
SITTING IN THE CORRECT
POSITION
WARNINGS
Sitting improperly, out of position or
with the seatback reclined too far
can take weight off the seat cushion
and affect the decision of the passenger
sensing system, resulting in serious injury
or death in the event of a crash. Always sit
upright against your seat back, with your
feet on the floor. Do not recline the seatback as this
can cause the occupant to slide
under the safety belt, resulting in
serious injury in the event of a crash. Do not place objects higher than the
seatback to reduce the risk of serious
injury in the event of a crash or during
heavy braking. When you use them properly, the seat,
head restraint, safety belt and airbags will
provide optimum protection in the event
of a crash. We recommend that you follow these
guidelines:
•
Sit in an upright position with the base
of your spine as far back as possible.
• Do not recline the seatback more than
30 degrees.
• Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of it is level with the top of your
head and as far forward as possible.
Make sure that you remain
comfortable.
• Keep sufficient distance between
yourself and the steering wheel. We
recommend a minimum of 10 in
(25 cm) between your breastbone and
the airbag cover.
• Hold the steering wheel with your arms
slightly bent.
• Bend your legs slightly so that you can
press the pedals fully.
• Position the shoulder strap of the
safety belt over the center of your
shoulder and position the lap strap
tightly across your hips.
Make sure that your driving position is
comfortable and that you can maintain full
control of your vehicle.
HEAD RESTRAINTS WARNINGS
Fully adjust the head restraint before
you sit in or operate your vehicle. This
will help minimize the risk of neck
injury in the event of a crash. Do not adjust
the head restraint when your vehicle is
moving. The adjustable head restraint is a
safety device. Whenever possible it
should be installed and properly
adjusted when the seat is occupied. Failure
to adjust the head restraint properly could
reduce its effectiveness during certain
impacts.
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Mustang (), enUSA, First Printing SeatsE68595

STEERING WHEEL LOCK (If
Equipped)
The steering wheel locks automatically
when you leave your vehicle and take the
intelligent access key with you. The
steering wheel unlocks automatically when
you enter your vehicle with the intelligent
access key.
Note: You may need to turn the steering
wheel left or right if the wheel does not
unlock completely. This may happen in
certain situations, such as parking your
vehicle on a steep grade.
STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speed
increases, this helps to warm up the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not
slow down automatically, have your
vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Note: You can crank the engine for a total
of 60 seconds (without the engine starting)
before the starting system temporarily
disables. The 60 seconds does not have to
be all at once. For example, if you crank the
engine three times for 20 seconds each
time, without the engine starting, you
reached the 60-second time limit. A
message appears in the information display
alerting you that you exceeded the cranking
time. You cannot attempt to start the engine
for at least 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, you
are limited to a 15-second engine cranking
time. You need to wait 60 minutes before
you can crank the engine for 60 seconds
again. Before starting the engine, check the
following:
•
Make sure all occupants have fastened
their safety belts.
• Make sure the headlamps and
electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Move the transmission selector lever
to park (P) (automatic transmission)
or neutral (manual transmission)
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
Note: You must have your intelligent access
key in the vehicle in order to shift the
transmission out of position
P.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Press the button.
The system does not function if:
• The key frequencies are jammed.
• The key battery has no charge.
If you are unable to start the engine, do the
following: 1. Remove the rubber covering (A) in the
cupholder.
2. Place the remote in the backup slot (B)
with the buttons facing up and the
keyring toward the front of the vehicle.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
(If Equipped)
WARNINGS
Always set the parking brake fully
and make sure the gearshift is
latched in park (P). Turn the ignition
to the off position and remove the key
whenever you leave your vehicle. Do not apply the brake pedal and
accelerator pedal simultaneously.
Applying both pedals simultaneously
for more than three seconds will limit
engine rpm, which may result in difficulty
maintaining speed in traffic and could lead
to serious injury. Understanding the Positions of
Your Automatic Transmission
Putting your vehicle in gear:
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the button on the top
of the gearshift lever.
3. Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear.
4. Release the button and your transmission remains in the selected
gear. Park (P)
This position locks the transmission and
prevents the rear wheels from turning.
Come to a complete stop before putting
your vehicle into and out of park (P).
Reverse (R)
With the gearshift lever in reverse (R), your
vehicle provides backward movement.
Always come to a complete stop before
shifting into and out of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the gearshift lever in neutral (N), you
can start your vehicle and it is free to roll.
Hold the brake pedal down while in this
position.
Drive (D)
For normal driving, and the best fuel
economy, drive (D) provides operation in
gears one through six.
Sport (S)
Moving the gearshift lever to Sport (S):
•
Provides additional grade (engine)
braking and extends lower gear
operation to enhance performance for
uphill climbs, hilly terrain or
mountainous areas. This may increase
engine RPM during engine braking.
• Provides additional lower gear
operation through the automatic
transmission shift strategy.
• Selects gears more quickly and at
higher engine speeds.
SelectShift Automatic ™
Transmission
Your SelectShift Automatic transmission
gives you the ability to change gears
manually.
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With your vehicle in drive (D), the paddle
shifters provide temporary manual control.
