2018 FORD MUSTANG tow

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See your scheduled
maintenance information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the tire label
and Safety Compliance label as well as
instructions on calculating your vehicle's
load in the Load Carrying chapter. See
Load Limit
(page 189).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the
total trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the
hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross them
under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow
the chains to drag on the ground. 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 you
install them properly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required. Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, direction indicators and hazard lights
are working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
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When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission in park (P) or neutral (N)
to aid engine and transmission cooling
and to help air conditioning
performance.
• Switch off the speed control with
heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The
speed control may turn off
automatically when you are towing on
long, steep grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a slope. However, if
you must park on a slope:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in park (P) or manual transmission in a
low gear. 4. Place wheel chocks in front and back
of the trailer wheels. Chocks are not
included with your vehicle.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before
backing the trailer into the water.
Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after
removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to
rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher
than
6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Any time the rear axle submerges in water,
replace the rear axle lubricant. Water may
contaminate the rear axle lubricant, which
is not a normal maintenance inspection
item unless there is a possibility of a leak
or other axle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheel
lock make sure the ignition is in the
accessory or on position when being
towed. 197
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You can flat-tow (all wheels on the
ground, regardless of the powertrain or
transmission configuration) your disabled
vehicle (without access to wheel dollies
or vehicle transport trailer) under the
following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward so you
tow it in a forward direction.
• You shift into neutral (N). If you cannot
shift into neutral (N), you may need to
override the gearshift lever. See
Transmission (page 146).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle. See
Climate Control
(page 109).
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 to make sure you do not
damage the transmission during towing.
Do not tow your vehicle with any wheels
on the ground, as vehicle or transmission
damage may occur. It is required to
recreational tow your vehicle with all four
wheels off the ground, for example when
using a vehicle transport trailer. Otherwise,
you cannot tow your vehicle.
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OPENING THE CONVERTIBLE
TOP
When you use the top, you must first
unlatch it from the windshield and then
use the convertible top control.
Note:
The convertible top does not operate
unless the vehicle is stationary or traveling
under 3 mph (5 km/h). A chime sounds and
a warning message appears in the
instrument panel. When you slow down, the
top operates.
Note: When you latch or unlatch the
convertible top, the audio system mutes
briefly. This allows the vehicle to optimize
the cabin ’s sound quality depending on the
position of the convertible top.
To unlatch the convertible top:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The ignition must be on. We
recommend that the vehicle remains
running when you open the top to
prevent draining the battery.
2. Check the convertible top stowage compartment behind the rear seat to
be sure it is empty. Make sure the
convertible top outer surface is free of
debris.
3. Move the latch handle, above the interior mirror, down toward the
windshield and rotate the handle
clockwise to release the convertible
top. The windows open automatically when
you press the convertible top control.
To open the convertible top:
1. Press and hold the convertible top
control on the overhead console, until
the windows are completely down and
the top stores completely.
2. Release the convertible top control. Note:
Do not store articles behind the rear
seat. Articles in the convertible top stowage
compartment may break the rear glass
window when you open the top.
Note: Opening the convertible top when
the top material is wet may cause mold or
mildew.
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Using the Tonneau Caps
Your convertible top also includes two
tonneau caps, one for each side of the
vehicle. These caps stow inside the trunk.
Leading edge.
A.
Side edge.
B.
After opening your convertible top, place
the tonneau caps between the top and
your vehicle trim moulding:
1. Insert tab A under the trim.
2. When tab A is under the trim slot, angle
B down so the edges slide under the
surrounding moulding and secure into
place between the trim edges.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 on the opposite side of the vehicle to install the second
tonneau cap.
CLOSING THE CONVERTIBLE
TOP
Closing the convertible top is a three-step
process: Remove both of the tonneau
caps, press the convertible top control to
close the top, and then close the latch. To remove the tonneau caps:
1.
Slide B toward the center of the vehicle
to release the edges from the
surrounding trim.
2. Lift up on B, and then pull the piece back to release tab A from the trim.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 on the opposite side of the vehicle.
4. Make sure you stow both pieces in the trunk. Note:
The convertible top does not operate
unless the vehicle is stationary or traveling
under 3 mph (5 km/h). A chime sounds and
a warning message appears in the
instrument panel. When you slow down, the
top operates.
