2004 FORD MUSTANG key

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

system is off, the indicator will be illuminated. If a
system fault is detected while the traction control
system in on, the indicator lamp on the traction
control switch will be illuminated and your vehicle
should be serviced.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions
can cause you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of severe personal injury or
property damage. The occurrence of a Traction
Control
event is an indication that at least some
of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the
road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death. If you experience a severe road event,
SLOW DOWN.
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery
surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a poor
traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s
specified size tires on a Traction-Lok rear axle could
result in a permanent reduction in effectiveness.
This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal
driving and should not be noticeable to the driver.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock
feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being
moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON
position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P
(Park) with ignition in the ON position and the
brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to
LOCK, then remove the key.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
108

2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF.Apply the
brake pedal and shift to N (Neutral).
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.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to
move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse
has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify
that the brakelamps are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park).
Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and remove
the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the
brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the
brakes may not be working properly. See your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with an automatic overdrive
transmission with console gearshift and O/D off
switch
Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive
learning strategy found in the vehicle computer. This
feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the
vehicle. A new vehicle or transmission may have firm
and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
109

Understanding the gearshift positions of the
4–speed automatic transmission
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P
(Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park).
Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and remove
the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
111

•Use when driving conditions cause excessive
shifting from O/D to other gears. Examples: city
traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing
and when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the
transmission control switch. The O/D OFF lamp
will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each
time the key is turned off.
2 (Second)
This position allows for second gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use to start-up on slippery roads.
•To return to D (Overdrive), move the gearshift
lever into the D (Overdrive) position.
•Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause
the transmission to downshift to second gear at
the appropriate vehicle speed.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds;
allows for 1 (First) when vehicle reaches slower
speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Overdrive) or Drive.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be
rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse
gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern.
Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at
normal operating temperature or damage to
the transmission may occur.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
113

Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may
move unexpectedly and injure someone. Use
1 (First) gear and set the parking brake fully.
Removing the key
Turn the ignition off,
push the release lever
(located above the
ignition), then turn the
key toward you and
remove the key.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water,
especially if the depth is unknown. Traction or brake
capability may be limited and if the ignition system
gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also
enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage
your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is
unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never drive
through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims
(for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry
brakes. Drying can be improved by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the
brake pedal.
Driving through deep water where the
transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage. Have the fluid checked
and, if water is found, replace the fluid.
PUSH
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
116

HAZARD FLASHER
The hazard flasher is
located on the steering
column, just behind the
steering wheel. The
hazard flashers will
operate when the
ignition is in any
position or if the key is
not in the ignition.
Push in the flasher control and all front and rear
direction signals will flash. Press the flasher control
again to turn them off. Use it when your vehicle is
disabled and is creating a safety hazard for other
motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down
your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
FUEL
RESET
This device stops the electric fuel pump from
sending fuel to the engine when your vehicle has
had a substantial jolt.
After an accident, if the engine cranks but does not
start, this switch may have been activated.
The fuel pump shut-off
switch is located on
the left side of the
trunk between the left
rear tail light and the
trunk liner, and to the
left of the hole in the
trunk liner
To reset the switch:
1. Turn the ignition OFF.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no leaks are apparent, reset the switch by
pushing in on the reset button.
4. Turn the ignition ON.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
124

5. Wait a few seconds and return the key to OFF.
6. Make another check of leaks.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical components
in the vehicle are not
working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses
are identified by a
broken wire within the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical components.
Note:Always replace a fuse with one that has the
specified amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher
amperage rating can cause severe wire damage and
could start a fire.
Standard fuse amperage rating and color
COLOR
Fuse
rating Mini
fuses Standard
fuses Maxi
fuses Cartridge
maxi
fuses Fuse
link
cartridge
2A Grey Grey — — —
3A Violet Violet — — —
4A Pink Pink — — —
5A Tan Tan — — —
7.5A Brown Brown — — — 10A Red Red — — —
15A Blue Blue — — —
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural — — —
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A — — Orange Green Green
50A — — Red Red Red
60A — — Blue — Yellow
70A — — Tan — Brown
80A — — Natural — Black
15
2004 Mustang (mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
125