They allow you the ability to shift gears
quickly, without taking your hands off the
steering wheel.
You can achieve extensive manual control
by moving the gearshift lever to the sport
(S) position.
•
Pull and release the right paddle (+)
to upshift.
• Pull and release the left paddle (–) to
downshift. The system determines when temporary
manual control is no longer in use and
returns to automatic control.
Upshift to the recommended shift speeds
according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recom-
mended for best fuel economy)
Shift from:15 mph (24 km/h)
1 - 2
25 mph (40 km/h)
2 - 3
40 mph (64 km/h)
3 - 4
45 mph (72 km/h)
4 - 5
50 mph (80 km/h)
5 - 6
The instrument cluster displays your
currently selected gear. The transmission automatically upshifts
if your engine speed is too high or
downshifts if your engine speed is too low.
Note:
The system stays in manual control
until you make another shift button
selection. For example, drive (D).
Note: Engine damage may occur if
excessive engine revving is held without
shifting.
Brake-Shift Interlock WARNINGS
Do not drive your vehicle until you
verify that the brake lamps are
working.
When doing this procedure, you will
be taking your vehicle out of park
which means your 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. 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. Note:
Contact an authorized dealer as soon
as possible if this procedure is used.
Note: For some markets, this feature will
be disabled.
Use the brake shift interlock 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.
Apply the parking brake and switch the
ignition off before performing this
procedure.
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LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
This axle provides added traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one
wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under
normal conditions, the limited-slip axle
functions like a standard rear axle. The axle
may exhibit a slight noise or vibration
during tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the
axle is working
Traction-Lok
™ and TORSEN™
Axles (if equipped) (If Equipped)
These axles provide improved traction on
slippery and loose surfaces, particularly
when one wheel is on a poor traction
surface. Under normal conditions, these
axles function like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of tire sizes other than the
manufacturer ’s specified tire size on these
axles could result in a permanent reduction
in effectiveness. This loss does not affect
your normal driving and should not be
noticeable.
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Mustang (), enUSA, First Printing Rear Axle

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:
Occasional brake noise is normal. If
a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out. Have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. If
your vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. See Cleaning the Alloy
Wheels (page 232). See
Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 79).
Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal
becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady
and firm pressure to the brake pedal to
slow the vehicle and reduce engine power.
If you experience this condition, apply the
brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe
stop. Move the transmission to park (P),
switch the engine off and apply the parking
brake. Inspect the accelerator pedal for
any interference. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake
rapidly by measuring the rate at which you
press the brake pedal. It provides
maximum braking efficiency as long as you
press the pedal, and can reduce stopping
distances in critical situations. Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking. This lamp momentarily
illuminates when you turn the
ignition on. If the light does not
illuminate during start up, remains on or
flashes, the system may be disabled. Have
the system checked by an authorized
dealer. If the anti-lock brake system is
disabled, normal braking is still effective. If the brake warning lamp
illuminates when you release the
parking brake, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note: 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 anti-lock braking system will not
eliminate the risks 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 WARNINGS
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.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
In certain situations (for example, stuck in
snow or mud), you can turn the traction
control off. This may be beneficial as this
allows the wheels to spin with full engine
power.
Turn the traction control system off by
toggling the stability control switch. Your
vehicle may have restrictions regarding this
feature. See Principle of Operation
(page 50). Locate the switch at the lower
center of the instrument panel. System Indicator Lights and
Messages WARNING
If a failure has been detected within
the traction control system, the
stability control light will illuminate
steadily. Verify that the traction control
system was not manually disabled using
the stability control button. If the stability
control light still illuminates steadily, have
the system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle
with traction control disabled could lead
to an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death. The stability control light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and flashes
when a driving condition activates the
stability system. The stability control off light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and stays on
when you turn the traction control system
off or if a problem occurs in the stability
system.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving
braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of the vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the AdvanceTrac
system. In addition, installing any stereo
loudspeakers may interfere with and
adversely affect the AdvanceTrac system.
Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker
as far as possible from the front center
console, the tunnel, and the front seats in
order to minimize the risk of interfering with
the AdvanceTrac sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac system
could lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death. Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws of
physics. It’
s always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of personal injury or
property damage. Activation of the
AdvanceTrac system is an indication that
at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator ’s ability to control the
vehicle potentially resulting in a loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death. If your AdvanceTrac
system activates, SLOW DOWN. If a failure has been detected within
the traction control system, the
stability control light will illuminate
steadily. Verify that the traction control
system was not manually disabled using
the stability control button. If the stability
control light still illuminates steadily, have WARNINGS
the system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle
with traction control disabled could lead
to an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death. The stability control light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and flashes
when a driving condition activates the
stability system. The stability control off light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up, and stays on
when you turn the traction control system
off or select alternative stability control
modes.
The AdvanceTrac Control system helps
you keep control of your vehicle when on
a slippery surface. The electronic stability
control portion of the system helps avoid
skids and lateral slides. The traction
control system helps avoid drive wheel
spin and loss of traction. See Using
Traction Control (page 142).
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Mustang (), enUSA, First Printing Stability ControlE138639