2003 FORD MUSTANG ground clearance

z
Excessive runout of
valve seats on the
valve face. z
CARRY OUT a valve seat
runout test. INSPECT the
valve face and seat.
INSTALL new valves as
necessary. REFER to
Section 303 - 01A for 3.8L
engines or Section 303 - 01B
for 4.6L (2V) engines.
z Rattling noise—
from the bottom
of the vehicle z
Loose muffler shields
or catalytic converter
shields. z
CHECK the exhaust
system for loose exhaust
shields. REPAIR as
necessary.
z Thumping
noise— from the
bottom of the
vehicle, worse at
acceleration z
Exhaust pipe/muffler
grounded to chassis. z
CHECK the exhaust
system to chassis
clearance. CHECK the
exhaust system hangers for
damage. REPAIR as
necessary. REFER to
Section 309 - 00 .
z Whoosh— occurs
during light
vehicle
acceleration.
Heard inside the
vehicle z
Throttling late,
creating turbulence
transmitted through
the plastic manifold. z
CHECK for leaks or
missing seal in the dash
panel.
z Engine
vibration—
increases
intensity as
engine rpm is
increased z
Engine out-of-
balance. z
CARRY OUT Neutral
Engine Run- Up (NERU)
Test. ROTATE the torque
converter, 120° for 3 bolt
and 180° for 4 bolt.
INSPECT the torque
converter pilot outer
diameter to crankshaft pilot
inner diameter. REPAIR as
necessary. REFER to
Section 307 - 01 .
z Engine
vibration— is felt
with increases
and decreases in
engine rpm z
Strain on exhaust
mounts. z
CARRY OUT the Exhaust
System Neutralizing
procedure in this section.
REPAIR as necessary.
z Damaged or worn
powertrain/drivetrain
mounts. z
CHECK the
powertrain/drivetrain
mounts for damage.
REPAIR as necessary.
z Engine or
transmission
grounded to chassis. z
INSPECT the
powertrain/drivetrain for
correct clearances.
REPAIR as necessary.
z Engine
vibration—
vibration felt at all
times z
Excessive engine
pulley runout. z
CARRY OUT Engine
Accessory Test. INSTALL a
new engine pulley as
necessary. REFER to
Section 303 - 01A for 3.8L
engines or Section 303 - 01B
for 4.6L (2V) engines.
z Damaged or worn
accessory
component. z
CARRY OUT Engine
Accessory Test. REPAIR or
INSTALL a new component Klj . 27 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

high idle during the
first cold start of the
day
lifter/lash
adjuster).
z A continuous, speed-
dependent rattle from
the engine — occurs
during idle or high idle
during the first cold
start of the day and
disappears as the
engine warms up z
Piston noise or
valvetrain noise
(bled down
lifter/lash
adjuster). z
Go To Pinpoint Test G .
z Idle vibration—a low-
frequency vibration (5-
20 Hz) or mild shake
that is felt through the
seat/floorpan z
Cylinder misfire. zUsing a scan tool, CHECK
the ignition system. CARRY
OUT a cylinder power test.
REFER to Section 303 - 00 .
z Engine or
torque
converter out of
balance. z
VERIFY the torque
converter to crankshaft pilot
clearance is correct,
REPAIR as necessary. RE-
INDEX the torque converter
on the flex plate by 120° on
a 3 bolt converter or 180° for
a 4 bolt converter. REFER to
Section 307 - 01 . RETEST
the vehicle.
z Idle vibration—a high-
frequency vibration
(20–80 Hz) or buzz,
that is felt through the
steering wheel or seat z
Exhaust system
mounts bound
up. z
VERIFY concern occurs at
engine firing frequency.
CHECK that the exhaust
system vibrates at the same
frequency as the engine.
ADD 9– 14 km (20–30 lb.) to
the tail pipe to test, CARRY
OUT Exhaust System Neutralizing in this section.
z Body mounts
loose. z
INSPECT the body mounts.
REPAIR as necessary.
z Power steering
lines grounded
out. z
INSPECT that the power
steering lines are not
contacting the chassis or
each other. REPAIR as
necessary. Symptom Chart—
Squeak and Rattle Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Squeak— heard
inside the vehicle
when
closing/opening
the door z
Insufficient
lubrication on
the door hinge
or check strap. z
LUBRICATE the hinge or check
strap.
z Internal door
components
loose, rubbing or
misaligned. z
CHECK the inside of the door.
TIGHTEN or ALIGN as
necessary. USE the Rotunda
Squeak and Rattle Kit to isolate
any rubbing components.
z Squeak— heard
inside the vehicle
when z
Worn or
damaged glass
run/channel. z
REPAIR or INSTALL a new
glass run/channel. REFER to
Section 501 - 11 . Klj . 31 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

