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 5 to 10 minutes for
the oil to drain into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
Maintenance and Specifications
206

4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the
filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn until three clicks
are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the
vehicle with the engine oil level indicator
and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this
certification trademark.
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils ªCertified For Gasoline Enginesº by the
American Petroleum Institute (API). Use Motorcraft
or an equivalent oil meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C153±H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides
optimum fuel economy and durability
performance meeting all requirements for your
vehicle's engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil
treatments or engine treatments. They are
unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your
warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the
appropriate schedule listed in the scheduled
maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil
filters are designed for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter is used that does
not meet Ford material and design specifications,
start-up engine noises or knock may be experienced.
Maintenance and Specifications
209

It is recommended you use the appropriate
Motorcraft oil filter (or another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine application.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
210

²Always dispose of
automotive batteries
in a responsible
manner. Follow your
local authorized
standards for
disposal. Call your
local authorized
recycling center to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should
be checked at the mileage intervals in the scheduled
maintenance guide. The coolant concentration
should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36É C (-34É F).
Coolant concentration testing is possible with a
hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014±R1060).
The level of coolant should be maintained at the
ªcold fullº of ªcold fill rangeº level in the coolant
reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the
instructions in theAdding Engine Coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine
coolant and water concentration. If the
concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not
work properly.A 50±50 mixture of coolant and
water provides the following:
²freeze protection down to -36É C (-34É F)
²boiling protection up to 129É C (265É F)
²protection against rust and other forms of
corrosion
²enables calibrated gages to function properly
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and Specifications
213

²3.8L OHV V6 engine
²4.6L SOHC V8
engine
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.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do
not use engine coolant, antifreeze or windshield
Maintenance and Specifications
214

If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to
ON several times after refueling, to allow the fuel
system to pump the fuel from the tank to the
engine.
²Your ªService Engine Soonº indicator may come
on. For more information on the ªService Engine
Soonº indicator, refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized
Motorcraft part. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel system if an
authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel
economy is you, the driver. You must gather
information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel
gauge readings are NOT accurate as a measure of
fuel economy. We do not recommend taking fuel
economy measurements during the first 1 600 km
(1 000 miles) of driving (engine break-in period).
You will get a more accurate measurement after
3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your
vehicle is equal to the rated refill capacity of the fuel
tank as listed in theRefill capacitiessection of this
chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
227