Note:Some models have a “blink” feature (if equipped). If manually
selecting a gear that is out of the current vehicle speed range the vehicle
will not make the requested shift and will ”blink” the current gear.
Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brake lamps are working.
WARNING:When doing this procedure, you will be taking the
vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake
prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.
WARNING: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.
Note:See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure is
used.
Use the BSI lever to move the gearshift lever from the park position in
the event of an electrical malfunction or if your vehicle has a dead
battery.
Note:For some markets this feature will be disabled.
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition off before performing this
procedure.
1. Remove the cup holder insert.
2. Using a screwdriver (or similar
tool), remove the protective cover
to the interlock release access hole
on the console.
Transmission167
2013 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
3. Insert the screwdriver (or similar
tool) into the access hole and press
while pulling the gearshift lever out of
the P (Park) position and into the N
(Neutral) position.
4. Remove the tool and reinstall the
protective cover.
5. Start the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or Snow
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (IF EQUIPPED)
Using the Clutch
Manual transmission vehicles have a starter interlock that prevents
cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully pressed.
To start the vehicle:
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the
floor, then put the gearshift lever in
the neutral position.
3. Start the engine.
4. Press the brake pedal and move
the gearshift lever to the desired
gear; 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
5. Release the parking brake, then
slowly release the clutch pedal while
slowly pressing on the accelerator.
During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully pressed to the floor.
Make sure the floor mat is properly positioned so it doesn’t interfere with
the full extension of the clutch pedal.
168Transmission
2013 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Parking Your Vehicle
WARNING:Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move
unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the
parking brake fully.
To park your vehicle:
1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, hold the clutch pedal down, then shift
into 1 (First).
3. Turn the ignition off.
AXLE INFORMATION
Traction-Lok™ Axle (If Equipped)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok™ axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on a
Traction-Lok™ rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving
and should not be noticeable to the driver.
Axle with TORSENDifferential (If Equipped)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the axle
equipped with a TORSENdifferential functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on a
rear axle equipped with a TORSENdifferential could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not
affect normal driving and should not be noticeable to the driver.
HILL START ASSIST (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The hill start assist feature does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave the vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into P (Park) for automatic
transmission or 1st gear for manual transmissions.
WARNING:You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated the hill start assist feature.
Transmission171
2013 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
When the system is operating, the brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The ABS will not eliminate the dangers inherent when:
•you drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
•your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•you take corners too fast.
•the road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING: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.
WARNING: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).
To set the parking brake, pull the parking brake handle up as far as
possible.
To release the parking brake, press and hold the button located at the
end of the parking brake handle. Pull the handle up slightly, then push
the handle down.
174Brakes
2013 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Safety Chains
Always connect the safety chains to the vehicle’s hook retainers. To
connect the safety chains, cross them under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the rental agency’s instructions.
Note:Never attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly
increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe
if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer Lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Ensure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking up the lamps.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing-up to get the feel of the
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers) and do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•Place the gearshift lever in P (Park) to aid in engine and transmission
cooling and A/C efficiency during hot weather while stopped in traffic.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may turn off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
Towing195
2013 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
If your vehicle is to be towed from the front using wheel lift equipment,
it is recommended that the rear wheels (drive wheels) be placed on a
dolly to prevent damage to the transmission.
If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment, it
is recommended that the front wheels be placed on a dolly to prevent
damage to the front fascia.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
In the event your vehicle becomes disabled (without access to wheel
dollies, car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be
flat-towed (all wheels on the ground, regardless of the
powertrain/transmission configuration) under the following conditions:
•The vehicle is facing forward so that it is towed in a forward direction.
•The transmission is placed in N (Neutral). Refer toAutomatic
transmissionin theTransmissionchapter if you cannot move the
transmission into N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to theClimate
Controlchapter.
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
Do not tow your vehicle with any wheels on the ground, as vehicle or
transmission damage may occur. It is recommended to tow your vehicle
with all four (4) wheels off the ground such as when using a car-hauling
trailer. Otherwise, no recreational towing is permitted.
Towing197
2013 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug. It is located
on the passenger side of the
transmission.
2. Remove the filler plug and inspect
the fluid level.
3. For vehicles equipped with aV6engine, the correct manual
transmission fill level is at the lower edge of the filler hole. For vehicles
equipped with aV8engine, the correct manual transmission fill level is
1/2 inch (1.3 cm) below the edge of the filler hole.
4. Add enough fluid through the filler opening to bring the fluid up to the
recommended levels.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to the technical
specifications chart in theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID CHECK
Brake and clutch (if equipped) systems are supplied from the same
reservoir.
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.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
For Shelby fuel filter requirements, see theShelby GT500 Supplement.
Maintenance237
2013 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Motorcraftmaintenance-free battery which
normally does not require additional water during its life of service.
Note: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.
Battery relearn
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•Note:If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle trim is
eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
Maintenance239
2013 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)