Page 303 of 346

Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID
Brake and clutch (if equipped) systems are supplied from the same
reservoir.
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the MIN and
MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The automatic transmission does not have an underhood transmission
fluid dipstick.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly) or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, added by
an authorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Maintenance and Specifications
303
2012 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 307 of 346

Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
Maintenance and Specifications
307
2012 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 308 of 346

•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing vehicle from storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
•Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive the vehicle 15 ft (4.5 meters) back
and forth to remove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil and gas) to make sure there
are no leaks, and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If the battery was removed, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.
If you have any concerns or issues, contact your authorized dealer.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.7L V6 engine 5.0L V8 engine
Air filter element FA-1897 FA-1897
Battery
2BXT-96R-590 BXT-96R-590
Oil filter FL-500-S FL-500-S
Spark plugs
1
Cabin air filter FP53 FP53
1For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraftor
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not
used.
2For battery replacement of the Mustang Boss 302, use Motorcraft
battery BXT-96R-500.
Maintenance and Specifications
308
2012 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 309 of 346

MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item Capacity Ford part name or equivalentFord part number /
Ford Specification
Brake fluid and
(clutch fluid-if
equipped)Between MIN
and MAX lines on
reservoirMotorcraftHigh Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake FluidPM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A or
WSS-M6C65-A1
Door weatherstrips — Silicone LubricantXL-6 /
ESR-M13P4-A
Door latch, hood latch,
auxiliary hood latch,
striker plates, seat
tracks and fuel filler
door hinge—Multi-Purpose Grease
(Lithium grease)XG-4 or XL-5 or
equivalent /
ESB-M1C93-B
Engine coolant
(3.7L engine)12.4 quarts
(11.7L)
MotorcraftSpecialty Orange Engine
Coolant
3
VC-3-B (US)
CVC-3-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D Engine coolant
(5.0L engine)13.0 quarts
(12.3L)
Engine oil
(3.7L engine)6.0 quarts (5.7L)•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend Motor Oil (US)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20 Full
Synthetic Motor Oil (US)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20 Super
Premium Motor Oil (Canada)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20 Synthetic
Motor Oil (Canada)
6
•XO-5W20-QSP (US)
•XO-5W20-QFS (US)
•CXO-5W20-LSP12
(Canada)
•CXO-5W20-LFS12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C945-A with API
Certification Mark Engine oil
(5.0L engine)8.0 quarts (7.6L)
Lock cylinders —MotorcraftPenetrating and Lock
LubricantXL-1 /
None
Rear axle fluid 5.0 pints (2.4L)
1
MotorcraftSAE 75W-140 Synthetic
Rear Axle Lubricant
1
XY-75W140-QL /
WSP-M2C192-A
Automatic
transmission fluid1 1.9 quarts
(11.2L)
4
Motorcraft
MERCONLV AT F
2
XT-10-QLV /
MERCONLV
Maintenance and Specifications
309
2012 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 313 of 346
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
located on the driver side
instrument panel.
Please note that in the graphic,
XXXX is representative of your
vehicle identification number.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
Devices and their location
3. Make, vehicle line, series, body
type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Maintenance and Specifications
313
2012 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 319 of 346

Ford ESP Can Quickly Pay for Itself
One service bill – the cost of parts and labor – can easily exceed the
price of your Ford ESP Service Contract. With Ford ESP, you minimize
your risk for unexpected repair bills and rising repair costs.
Avoid the rising cost of properly maintaining your vehicle!
Ford ESP also offers a Premium Maintenance Plan that covers items that
routinely wear out.
The coverage is prepaid, so you never have to worry about affording
your vehicle maintenance. It covers regular checkups, routine
inspections, preventive care and replacement of items that require
periodic attention fornormal “wear”:
•Wiper blades•Brake pads and linings
•Spark plugs (except
California)•Shock absorbers
•Clutch disc•Belts and hoses
Contact your selling Ford or Lincoln dealership today so they can
customize a Ford Extended Service Plan that fits your driving lifestyle
and budget.
Interest free finance options available
Take advantage of our installment payment plan, just a 10% down
payment will provide you with an affordable no interest, no-fee payment
opportunity.
Ford Extended Service Plan
319
2012 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 324 of 346

Convenience
Many dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make
your service visit more convenient. How’s that for quality service?
Factory-trained technicians
Service technicians participate in extensive factory-sponsored
certification training to help them become experts on the operation of
your vehicle. Ask your dealership about the training and certification
their technicians have received.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraftreplacement parts
Dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraftbranded replacement parts.
These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor Company’s specifications, and
we stand behind them. Parts installed at your dealership carry a
nationwide, 12 month/12,000 mile (20,000 km) parts and labor limited
warranty. Your dealer can give you details.
Value shopping for your vehicle’s maintenance needs
Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your dealers
can offer.
Owner checks and services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this owner’s
guide.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or fluids used.
Scheduled Maintenance
324
2012 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 325 of 346
![FORD MUSTANG 2012 5.G Owners Manual Engine oil/coolant change intervals*
Engine oil (3.7L/5.0L)As indicated by the message center (can be
up to one year or 10,000 miles [16,000 km])
Engine coolant, initial
change (3.7L/5.0L)6 years or 1 FORD MUSTANG 2012 5.G Owners Manual Engine oil/coolant change intervals*
Engine oil (3.7L/5.0L)As indicated by the message center (can be
up to one year or 10,000 miles [16,000 km])
Engine coolant, initial
change (3.7L/5.0L)6 years or 1](/manual-img/11/5236/w960_5236-324.png)
Engine oil/coolant change intervals*
Engine oil (3.7L/5.0L)As indicated by the message center (can be
up to one year or 10,000 miles [16,000 km])
Engine coolant, initial
change (3.7L/5.0L)6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial change
(3.7L/5.0L)Every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
*Owners of Shelby GT500 vehicles need to refer to theShelby GT500
supplement for engine oil/coolant change schedules.
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Scheduled Maintenance
325
2012 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)