2004 FORD MUSTANG stop start

Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped
for a long period of time, open the windows at least
2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating or air
conditioning to bring in fresh air.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal,
continuous grinding or continuous squeal sound is
present, the brake linings may be worn-out and
should be inspected by a qualified service
technician. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Refer toBrake system
warning lightin the
Instrument Cluster
chapter for information
on the brake system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS). This system helps you
maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the
ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation may be
observed during ABS braking; any pulsation or
mechanical noise you may feel or hear is normal.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
The ABS lamp in the
instrument cluster
momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to ON. If the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be
disabled and may need to be serviced.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
104

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

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

•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

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

battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed,
the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim
strategy for optimum driveability and performance.
To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the
parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or the neutral position (manual
transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning
process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km
(10 miles) or more to relearn the idle and fuel
trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its
idle trim, the idle quality of your vehicle may
be adversely affected until the idle trim is
eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery
installed, the transmission must relearn its adaptive
strategy. As a result of this, the transmission may
shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time the adaptive learning
process will fully update transmission operation to
its optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new
battery has been installed, the clock and the preset
radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
173

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
194

Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire
mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a
curb when parking
If you vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do
notrapidly spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear
the tire and cause an explosion. A tire can explode
in as little as three to five seconds.
Tire explosions can cause death, personal
injury or property damage. Do not allow
anyone to stand near, or directly ahead or behind
the spinning tire.
Never spin the tires in excess of the 55 km/h
(35 mph) point indicated on the speedometer.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the
possibility that you may eventually have a flat tire on
the highway. Drive slowly to the closest safe area
out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire,
but your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance
while driving or you suspect your tire or vehicle has
been damaged, immediately reduce your speed.
Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the
road. Stop and inspect the tire for damage. If the
tire is under-inflated or damaged, deflate it, remove
wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel.
If you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed
to the nearest repair facility or tire dealer to have
the vehicle inspected.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
213