Page 9 of 240
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock
Interior Luggage
Compartment
Release Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When
HotBattery
Avoid Smoking,
Flames, or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering
FluidMaintain Correct
Fluid LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger
Compartment Air
FilterJack
Check fuel capLow tire warning
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
9
Page 105 of 240

Even when the ABS is
disabled, normal
braking is still effective.
(If your BRAKE
warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system serviced
immediately.)
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous
force on the brake pedal; do not pump the brake
pedal since this will reduce the effectiveness of the
ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately,
allowing you to retain full steering control during
hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However, the
ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
Hydraulic brake booster system (Hydroboost)
(if equipped)
The Hydroboost system receives fluid pressure from
the power steering pump to provide power assist
during braking.
For Hydroboost-equipped vehicles operating under
normal conditions, the noise of the fluid flowing
through the booster may be heard whenever the
brake is applied. This condition is normal; vehicle
service is not required.
If braking performance or pedal response becomes
very poor, even when the pedal is strongly
depressed, it may indicate the presence of air in the
hydraulic system or leakage of fluid. Stop the vehicle
safely as soon as possible and seek service
immediately.
P!
BRAKE
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
105
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Parking brake
To set the parking
brake (1), pull the
parking brake handle
up as far as possible.
The BRAKE warning
lamp will illuminate and
will remain illuminated
until the parking brake
is released.
To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the
handle up slightly, then push the handle down.
Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission) or in 1 (First)
(manual transmission).
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.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest
turning points (until it stops) for more than a few
seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power
steering pump fluid level (below the MIN mark on
the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the
engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle
manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
12
P!
BRAKE
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
106
Page 164 of 240
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
OHV V6 engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Power distribution box
5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if
equipped)
6
1023
4
5
789
1
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Page 165 of 240
4.6L SOHC V8 engine
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Power distribution box
4. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
5. Battery
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if
equipped)
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
165
Page 166 of 240
4.6L 4V V8 (Mach 1) engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Power distribution box
5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Battery
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if
equipped)
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
166
Page 194 of 240

If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the on-board diagnostics system
is reset to a“not ready for I/M test”condition. To
ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M
testing, a minimum of 30 minutes of city and
highway driving is necessary as described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an
expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go,
city-type traffic with at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours
without starting the engine. Then, start the engine
and complete the above driving cycle. The engine
must warm up to its normal operating temperature.
Once started, do not turn off the engine until the
above driving cycle is complete.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONAT F.
If your vehicle is
equipped with the
OHV V6 engine,
check the power
steering fluid level with
the engine at normal
operating temperature.
1. Start the engine and
let it run until it
reaches normal
operating temperature
(the engine coolant
temperature gauge
indicator will be near
the center of the
normal area between H
and C).
FILL
HOT
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel
left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be
within the FULL HOT range. Do not add fluid if the
level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
correct operating range. Be sure to put the cap back
on the reservoir.
If your vehicle is
equipped with a 4.6L
V8 engine,check the
power steering fluid
level with the engine at
ambient temperature.
Allow at least one-half
hour after driving for
the power steering
fluid to cool.
1. Start the engine and
allow the engine to
idle.
2. Turn the steering
wheel left and right
several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be
between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if
the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
correct operating range. Be sure to put the cap back
on the reservoir.
MAXMIN
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
195