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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 authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TRACTION CONTROL™ (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Control™ system. 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 Control™ portion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions.
P!
BRAKE
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
176
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The Traction Control™ system 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 Control™ operation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate. If your vehicle is
equipped with a message center, a
message will display during Traction
Control™ operation. 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.
The Traction Control™ switch,
located above the radio, illuminates
when the system is off. The Traction
Control™ system 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
Control™ system 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 Control™ button 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.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
177
Page 279 of 280

locking/unlocking doors ...........84
opening the trunk .....................85
panic alarm ...............................84
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................86
replacing the batteries .............85
Roadside assistance ..................186
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........110
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................100, 104–108
Safety Canopy ...........................123
Safety defects, reporting ..222–223
Safety restraints ........100, 104–109
Belt-Minder...........................111
extension assembly ................109
for adults .........................105–108
for children .............................126
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................102
safety belt maintenance .........110
warning light and chime ........110
Safety seats for children ..........130
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................271
Satellite Radio Information ........38
Seats ............................................94
child safety seats ....................130
front seats .................................95
heated ........................................98
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................88
Servicing your vehicle ..............232
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................24
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................30Spark plugs,
specifications .....................266, 270
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................267
Speed control ..............................64
Starting your
vehicle ........................169–170, 172
jump starting ..........................210
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................58
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................58
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....155
Tires ...................................140–141
alignment ................................148
care ..........................................144
changing ..................................198
checking the pressure ............144
inflating ...................................142
label .........................................154
replacing ..................................146
rotating ....................................148
safety practices .......................147
sidewall information ...............150
snow tires and chains ............160
spare tire .................................196
terminology .............................141
tire grades ...............................141
treadwear ........................140, 145
Towing .......................................166
recreational towing .................168
trailer towing ..........................166
wrecker ....................................215
Traction control ........................176
Traction-lok rear axle ...............178
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
279