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•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
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
TRACTION CONTROL(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Controlsystem. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads. The system operates by detecting and controlling
wheel spin. The system borrows many of the electronic and mechanical
elements already present in the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions.
The Traction Controlsystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces while you are trying to
accelerate or while your foot is on the accelerator pedal. The system is a
driver aid which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow
and ice covered roads.
During Traction Controloperation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate. If your vehicle is
equipped with a message center, a
message will display during Traction
Controloperation. You may hear
an electric motor type of sound coming from the engine compartment
and the engine will not“rev-up”when you push further on the
accelerator. This is normal system behavior and should be no reason for
concern.
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Driving
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The Traction Controlswitch,
located above the radio, illuminates
when the system is off. The Traction
Controlsystem will automatically
turn on every time the ignition is
turned OFF and ON.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction
Controlsystem off. This may allow excess wheel spin to“dig”the
vehicle out and enable a successful“rocking”maneuver.
The traction control on/off status is shown by an indicator lamp on the
traction control switch. If the system is off, the indicator will be
illuminated. If a system fault is detected, the traction control active light
will illuminate, the Traction Controlbutton will also illuminate and will
not turn the system on or off 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-LOKAXLE (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-Lokaxle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on a
Traction-Lokrear 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.
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USA_English(fus)
Driving
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Safety restraints ..............80, 84–88
belt minder ...............................90
extension assembly ..................93
for adults .............................85 –88
for children .............................104
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................82
safety belt maintenance ...........94
warning light and chime ..........89
Safety seats for children ..........107
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............80
Seats ............................................76 child safety seats ....................107
front seats .................................77
Servicing your vehicle ..............189
Setting the clock AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................24
Spark plugs, specifications ......219, 224–225
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................222, 224
Speed control ..............................47
Starting your vehicle .......143 –144,
147
jump starting ..........................167
Steering wheel tilting .........................................43
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................43
Tires ...........................116 –117, 121
alignment ................................132
care ..........................................131
changing ..........................121 –122
checking the pressure ............119
inspecting and inflating .........118 label .........................................130
replacing ..................................121
rotating ....................................133
safety practices .......................132
sidewall information ...............125
snow tires and chains ............134
spare tire .................................121
terminology .............................117
tire grades ...............................117
treadwear ........................116, 131
Towing .......................................140 recreational towing .................142
trailer towing ..........................140
wrecker ....................................172
Traction control ........................150
Traction-lok rear axle ...............151
Transmission automatic operation ...............151
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....151
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................217
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................218
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
lubricant specifications ..222, 224
manual operation ....................156
Trunk ...........................................65 remote release ..........................68
Turn signal ..................................35
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................225
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................227
Vehicle loading ..........................135
Ventilating your vehicle ...........147
2005 05+ Mustang (197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English (fus)
Index
235