2003 FORD MUSTANG charging

Charging system
Illuminates when the
battery is not charging
properly.
Air bag readiness
Illuminates to confirm
that the air bags (front
or side) are
operational. If the light fails to illuminate, continues
to flash or remains on, have the system serviced
immediately.
Anti-theft system
Illuminates when the
SecuriLock
Passive
Anti-theft System is
armed. If the light fails to illuminate, continues to
flash or remains on, have the system serviced.
Service engine soon
Illuminates briefly to
ensure the system is
functional. If it comes
on after the engine is
started, one of the engine’s emission control systems
may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate
without a driveability concern being noted. The
vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
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
AIR
BAG
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrument Cluster
11

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
“level indicator”. 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.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminals and clean with
a wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a
solution of baking soda and water.
Maintenance and Specifications
203

service of components affecting emission control,
such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and
durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine compartment
and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the“Service Engine Soon”light,
charging system warning light or the temperature
warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the
emission control system is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful
and potentially lethal fumes into the
passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle owners and anyone
who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases,
trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are
not permitted to intentionally remove an emission
control device or prevent it from working.
Information about your vehicle’s emission system is
on the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal
located on or near the engine. This decal identifies
engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete
emission warranty information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to
pass an I/M test of the on-board diagnostics system.
If your“Check Engine/Service Engine Soon”light is
on, refer to the description in theWarning lights
and chimessection of theInstrument cluster
chapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the“Check Engine/Service Engine Soon”light on.
Maintenance and Specifications
224

A
ABS (see Brakes) ... 140
Air bag supplemental
restraint
system .............. 114–115
and child safety
seats ....................... 116
description ............ 115
disposal .................. 119
driver air bag ........ 117
indicator
light .................. 11, 119
operation ............... 117
passenger
air bag .................... 117
Air cleaner filter ..... 237
Air conditioning
manual heating
and air conditioning
system ..................... 63
Antifreeze
(see Engine
coolant) ................... 206
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .... 140–141
Anti-theft system
warning light ........... 11
Audio system
(see Radio) .......... 19, 43
Automatic
transmission ............ 144
driving an automatic
overdrive ............... 146
fluid, adding .......... 228
fluid, checking ...... 228
fluid, refill
capacities ............... 238
fluid,
specification .......... 242Auxiliary power
point ........................... 78
Axle
lubricant
specifications... 240, 242
refill capacities ...... 238
traction lok ............ 144
B
Battery ..................... 203
acid, treating
emergencies .......... 203
charging system
warning light ........... 11
jumping a disabled
battery ................... 170
maintenance-free .. 203
replacement,
specifications ........ 237
servicing ................ 203
voltage gauge .......... 16
BeltMinder ............... 109
Brakes .............. 138, 141
anti-lock ......... 140–141
anti-lock brake
system (ABS)
warning light ... 13, 141
brake warning
light .......................... 14
fluid, checking
and adding ............ 226
fluid, refill
capacities ............... 238
fluid,
specifications... 240, 242
lubricant
specifications... 240, 242
parking .................. 139
shift interlock ........ 144
Break-in period ........... 5
Bulbs .......................... 71
Index
248

Jump-starting your
vehicle ...................... 170
K
Keys ..................... 95–97
key in ignition
chime ....................... 14
positions of the
ignition .................. 133
removing from
the ignition ............ 153
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications
chart ........................ 71
cargo lamps ............. 68
daytime running
light .......................... 67
fog lamps ................. 67
headlamps ......... 67, 72
headlamps, flash
to pass ..................... 68
instrument panel,
dimming ................... 68
interior lamps ... 70, 72
replacing
bulbs .................. 71–75
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ...... 70
Lights, warning and
indicator .................... 10
air bag ...................... 11
anti-lock brakes
(ABS) .............. 13, 141
anti-theft ................. 11
brake ........................ 14
charging system ...... 11
fuel cap light ........... 12high beam ............... 10
low fuel .................... 13
overdrive off ............ 13
safety belt ............... 10
service engine
soon ......................... 11
traction control
active ....................... 13
turn signal
indicator .................. 10
Limited slip axle
(see Traction Loc) .. 144
Load limits ............... 154
GAWR .................... 154
GVWR .................... 154
trailer towing ........ 154
Locks
doors ........................ 89
Lubricant
specifications ... 240, 242
Lug nuts,
anti-theft .................. 169
Lumbar support,
seats ......................... 100
M
Manual
transmission ............ 150
fluid capacities ...... 238
lubricant
specifications ........ 242
reverse ................... 152
Mirrors
side view mirrors
(power) ................... 80
Motorcraft
parts ................. 219, 237
O
Octane rating .......... 217
Index
252