Light turns on solid:
Temporary malfunctions may cause the light to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed
and securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by
filling the fuel tank with high quality fuel of the
recommended octane and/or properly installing and
securely tightening the fuel cap. After three driving
cycles without these or any other temporary
malfunctions present, the light should turn off. (A
driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup
followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No
additional vehicle service is required.
If the light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at
the first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your
catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate
fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration)
and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive
exhaust temperatures could damage the
catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor
coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Instrument Cluster
12
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel filler cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before
completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
excessive pressure or vacuum in the fuel
tank may damage the fuel system or cause the fuel
cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in
possible personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel
is prohibited by law and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage
critical fuel system components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel
additives with metallic compounds, including
manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for
which your vehicle was not designed may not be
covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is
designed to use
ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline with pump
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend
the use of gasolines labeled as ªRegularº that are
sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high
altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily under
most driving conditions while you are using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or
a qualified service technician to prevent any engine
damage.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and Specifications
225
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation driveability problems during a cold start,
try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded gasoline.
ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended
(particularly in the United States) because it may
cause these problems to become more pronounced.
If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket
products to your fuel tank if you continue to use
high quality fuel of the recommended octane rating.
Aftermarket products could cause damage to the
fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of using
an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be
covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's
automakers issued the
World-wide Fuel
Charter that
recommends gasoline
specifications to
provide improved
performance and
emission control
system protection for your vehicle. Gasolines that
meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used
when available. Ask your fuel supplier about
gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter. In
Canada, look for fuels that display theAuto
Makers' Choiceylogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated
ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may
have an adverse affect on powertrain components.
Maintenance and Specifications
226
The advertised capacity is the amount of the
indicated capacity and the empty reserve combined.
Indicated capacity is the difference in the amount of
fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge
indicates empty. Empty reserve is the small amount
of fuel remaining in the fuel tank after the fuel
gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve
varies and should not be relied upon to
increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty,
you might not be able to refuel the full amount
of the advertised capacity of the fuel tank due
to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
²Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position
prior to refueling, an error in the reading will
result if the engine is left running.
²Use the same filling rate setting (low Ð medium
Ð high) each time the tank is filled.
²Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when
filling.
²Always use fuel with the recommended octane
rating.
²Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a
national brand.
²Use the same side of the same pump and have
the vehicle facing the same direction each time
you fill up.
²Have the vehicle loading and distribution the
same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling
method is consistent.
Maintenance and Specifications
228
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. MERCONt
and 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
engine4.6L 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
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle
dimensionsCoupe mm (in) Convertible mm
(in)
(1) Overall length 4 653.3 (183.2) 4 653.3 (183.2)
(2) Overall width 1 856.7 (73.1) 1 856.7 (73.1)
(3) Overall height 1 348.7 (53.1) 1 351.3 (53.2)
(4) Wheelbase 2 573.0 (101.3) 2 573.0 (101.3)
(5) Track - Front 1 534.2 (60.4)
11 534.2 (60.4)1
(5) Track - Rear 1 539.2 (60.6)21 539.2 (60.6)2
11 521.5 mm (59.9 in) for Mustang GT
21 526.5 mm (60.1 in) for Mustang GT
Maintenance and Specifications
251
low fuel warning
light .......................... 13
octane rating.. 225, 251
quality .................... 226
running out of fuel 226
safety information
relating to automotive
fuels ....................... 221
Fuses ................ 165±166
G
Gas cap
(see Fuel cap) ... 13, 224
Gas mileage (see
Fuel economy) ........ 227
Gauges ....................... 16
battery voltage
gauge ....................... 17
engine coolant
temperature gauge... 16
engine oil pressure
gauge ....................... 17
fuel gauge ................ 18
odometer ................. 18
speedometer ........... 18
tachometer .............. 19
trip odometer .......... 19
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ........ 158
definition ............... 158
driving with a
heavy load ............. 158
location .................. 158
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ........ 158
calculating ............. 158
definition ............... 158
driving with a
heavy load ............. 158
location .................. 158H
Hazard flashers ....... 163
Head restraints ....... 104
Headlamps ................. 71
aiming ...................... 73
bulb specifications .. 75
daytime running
lights ........................ 71
flash to pass ............ 72
high beam ......... 10, 72
replacing bulbs ....... 76
turning on and off .. 71
warning chime ........ 15
Heating
heating and air
conditioning
system ..................... 67
Hood ........................ 203
I
Ignition ............. 136, 251
removing the key .. 157
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) ... 128
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ............ 233
Instrument panel
cleaning ................. 197
cluster .............. 10, 198
lighting up panel
and interior ............. 72
J
Jack .......................... 170
positioning ............. 170
storage ................... 170
Jump-starting your
vehicle ...................... 174
Index
261
K
Keys ................. 100±102
key in ignition
chime ....................... 15
positions of the
ignition .................. 136
removing from the
ignition .................. 157
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart.. 75
cargo lamps ............. 72
daytime running
light .......................... 71
fog lamps ................. 71
headlamps ......... 71, 76
headlamps, flash
to pass ..................... 72
instrument panel,
dimming ................... 72
interior lamps ... 74, 76
replacing
bulbs ...... 75±76, 78±80
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ...... 74
Lights, warning
and indicator ............. 10
air bag ...................... 11
anti-lock brakes
(ABS) .............. 14, 144
anti-theft ................. 11
brake ........................ 15
charging system ...... 11
fuel cap light ........... 13
high beam ............... 10
low fuel .................... 13
overdrive off ............ 13
safety belt ............... 11
service engine soon.11
traction control
active ....................... 14
turn signal indicator.10
Limited slip axle
(see Traction Loc) .. 147
Load limits ............... 158
GAWR .................... 158
GVWR .................... 158
trailer towing ........ 158
Locks
doors ........................ 94
Lubricant
specifications ... 249, 251
Lug nuts, anti-theft . 174
Lumbar support,
seats ......................... 105
M
Manual
transmission ............ 154
fluid capacities ...... 247
lubricant
specifications ........ 251
reverse ................... 156
Mirrors
side view mirrors
(power) ................... 84
Motorcraft
parts ................. 227, 246
O
Octane rating .......... 225
Odometer ................... 18
Oil
(see Engine oil) ...... 206
Overdrive ........... 89, 149
Index
262