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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 authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
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 by an
authorized dealer.
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.
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 reservoir
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.
2006 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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Safety seats for children ..........112
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................236
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................82
Seats ............................................76
child safety seats ....................112
front seats .................................77
Servicing your vehicle ..............196
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................20
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................24
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................228, 234
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................232, 234
Speed control ..............................47
Starting your
vehicle ........................146–147, 149
jump starting ..........................176
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................43
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................43
Tires ...........................122–123, 171
alignment ................................129
care ..........................................126
changing ..........................171, 173
checking the pressure ............126
inspecting and inflating .........124
label .........................................135
replacing ..................................128
rotating ....................................129
safety practices .......................128
sidewall information ...............130
snow tires and chains ............136spare tire .................................171
terminology .............................123
tire grades ...............................123
treadwear ........................122, 127
Towing .......................................142
recreational towing .................145
trailer towing ..........................142
wrecker ....................................181
Traction control ........................152
Traction-lok rear axle ...............154
Transmission
automatic operation ...............154
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....154
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................226
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................227
fluid, refill capacities ..............230
lubricant specifications ..232, 234
manual operation ....................159
Trunk ...........................................65
remote release ..........................68
Turn signal ..................................36
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................235
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................237
Vehicle loading ..........................136
Ventilating your vehicle ...........150
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................200
Water, Driving through .............161
Windows
power .........................................44
2006 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
245