2008 FORD MUSTANG coolant level

ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATION
Use Motorcraft SAE 5W-50 full synthetic or an equivalent SAE 5W-50 full
synthetic oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C931-B.
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 and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
ENGINE AND INTERCOOLER COOLANT
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and water, which
equates to a freeze point of -36°C (-34°F). Coolant concentration testing
is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the Rotunda
Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 0014–R1060). The level of coolant should
be maintained at the “cold fill range” level in the coolant reservoir. If the
level falls below, add coolant per the instructions in theAdding Engine
Coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.
A 50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•freeze protection down to -36°C (-34°F).
•boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
•protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•an accurate temperature readout from the engine coolant
gauge.
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When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the “cold fill range” as listed on the
engine coolant reservoir.
•Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein yourOwner’s Guide.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
COLD FILL
RANGE
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•Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of Recycled Engine Coolantsection).
To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
If you must remove the pressure relief cap or radiator cap (depending
upon engine application), follow these steps to avoid personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
Engine coolant refill procedure
The following procedure should be used when refilling the cooling
system after it has been drained or become extremely low.
1. Remove the pressure relief cap from the engine coolant reservoir as
previously outlined.
2. Slowly add a50/50 mixtureof engine coolant and distilled water to
the engine coolant reservoir until the coolant level is at the “cold fill
level” as listed on the reservoir.
3. Reinstall the pressure relief cap.
4. Start and idle the engine until the upper radiator hose is warm (this
indicates the thermostat is open and coolant is flowing through the
entire system).
5. Shut the engine off and let it cool.
6. Remove the pressure relief cap from the engine coolant reservoir as
previously outlined.
7. Add a50/50 mixtureof engine coolant and distilled water to the
engine coolant reservoir until the coolant level is at the “cold fill range”
as listed on the reservoir.
8. Reinstall the pressure relief cap.
9. Check the coolant level in the reservoir before you drive your vehicle
the next few times (with the engine cool).
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10. If necessary, add a50/50 mixtureof engine coolant and distilled
water to the engine coolant reservoir until the coolant level is at the
“cold fill range” as listed on the reservoir.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking Engine Coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle.
If necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
OCTANE RECOMMENDATIONS
Your vehicle is designed to use
“Premium” unleaded gasoline with
an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 91 or
higher for optimum performance.
The use of gasolines with lower
octane ratings may degrade performance. We do not recommend the use
of gasolines labeled as “Premium” in high altitude areas that are sold
with octane ratings of less than 91.
If your engine knocks under most driving conditions while you are using
fuel with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or personal burn
injuries do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
91(R+M)/2 METHOD
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