2003 FORD MUSTANG change time

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Maintenance Schedule —
Vehicles with Gasoline Engines
The maintenance schedule is designed to protect against major repairs resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance and to prolong the life of the vehicle.
General Maintenance Information
NOTE: This is a generic maintenance schedule for all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. There may
be items listed that do not apply to all vehicles.
The Normal Schedule applies to operation of the vehicle under typical, everyday driving conditions.
The maintenance frequency in this schedule typifies what the vast majority of vehicles will require. The
listed services should be carried out at specified mileage intervals. There are, however, additional
services required that only the noted vehicles require.
If the vehicle is operated in one or more of the following special operating conditions, those additional
services will be required. The special operating conditions are:
ztowing or carrying heavy loads.
z extensive idling and/or driving at low speeds for long distances.
z driving in dusty conditions.
z off- road operation.
There are also exceptions to the Normal Operating Schedule which will require more frequent
maintenance for some components. Those exceptions are:
znatural gas and propane vehicles — fuel tank intervals.
z normal vehicle axle — maintenance and lubrication.
z police and taxi vehicles — maintenance and lubrication.
z engine oil and yellow coolant — time and mileage-based interval.
Special Operating Condition Requirements
When towing a trailer or using a camper or car- top carrier:
z Change engine oil and install a new oil filter every 4,800 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months.
z Change transfer case fluid every 96,000 km (60,000 miles).
z Change manual transmission fluid as required.
z Inspect and lubricate U- joints as required.
During extensive idling and/or low speed driving for long distances, as in heavy commercial use such
as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery: SECTION 100-
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Exceptions To Normal Schedule
Yellow Coolant
zChange coolant at 5 years or 160,000 km (100,000 miles) of the vehicle's life, whichever comes
first.
z After the initial change, change coolant every 3 years or 80,000 km (50,000 miles) thereafter.
Natural Gas and Propane Vehicles
zInspect NGV fuel tanks from the date of tank manufacture every 3 years.
z Inspect propane fuel tanks from vehicle build date every 5 years.
z Install new NGV fuel tanks from the date of tank manufacture every 15 years.
Normal Vehicle Axle Maintenance
Rear axles and power take off (PTO) units containing synthetic lubricant and light duty trucks equipped
with Ford- design axles are lubricated for life. These lubricants are not to be checked or changed
unless service is required, or if a leak is suspected, or the axle assembly has been submerged in
water.
The axle and PTO should be changed anytime they have been submerged in water. Non- synthetic
rear axle lubricants should be replaced every 4,800 km (3,000 miles) or three months, whichever
occurs first, during extended trailer tow operation above 21°C (70°F) ambient and wide open throttle
for extended periods above 45 mph.
The 3,000 mile lube change interval may be waived if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear
lubricant meeting Ford specification WSL- M2C192-A, part number F1TZ-19B546- B or equivalent. Add
four ounces of additive friction modifier C8AZ-19B546- A (EST-M2C118- A) or equivalent for complete
refill of Traction- Lok rear axles.
The axle lubricant should be changed anytime an axle has been submerged in water.
Police and Taxi Vehicle Axle Maintenance
Replace rear axle lubricant every 160,000 km (100,000 miles). Rear axle lubricant change may be
waived if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear lubricant meeting Ford specification WSL-
M2C192- A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add four ounces of additive friction modifier
C8AZ- 19B546- A (EST-M2C118- A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction- Lok rear axles.
The axle lubricant should be changed anytime an axle has been submerged in water. Klj . 10 ba
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Suspension System
Inspection and Verification
1. Road test. zVerify the customer's concern by performing a road test on a smooth road.
2. Inspect tires. zCheck the tire pressure with all normal loads in the vehicle and the tires cold. For
additional information, refer to the vehicle certification (VC) label.
z Verify that all tires are sized to specification.
z Inspect the tires for incorrect wear and damage.
3. Inspect chassis and underbody. zRemove any excessive accumulation of mud, dirt or road deposits from the chassis and
underbody.
4. Inspect for aftermarket equipment. zCheck for aftermarket changes to the steering, suspension, wheel and tire components
(such as competition, heavy duty, etc.) The specifications shown in this manual do not
apply to vehicles equipped with aftermarket equipment.
5. Inspect shock absorbers. All vehicles are equipped with gas- pressurized hydraulic shock absorbers. These shock
absorbers are not adjustable or refillable and cannot be repaired.
zOil Leak: A light film of oil (weepage) on the upper portion of the shock absorber is
permissible and is a result or correct shock lubrication. Weepage is a condition in which a
film of oil accumulates on the thin tube (body) and is normally noticed due to the
collection of dust in this area. If shock absorbers exhibit this weepage condition, they are
functional units and new shock absorbers should not be installed. Leakage is a condition
in which the entire shock absorber body is covered with oil and the oil will drip from the
shock absorber onto the pavement. If condition exists:
„Make sure fluid observed is not from sources other than the shock absorber.
„ Install a new shock absorber, if necessary.
z Vehicle Sag: Many times new shock absorbers are installed in an effort to solve a vehicle
sag concern. Shock absorbers by design are hydraulic damping units only and, unlike
suspension springs, do not support any suspension loads. Therefore, installing a new
shock absorber will not correct a vehicle sag concern.
z Installment in Pairs: In the past it was recommended that new shock absorbers be
installed in pairs if one unit became unrepairable. New shock absorbers no longer need
to be installed in pairs when only one unit is not repairable.
SECTION 204-
00: Suspension System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Visual Inspection Chart
Mechanical Klj . 1 ba
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7. Install the right side bearing cap and tighten the left side and right side bolts to specification.
