2003 FORD MUSTANG maintenance

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-
03: Maintenance Schedule 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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z
Change engine oil and install a new oil filter, lube front lower control arm and steering linkage
ball joints with zerk fittings (if equipped) every 4,800 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months.
z Inspect brake system and check battery electrolyte level (Patrol cars) every 8,000 km (5,000
miles).
z Install a new fuel filter every 24,000 km (15,000 miles).
z Change automatic transmission fluid, lubricate 4x2 wheel bearings, install new grease seals and
adjust bearings every 48,000 km (30,000 miles).
z Install new spark plugs and change transfer case fluid every 96,000 km (60,000 miles).
z Install a new cabin air filter as required.
When operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads:
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter every 4,800 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months.
z Install a new fuel filter every 24,000 km (15,000 miles).
z Change automatic transmission fluid every 48,000 km (30,000 miles).
z Change transfer case fluid every 96,000 km (60,000 miles).
z Install a new engine air filter as required.
z Install a new cabin air filter as required.
When operating in off- road conditions:
z Change automatic transmission fluid every 48,000 km (30,000 miles).
z Change transfer case fluid every 96,000 km (60,000 miles).
z Install a new cabin air filter as required.
z Inspect and lubricate U- joints.
z Inspect and lubricate steering linkage ball joints with zerk fittings.
Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be carried out at specified intervals. Any
recognized adverse condition should be corrected as soon as possible.
Maximum Oil Change Interval (Normal Schedule) z8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever occurs first.
Maximum Oil Change Interval (Special Operating Conditions)
z4,800 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months.
Monthly Checks
Check each of the following items every month:
zAll interior and exterior lights.
z Tires for wear and correct air pressure. Klj . 2 ba
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z
If equipped, inspect automatic transmission fluid level with dipstick.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z If equipped, install a new cabin air filter.
32,000 Km (20,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
40,000 Km (25,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
z Drain coalescent fuel filter and replace filter (NGV).
48,000 Km (30,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect exhaust system and heat shields.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z Install a new engine air filter.
z Install a new fuel filter. (See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION below.)
z If equipped, install a new cabin air filter.
z Change automatic transmission/transaxle fluid on all vehicles equipped with AX4S, 4F50N,
4R100, 4F27E. Inspect automatic transmission fluid level using dipstick on all other vehicles, if
equipped.
z If equipped, install new climate controlled seat filters (Navigator, Lincoln LS and Aviator).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If vehicle is registered in California, the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) has determined that failure to install a new fuel filter at this interval will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to completion of the vehicle's useful life. It is, however,
recommended that maintenance checks be carried out and recorded at the indicated intervals.
Natural gas and propane vehicles also require checking the fuel tanks and installing a new filter
(propane vehicles). 56,000 Km (35,000 Miles) Klj . 4 ba
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equipped.
z If equipped, install new climate controlled seat filters (Navigator, Lincoln LS and Aviator).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If vehicle is registered in California, the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) has determined that failure to install a new fuel filter at this interval will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to completion of the vehicle's useful life. It is, however,
recommended that maintenance checks be carried out and recorded at the indicated intervals.
Additional checks for natural gas and propane vehicles at this interval include inspecting fuel tanks, as
well as draining coalescent fuel filter and installing a new filter.
104,000 Km (65,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
112,000 Km (70,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
120,000 Km (75,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect automatic transmission fluid level using dipstick.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z Install a new cabin air filter.
z Drain coalescent fuel filter and replace filter (NGV).
z Change green engine coolant, if equipped.
128,000 Km (80,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
136,000 Km (85,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
144,000 Km (90,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system. Klj . 6 ba
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z
If equipped, inspect automatic transmission fluid level with dipstick.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z Install a new cabin air filter.
z If filled with green engine coolant, change coolant.
224,000 Km (140,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
232,000 Km (145,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
240,000 Km (150,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect exhaust system and heat shields.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z Install a new engine air filter.
z Install a new fuel filter. (See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION below.)
z If equipped, install a new cabin air filter.
z If filled with yellow engine coolant, change coolant or at 8 years, whichever comes first.
z Change automatic transmission/transaxle fluid and filter.
z Change rear axle lubricant on all rear wheel (RWD) vehicles.
z Install a new accessory drive belt(s) (if a new belt has not been installed within the last 100,000
miles).
z If equipped, install new climate controlled seat filters (Navigator, Lincoln LS and Aviator).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If vehicle is registered in California, the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) has determined that failure to install a new fuel filter at this interval will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to completion of the vehicle's useful life. It is, however
recommended that maintenance checks be carried out and recorded at the indicated intervals.
Additional checks for natural gas and propane vehicles include inspecting fuel tanks, as well as
draining and installing a new filter. Klj . 9 ba
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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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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Engine
NOTE:
This section contains information, steps and procedures that may not be specific to your
engine.
This section covers general procedures and diagnosis and testing of the engine system, except for
exhaust emission control devices, which are covered in the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis
Manual.
The engine incorporates the following features:
za closed positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. For additional information, refer to
Section 303 - 08 .
z an exhaust emission control system. For additional information, refer to Section 303 - 08 .
z an evaporative emission control system. For additional information, refer to Section 303 - 13 .
Some engines incorporate a fail- safe cooling system. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 303 for
the procedure.
The engine, fuel system, ignition system, emissions system and exhaust system all affect exhaust
emission levels and must be maintained according to the maintenance schedule. Refer to the
scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Correct engine identification is required to order parts. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 303 for the procedure.
For complete vehicle and engine identification codes, refer to
Section 100 - 01 .
SECTION 303-
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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Engine
WARNING: Do not operate the engine with the hood open until the fan blade has been first
examined for possible cracks and separation.
The 4.6L (4V) (281 CID) Cobra engine is a V- 8 with the following features:
z intercooled supercharger
z dual overhead camshafts
z four valves per cylinder
z sequential multiport fuel injection (SFI)
z an aluminum intake manifold
z aluminum cylinder heads
z a cast aluminum, 90-degree V- cylinder block
z individually chain- driven camshafts with a hydraulic timing chain tensioner on each timing chain
z the electronic ignition system with eight ignition coils
Identification
Always refer to these labels when replacement parts are necessary or when checking engine
calibrations. The engine parts often differ within a CID family. Verification of the identification codes will
ensure that the correct parts are obtained. These codes contain all the pertinent information relating to
the dates, optional equipment and revisions. The Ford Master Parts Catalog contains a complete
listing of the codes and their application.
Code Information
The engine code information label, located on the side of the valve cover and the front side of the
valve cover, contains the following:
zengine build date
z engine plant code
z engine code
Exhaust Emission Control System
Operation and necessary maintenance of the exhaust emission control devices used on this engine is
covered in the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.
Induction System
The sequential multiport fuel injection (SFI) provides the fuel/air mixture needed for combustion in the
cylinders. The eight solenoid- operated fuel injectors:
z are mounted in the lower intake manifold.
z meter fuel into the air intake stream in accordance with engine demand.
SECTION 303-
01C: Engine — Cobra 4.6L (4V) 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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