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
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
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONtAT F.
If your vehicle is
equipped with the
3.8L V6 engine,check
the power steering
fluid level with the
engine at normal
operating temperature.
1. Start the engine and
let it run until it
reaches normal
operating temperature
(the engine coolant
temperature gauge
indicator will be near
the center of the
normal area between H
and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel
left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be
within the FULL HOT range. 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.
FILL
HOT
Maintenance and Specifications
234
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.
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.
MAXMIN
Maintenance and Specifications
235
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 Specifications
237
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Fuel tank N/A All 59.4L
(15.7 gallons)
Transmission
fluid
3Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FAutomatic
with 3.8L
OHV V6
engine13.1L
(13.9 quarts)
4
Automatic
with 4.6L
SOHC V8
engine12.0L
(12.8 quarts)
4
Motorcraft
MERCONt
AT FManual with
3.8L OHV V6
engine2.6L
(5.6 pints)5
Synthetic
MERCONt
AT 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. MERCONt
and MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance guide to determine the
correct service interval.
Maintenance and Specifications
248
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