
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
Replace wiper blades at least once
per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved
by cleaning the wiper blades and
the windshield, refer toWindows
and wiper bladesin theCleaningchapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 5 to 10 minutes for the oil to drain into
the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level dipstick.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
237

Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine Oil Recommendations
4.0L V6 Engine
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
To protect your engine’s warranty use Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 or an
equivalent SAE 5W-30 oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C929-A.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
240

Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
thescheduled maintenance information.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter or
another with equivalent performance for your engine application.
4.6L 3V V8 Engine
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
To protect your engine’s warranty use Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an
equivalent SAE 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A.
SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and durability
performance meeting all requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
thescheduled maintenance information.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
241

It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter or
another with equivalent performance for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
It is recommended that the negative battery cable terminal be
disconnected from the battery if you plan to store your vehicle for an
extended period of time. This will minimize the discharge of your battery
during storage.
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to
the vehicle by the dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
242

Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses
15% less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
257

Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford Specification
Windshield washer fluid 4.0 quarts (3.8L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank16.0 gallons
(60.6L)——
1Add 4 oz. (118 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification
EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant that does not require changing unless the axle
has been submerged in water.2Automatic transmissions that require MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid or fluid that
is specified dual usage MERCON/MERCONV. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto
determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may
cause transmission damage.3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.4Approximate dry capacity, including cooler and tubes. Fluid level should be checked by an
authorized dealer.5Service refill capacity is covered underchecking and adding manual transmission fluidin this
chapter.6Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C929-A (4.0L) or WSS-M2C930-A (4.6L) and the API
Certification mark.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
269

plastic parts ............................227
washing ....................................224
waxing .....................................225
wheels ......................................225
wiper blades ............................227
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................30
AM/FM/CD .................................24
Clutch
fluid ..........................................262
operation while driving ..........183
recommended shift speeds ....184
Compass, electronic ....................62
calibration .................................63
set zone adjustment .................63
Console ........................................58
Controls
power seat .................................96
Convertible ..................................66
cleaning ...................................228
installation of the boot .............67
lowering the convertible top ...66
raising the convertible top ......69
Coolant
checking and adding ..............244
refill capacities ................248, 267
specifications ..........................267
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................64
Customer Assistance ................186
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................220
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................221
Getting roadside assistance ...186
Getting the service you
need .........................................216
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................222Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............220
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................47
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................262
engine oil .................................237
Driving under special
conditions ..................................182
through water .........................185
E
Electronic message center .........70
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................210
Emission control system ..........258
Engine ........................................270
cleaning ...................................226
coolant .....................................244
fail-safe cooling .......................249
idle speed control ...................242
lubrication specifications .......267
refill capacities ........................267
service points ..................234–235
Engine block heater .................173
Engine oil ..................................237
checking and adding ..............237
dipstick ....................................237
filter, specifications ........240, 266
recommendations ...................240
refill capacities ........................267
specifications ..........................267
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................172
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
276