2003 FORD MUSTANG transmission

Removingkeyfrom ignition
•Turn the ignition key
to position 3 (OFF).
•Push the release
lever forward and
rotate the key
towards you and
remove.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water,
especially if the depth is unknown. Traction or brake
capability may be limited and if the ignition system
gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also
enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage
your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is
unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never drive
through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims
(for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry
brakes. Drying can be improved by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the
brake pedal.
Driving through deep water where the
transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage. Have the fluid checked
and, if water is found, replace the fluid.
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VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the
following terms:
•Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle
including any standard equipment, fluids,
lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
•Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of
cargo, occupants and optional equipment. The
payload equals the gross vehicle weight rating
minus base curb weight.
•GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight
plus payload weight. The GVW is not a limit or a
specification.
•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):
Maximum permissible total weight of the base
vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed
on the Safety Certification Label on the driver’s
door pillar.
•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying
capacity for each axle system. The GAWR is
specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The
combined weight of the towing vehicle (including
occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):
Maximum permissible combined weight of towing
vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the
loaded trailer
•Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum
weight of a trailer the vehicle is permitted to tow.
The maximum trailer weight rating is determined
by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required
option weight for trailer towing and the weight of
the driver from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
•Maximum Trailer Weight:Maximum weight of a
trailer the loaded vehicle (including occupants
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154

TRAILERTOWING
Your vehicle is not equipped to tow. No towing
packages are available through Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealers.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
(ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain
combination to tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground (such as behind a recreational
vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged due to insufficient
lubrication.
All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles:
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities
with rear wheel drive capability.
An example of recreational towing is towing your
vehicle behind a motorhome. The following
recreational towing guidelines are designed to
ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph)
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56
km/h (35 mph) must be exceeded, you must
disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft
removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft
can cause transmission fluid loss, damage to
the driveshaft and internal transmission
components.
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156

If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
1. Park on a level
surface, activate hazard
flashers and set
parking brake.
2. Place gearshift lever
in P (Park) or R (manual transmission), turn engine
OFF, and block the diagonally opposite wheel.
3. Remove the spare
tire, jack and lug
wrench.
4. Remove the center
ornament (if equipped)
from the wheel. Loosen
each wheel lug nut
one-half turn
counterclockwise but
do not remove them
until the wheel is
raised off the ground.
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167

3. Install the lug nut by turning the wrench
clockwise.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes.
An explosion could result in injury or vehicle
damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can
burn skin, eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle.
Automatic transmissions do not have
push-start capability; also, the catalytic
converter may become damaged.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is
installed, the transmission must relearn its shift
strategy. As a result, the transmission may have firm
and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered
normal and will not affect function or durability of
the transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning
process will fully update transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your
vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle as this could damage the vehicle’s electrical
system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the
disabled vehicle making sure the two vehiclesdo
nottouch. Set the parking brake on both vehicles
and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the battery
cables. Ensure the vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect
any electrical surges. Turn all other accessories off.
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170

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine
compartment for easy location.
•We 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 Guide/Owner
Information 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.
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•When the engine is running, keep loose clothing,
jewelry or long hair away from moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running
in an enclosed space, unless you are sure you
have enough ventilation.
•Keep 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
“relearn”its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained in theBatterysection in
this chapter.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
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194

2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
3. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
4. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the engine is
running.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and
place the gearshift in neutral.
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the engine is
running.
The cooling fan is automatic and may come
on at any time. Always disconnect the
negative terminal of the battery before working
near the fan.
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195

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
3.8L OHV V6 engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Power distribution box
5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
(if equipped)
6
1023
4
5
789
1
Maintenance and Specifications
197