GENERAL PROCEDURES
Exhaust System Neutralizing
WARNING: Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is harmful to health and
potentially lethal. Repair exhaust system leaks immediately. Never operate the engine in an
enclosed area.
WARNING: Exhaust system components are hot.
NOTE: Neutralize the exhaust system to relieve strain on mounts which can be sufficiently bound up to
transmit vibration as if grounded.
1. WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior
to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by
turning off the air suspension switch. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation
or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these
operations.
CAUTION: Make sure the system is warmed up to normal operating temperature, as
thermal expansion can be the cause of a strain problem.
Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Loosen all exhaust hanger attachments and reposition the hangers until they hang free and straight.
3. Loosen all exhaust flange joints.
4. Place a stand to support the muffler parallel to the vehicle frame with the muffler pipe bracket free of stress.
5. Tighten the muffler connection.
6. Tighten all the exhaust hanger clamps and flanges (tighten the exhaust manifold flange joint last).
zVerify there is adequate clearance to prevent grounding at any point in the system. Make
sure that the catalytic converter and heat shield do not contact the frame rails.
z After neutralization, the rubber in the exhaust hangers should show some flexibility when
movement is applied to the exhaust system.
z With the exhaust system installed securely and cooled, the rear hanger should be angled
forward.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Test the exhaust system for normal operation.
SECTION 100-
04: Noise, Vibration and Harshness 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Wheels And Tires
Inspection and Verification
WARNING: A vehicle equipped with a Traction- Lok® differential will always have both
wheels driving. If, while the vehicle is being serviced, only one wheel is raised off the ground
and the rear axle is driven by the engine, the wheel on the ground could drive the vehicle off
the stand or jack. Be sure both rear wheels are off the ground.
WARNING: Never run the engine with one wheel off the ground, for example, when
changing a tire. The wheel(s) resting on the ground could cause the vehicle to move.
WARNING: Do not balance the wheels and tires while they are mounted on the vehicle.
Possible tire disintegration or differential failure could result, causing personal injury and
extensive component damage. Use off- vehicle wheel and tire balancer only.
Be sure to follow the warnings when carrying out inspection and verification.
Road Test
Verify the customer concern by carrying out a road test on a smooth road. If any vibrations are
apparent, refer to Section 100 - 04 .
To maximize tire performance, inspect for signs of incorrect inflation and uneven wear, which may
indicate a need for balancing, rotation, or front suspension alignment.
Correct tire pressure and driving techniques have an important influence on tire life. Heavy cornering,
excessively rapid acceleration and unnecessary sharp braking increases tire wear.
Replacement tires must follow the recommended:
ztire sizes.
z speed rating.
z load range.
z tire construction type.
Use of any other tire size or type can seriously affect:
zride.
z handling.
z speedometer/odometer calibration.
z vehicle ground clearance.
z tire clearance between the body and chassis.
SECTION 204-
04: Wheels and Tires 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
42003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

GENERAL PROCEDURES
Weld Nut Repair
—"J" Nut, Restraints Control Module
(RCM)
WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup
power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag
supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or
striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel,
console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
Please refer to the appropriate vehicle shop manual to determine location of the front air bag
sensors.
The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B- pillar.
To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at
least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).
NOTE: There are two procedures to repair a vehicle having missing restraints control module attaching
weld nut(s). Read both procedures before proceeding with the repair.
NOTE: If two or more weld nuts are missing, do not install the "J" nuts as outlined in this procedure.
Weld nuts must be installed as outlined in Weld Nut Repair — Missing Weld Nut, Restraints Control
Module (RCM).
NOTE: The following procedure applies to vehicles that have a rectangular hole in the sheet metal that
is in close proximity to the missing weld nut.
1. Obtain a "J" nut (part number N623332- S301) or any of the following optional "J" nuts (part
numbers: N623342- S101, N800854-S100, N800925- S100).
2. Obtain a 6 mm (0.24 in) grounding screw (part number N806327- S190) or equivalent.
3. Install the "J" nut through the rectangular hole in the sheet metal.
4. NOTE: Be sure the threaded portion of the "J" nut is aligned with the clearance hole in the sheet
metal.
Install the crash sensor.
5. Tighten the attaching screws to specification. For additional information, refer to Torque Specifications in this section.
SECTION 501-
20B: Supplemental Restraint System 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
18. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_5108/S3B~us~en~ ...

GENERAL PROCEDURES
Weld Nut Repair —
Missing Weld Nut, Restraints Control
Module (RCM)
WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup
power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag
supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or
striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel,
console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
Please refer to the appropriate vehicle shop manual to determine location of the front air bag
sensors.
The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B- pillar.
To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at
least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).
NOTE: There are two procedures to repair a vehicle having missing restraints control module attaching
weld nut(s). Read both procedures before proceeding with the repair.
NOTE: If two or more weld nuts are missing, do not install the "J" nuts as outlined in Weld Nut Repair
—" J" Nut, Restraints Control Module (RCM). Weld nuts must be installed as outlined in this
procedure.
NOTE: Radiator support repair shown, others are similar.
1. Obtain a 6 mm (0.24 in) weld nut (part number N806285- S190).
2. Obtain a 6 mm (0.24 in) grounding screw (part number N806327- S190).
3. Route a sufficient length of copper welding wire through the weld nut clearance hole and back out an adjacent access hole.
4. Feed the copper welding wire through the weld nut, then through a standard flatwasher.
SECTION 501-
20B: Supplemental Restraint System 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
18. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_5108/S3B~us~en~ ...