2004 FORD MUSTANG fuel

Fuel gauge:Indicates
approximately how
much fuel is left in the
fuel tank (when the
ignition is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may
vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a
grade.
Refer toFilling the tankin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter for more information.F
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
17

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, allows
the electrical
accessories such as the
radio to operate while
the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the
steering wheel, automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal. For vehicles equipped
with a manual transmission, you must depress the
ignition release lever to release the key.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories
without locking the steering wheel. This position
also allows the automatic transmission shift lever to
be moved from the P (Park) position without the
brake pedal being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition and in the
OFF position, the automatic transmission
shift lever can be moved from the P (Park)
position without the brake pedal depressed. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the
parking brake.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning
lights illuminated. Key position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as
soon as the engine starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain
control system. This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field
strength of radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the
accelerator before or during starting. Only use the
3
1
2
5
4
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
99

•Turn the key to 4
(ON) without
turning the key to 5
(START).
Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or
illuminate briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have
the vehicle serviced.
•If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the
light
may not illuminate.
1
2
34
5
P! BRAKE
L
0
00000 00
C
E
FH
LH
10 203020 406080100
120
140
160
180
405060 70
80
90
100
11 0
1204
5
6
7 3
2
1
H
THEFT
RPMX1000
FUEL DOORSELECT/RESET
LOW
FUELO/D
OFF AIR
BAGSERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
MPH km/h
ABS
.
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
102

Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 4
(ON) without turning
the key to 5 (START).
2. Turn the key to 5
(START), then release
the key as soon as the
engine starts.
Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start within five
seconds on the first try, turn the key to 3 (OFF),
wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still fails
to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try
again; this will allow the engine to crank with the
fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant
which aids in starting and heater/defroster
performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where
temperatures reach -23°C (-10°F) or below. For
best results, plug the heater in at least three hours
before starting the vehicle. The heater can be
plugged in the night before starting the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not
use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
3
2
1
5
4
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
103

normal and will not affect function or durability of
the transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning
process will fully update transmission operation.
Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected
or a new battery installed, the strategy must be
relearned.
Your automatic
overdrive transmission
provides fully
automatic operation in
either D (Overdrive) or
with the O/D OFF
switch depressed.
Driving with the
gearshift lever in D
(Overdrive) gives the
best fuel economy for
normal driving
conditions. For manual control, start in 1 (First) and
then shift manually.
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress
the brake pedal, then move gearshift lever out of P
(Park). Once you place the gearshift lever securely
into position, gradually release the brake pedal and
use the accelerator as necessary.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
110

R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle
will move backward. Always come to a complete
stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle
can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake
pedal down while in this position.
D (Overdrive)
The normal driving
position for the best
fuel economy.
Transmission operates
in gears one through
four.
D (Overdrive) can be
deactivated by pressing
the transmission
control switch on the
end of the gearshift
lever.
This will illuminate the
O/D OFF lamp and
activate Drive.
Drive (not shown)
Drive is activated when the transmission control
switch is pressed.
•This position allows for all forward gears except
overdrive.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
O/D
OFF
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
112

a standstill while waiting on a hill. These actions will
reduce the life of the clutch.
Recommended shift speeds
Do not downshift into 1 (First) when your
vehicle is moving faster than 24 km/h (15 mph).
This will damage the clutch.
Upshift according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best
fuel economy)
Shift from:
1 - 2 18 km/h (11 mph)
2 - 3 31 km/h (19 mph)
3 - 4 48 km/h (30 mph)
4 - 5 64 km/h (40 mph)
Reverse
1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop
before you shift into R (Reverse). Failure to do so
may damage the transmission.
2. Move the gearshift lever into the neutral position
and wait at least three seconds before shifting into R
(Reverse).
•The gearshift lever can only be moved into R
(Reverse) by moving it from left of 3 (Third) and
4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse). This
is a lockout feature that protects the transmission
from accidentally being shifted into R (Reverse)
from 5 (Overdrive).
Parking your vehicle
1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral
position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1
(First).
3. Turn the ignition off.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
115

VEHICLE LOADING–WITH AND WITHOUT A
TRAILER
This section will guide you in the proper loading of
your vehicle and/or trailer, to keep your loaded
vehicle weight within its design rating capability,
with or without a trailer. Properly loading your
vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle
design performance. Before loading your vehicle,
familiarize yourself with the following terms for
determining your vehicle’s weight ratings, with or
without a trailer, from the vehicle’s Safety
Certification Label and Tire and Load Information
Label:
Base Curb Weight–is the weight of the vehicle
including a full tank of fuel and all standard
equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight–is the weight of your new
vehicle when you picked it up from your dealer plus
any aftermarket equipment.
Cargo Weight–includes all weight added to the
Base Curb Weight, including cargo and optional
equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load or king
pin weight is also part of cargo weight.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight)–is the total weight
placed on each axle (front and rear)–including
vehicle curb weight and all payload.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)–is the
maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a
single axle (front or rear).These numbers are
shown on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label located on the driver’s door or door
pillar. The total load on each axle must never
exceed its GAWR.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
117