8. Rotate the differential assembly several times to verify that the differential bearings have seated
correctly.
Measuring backlash 9. Using the special tools, measure the ring gear backlash. zIf backlash is within the specification, refer to Backlash within specification in this
procedure. The specification shown is the full allowable range. For the preferred range,
refer to Specifications in this section.
z If a zero backlash condition occurs, refer to Zero backlash in this procedure.
z If backlash is not within the specification, refer to Backlash not within specification in this
procedure. Backlash Change Required Thickness Change Required
mm Inch mm Inch
0.025 0.001 0.050 0.002
0.050 0.002 0.050 0.002 Klj . 8 ba
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7. Install the right side bearing cap and tighten the left side and right side bolts to specification.
8. Rotate the differential assembly several times to verify that the differential bearings have seated
correctly.
Measuring backlash 9. Using the special tools, measure the ring gear backlash. zIf backlash is within the specification, refer to Backlash within specification in this
procedure. The specification shown is the full allowable range. For the preferred range,
refer to Specifications in this section.
z If a zero backlash condition occurs, refer to Zero backlash in this procedure.
z If backlash is not within the specification, refer to Backlash not within specification in this
procedure. Backlash Change Required Thickness Change Required
mm Inch mm Inch
0.025 0.001 0.050 0.002
0.050 0.002 0.050 0.002 Klj . 8 ba
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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Rear Drive Halfshafts
The rear wheel drive halfshaft system consists of and operates as follows:
zHalfshafts (4K138) transmit engine torque from the rear axle housing to the rear wheels.
z Halfshafts rotate at approximately one- third the speed of a driveshaft and do not contribute to
rotational vibration disturbances.
z A constant velocity (CV) joint is a mechanism for transmitting uniform torque and rotary motion
while operating through a range of angles.
z CV joints at both inboard (differential) and outboard (wheel) ends provide operating
smoothness.
z The inboard CV joints are plunge- type joints that provide the axial movement necessary to
affect shaft length changes.
z The outboard CV joints have a higher angle capability than the inboard CV joints to
accommodate suspension travel.
z Inboard and outboard CV joints connect to a splined shaft.
z A driveshaft bearing retainer circlip retains the splined inboard CV joint to the differential side
gear. Install a new circlip every time you remove the halfshaft from the vehicle.
z A rear axle wheel hub retainer secures the interconnecting shaft and outboard CV joint to the
rear hub.
z The lubed-for- life CV joints use special CV joint grease. They require no periodic lubrication.
z To separate the halfshaft from the rear hub, press the outboard CV joint from the rear hub.
z To separate the halfshaft from the differential, apply a load to the back face of the inboard CV
joint assembly to overcome the circlip.
z The halfshaft assemblies are not repairable. Install a new assembly if worn/damaged.
SECTION 205-
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Brake System
Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell
60 , Instrument Cluster for schematic and connector information.
Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 97 , Daytime Running Lamps for schematic and connector information.
Inspection and Verification WARNING: Use of any other than the approved DOT 3 brake fluid will cause permanent
damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative.
WARNING: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with
eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately.
CAUTION: Do not spill brake fluid onto painted surfaces. If spilled, wipe up immediately.
NOTE: Always check the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir (2K478) before performing
the test procedures. If the fluid level is not at the correct level, add High Performance DOT 3 Brake
Fluid C6AZ- 19542-AB or equivalent DOT 3 fluid meeting Ford specification ESA- M6C25-A.
NOTE: Prior to performing any diagnosis, make sure the brake warning indicator is functional. For
additional information, refer to Section 413 - 01 .
The first indication that something may be wrong in the brake system is a change in the feeling through
the brake pedal (2455). The brake warning indicator in the instrument cluster and the brake fluid level SECTION 206-
00: Brake System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
73 Digital Multimeter
105-
R0051 or Equivalent ABS Brake and Pressure Test
Kit
107-
02350 or Equivalent Tire and Wheel Runout Gauge
Set
134-
00199 or Equivalent Klj . 1 ba
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11. Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel slightly in both directions and release quickly
while watching the pressure gauge.
zThe pressure reading should move from the normal back pressure reading and snap
back as the steering wheel is released.
z If the pressure returns slowly or sticks, the rotary valve in the steering gear is sticking or
the steering column is binding. Check the steering column and linkages before servicing
the steering gear.
Tie- Rod Articulation Torque
1. NOTE: This check may be done with the steering gear on or off the vehicle.
Disconnect the tie- rod end from the front wheel spindle. For additional information, refer to
Section 211 - 02 .
2. Move the front wheel spindle tie- rod back and forth three times.
3. Hook the special tool 211- 034 (T74P-3504-Y) over the tie-rod end or the threaded portion of the
front wheel spindle tie- rod and measure the force required to move the front wheel spindle tie-
rod. Refer to Tie- Rod Articulation Torque in General Specifications in this section.
4. If the force required to move the front wheel spindle tie- rod does not meet the specifications,
install a new front wheel spindle tie- rod. For additional information, refer to Section 211 - 02 .
Steering Gear Valve 1. With the vehicle in motion, place the transmission in NEUTRAL and turn the engine OFF. zIf the vehicle does not pull with the engine OFF, install a new steering gear. For
additional information, refer to Section 211 - 02 .
2. If the vehicle pulls with the engine OFF, cross- switch the front wheels.
3. If the vehicle pulls to the opposite side, cross- switch the front and rear wheels on the same side.
4. If the vehicle pull direction does not change, check the front suspension components, wheel alignment and frame alignment. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 00 or frame
dimensions manual. Klj . 10 ba
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