2012 FORD MUSTANG cooling

When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as
outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this section.
•The coolant should be at the “cold fill range” as listed on the engine
coolant reservoir and intercooler coolant reservoir.
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold,
refer toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this
chapter.
•Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein yourOwner’s Guide.
If the coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval, the
engine or intercooler coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the
reservoir is low or empty, add coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
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.
For more information about engine coolant, see theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter of theOwner’s Guide.
Maintenance
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Adding coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of coolant and
distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
WARNING:Do not add coolant when the engine is hot. Steam
and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn
you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine
parts.
WARNING:Do not put coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, coolant could make it
difficult to see through the windshield.
•DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle. Make
sure the correct coolant is used. DO NOT MIX recycled coolant and
conventional coolant together in the vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants
may harm your engine’s cooling system. The use of an improper
coolant may harm engine and cooling system components and may
void the warranty. Refer toMaintenance product specifications and
capacitiesin this chapter.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants/additives
as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and/or heating
systems. This damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s
warranty.
•A large amount of water without coolant may be added, in case of
emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone (without
coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or
freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
Maintenance
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WARNING: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.
Coolant and Intercooler 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 coolant reservoir as
previously outlined.
2. Slowly add a50/50 mixtureof coolant and distilled water to the
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 coolant reservoir as
previously outlined.
7. Add a50/50 mixtureof coolant and distilled water to the 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).
10. If necessary, add a50/50 mixtureof coolant and distilled water to
the coolant reservoir until the coolant level is at the “cold fill range” as
listed on the reservoir.
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After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
to theMaintenance and Specificationschapter of yourOwner’s
Guide).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 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 coolant per month,
have your dealer check the 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.
ENGINE SPARK PLUG INTERVAL
To keep your high performance engine operating at peak performance,
the spark plug service interval is every 45,000 miles (72,000 km).
Reference the MotorcraftPart Numbers chart for the specific spark
plug application.
OCTANE RECOMMENDATIONS
Your vehicle is designed to run on
Premium fuel with an (R+M)/2
octane rating of 91 or higher. For
best overall performance, SVT
recommends using Premium fuel
with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 93 or higher where available. The
performance gained by using higher octane fuel will be most noticeable
in hot weather or in severe duty applications.
Recommended fuel is an important part of the proper maintenance and
optimal performance of this vehicle. The use of gasoline with an (R+M)/2
octane rating lower than 91 can lead to severe mechanical damage to
your vehicle, may degrade vehicle performance, and may affect your
warranty coverage. Please see the Warranty Guide for complete
information.
SVT does not recommend the use of gasolines labeled asPremiumwith
(R+M)/2 octane ratings less than 91.
91(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance
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WARRANTY COVERAGE
The Shelby GT500 carries the same warranty as other Ford Mustang
models. This information is covered in its entirety in the Ford Motor
Company Warranty Guide.
Warranty service for the Shelby GT500 or any SVT vehicle can be
obtained at any Ford dealer nationwide.
SVT does not recommend modifying or racing SVT vehicles, as they are
designed and built to be driven as delivered from the factory. The Ford
Motor Company Warranty Guide discusses vehicle usage and the
installation of aftermarket parts and their effect on warranty coverage.
Please see the Warranty Guide for complete information.
In the event the vehicle is intended for track use, and the loss of
warranty coverage is not of concern, the following vehicle durability
modifications are required:
•Install transmission oil cooler. Permanent damage to the transmission
will result if the vehicle is subjected to competition conditions without
installation of a transmission oil cooler.
•Install rear differential cooler. Permanent damage to the rear
differential will result if the vehicle is subjected to competition
conditions without installation of a differential cooler.
•Install Ford Racing brake cooling duct kit. Excessive brake wear will
occur if the vehicle is subjected to competition conditions without
installation of a brake cooling kit.
•Replace the rear axle lubricant after the first 1 hour of high-speed
operation or if the vehicle is subjected to competition conditions and
every 12 hours thereafter.
Additionally, perform multi-point inspection and the maintenance
outlined in the 150,000 mile (240,000 km) normal maintenance schedule
of thescheduled maintenance informationbefore and after track use.
Refer to the vehicle service manual for removal and installation
procedures. Replace with Genuine Ford and Motorcraftservice parts as
needed.
These modifications may not necessarily protect your engine from
damage in competition conditions. Subjecting your vehicle to competition
conditions even with these proposed modifications may render repairs
non-reimbursable under the warranty.
Warranty Coverage
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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.
Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oil6 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, initial
change6 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 45,000 miles (72,000 km)
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
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG
The following section contains the “Normal Schedule”. This schedule is presented at specific
mileage (kilometer) intervals with exceptions noted.Miles (x 1,000) 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75
Kilometers (x 1,000) 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120
Months 6 121824303642485460
Change engine oil and filter• •••••••••
For tire rotation schedule, refer toTire rotationin theTire Informationchapter
Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag• •••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)• •••••••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake•••••
Inspect engine cooling system concentration and
hoses•••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields•••••
Inspect and lubricate steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints if
equipped with grease fittings•••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)• ••••
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Miles (x 1,000) 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150
Kilometers (x 1,000) 132 144 156 168 180 192 204 216 228 240
Months 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Change engine oil and filter• •••••••••
For tire rotation schedule, refer toTire rotationin theTire Informationchapter
Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag• •••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)• •••••••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake•••••
Inspect engine cooling system concentration and
hoses•••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields•••••
Inspect and lubricate steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints if
equipped with grease fittings•••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)• ••••
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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