Note: You must remove the tonneau caps
before you are able to close the top or a
chime sounds and a warning message
appears in the instrument panel. Remove
and stow the caps in the trunk, and then
press the convertible top control again.
Note: When you latch or unlatch the
convertible top, the audio system mutes
briefly. This allows the vehicle to optimize
the cabin ’s sound quality depending on the
position of the convertible top.
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To close the convertible top:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
and make sure you switch the ignition
on. We recommend that the vehicle
remains running when you open the
top to prevent draining the battery.
2. Press and hold the convertible top control. When the convertible latch
handle is within reach, make sure it is
down and that you rotate it clockwise
so the latch is in the fully opened
position. Continue pressing the
convertible top control until the
windows lower completely, and the
top unfolds and moves forward toward
the windshield header.
3. When the top lines up evenly with the windshield header, release the
convertible top control. The final step when closing the convertible
top is to lock the latch.
To lock the latch on the convertible top:
1. Pull down on the latch handle and
rotate it counter-clockwise to secure
the convertible top.
2. After securing the convertible top fully,
push the latch handle up into the
stowed position to secure the latch. Note:
If you keep the top open for an
extended period of time or if the
temperature is low, the top material may
shrink slightly. If this happens, pull on the
latch handle to secure the top.
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BREAKING-IN
Tires
New tires need to be run-in for
approximately 300 mi (500 km). During
this time, you may experience different
driving characteristics.
Brakes and Clutch
Avoid heavy use of the brakes and clutch
if possible for the first
100 mi (150 km) in
town and for the first 1,000 mi (1,500 km)
on freeways.
Engine
Avoid driving too fast during the first
1,000 mi (1,500 km)
. Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.
REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE WARNING
If you continue to drive your vehicle
when the engine is overheating, the
engine could stop without warning.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your vehicle. If the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle moves to the upper limit position,
the engine is overheating. See
Gauges
(page 81).
You must only drive your vehicle for a short
distance if the engine overheats. The
distance you can travel depends on
ambient temperature, vehicle load and
terrain. The engine continues to operate
with limited power for a short period of
time. If the engine temperature continues to rise,
the fuel supply to the engine reduces. The
air conditioning switches off and the engine
cooling fan operates continually.
1. Gradually reduce your speed and stop
your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
2. Immediately switch the engine off to prevent severe engine damage.
3. Wait for the engine to cool down.
4. Check the coolant level. See
Engine
Coolant Check (page 234).
5. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things
such as how you drive, the conditions you
drive under and how you maintain your
vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that
may improve your fuel economy:
• Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving (When running
errands, go to the furthest destination
first and then work your way back
home).
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds.
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:
Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a
vehicle concern, Ford Motor Company
offers a complimentary roadside
assistance program. This program is
separate from the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
The service is available:
•
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• For the coverage period listed on the
Roadside Assistance Card included in
your Owner's Manual portfolio.
Roadside Assistance covers:
• A flat tire change with a good spare
(except vehicles supplied with a tire
inflation kit).
• Battery jump start.
• Lock-out assistance (key replacement
cost is the customer's responsibility).
• Fuel delivery — independent service
contractors, if not prohibited by state,
local or municipal law, shall deliver up
to 2 gal (8 L) of gasoline or 5 gal (20 L)
of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle.
Roadside Assistance limits fuel delivery
service to two no-charge occurrences
within a 12-month period.
• Winch out — available within 100 ft
(30 m) of a paved or county
maintained road, no recoveries. •
Towing — independent service
contractors, if not prohibited by state,
local or municipal law, shall tow Ford
eligible vehicles to an authorized dealer
within
35 mi (56 km) of the
disablement location or to the nearest
authorized dealer. If a member
requests a tow to an authorized dealer
that is more than
35 mi (56 km) from
the disablement location, the member
shall be responsible for any mileage
costs in excess of
35 mi (56 km).
• Roadside Assistance includes up to
$200 for a towed trailer if the disabled
eligible vehicle requires service at the
nearest authorized dealer. If the towing
vehicle is operational but the trailer is
not, then the trailer does not qualify for
any roadside services.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:
Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. This card is in
the owner's information portfolio in the
glove compartment.
United States vehicle customers who
require Roadside Assistance, call
1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance
for yourself, Ford Motor Company
reimburses a reasonable amount for
towing to the nearest dealership within
35 mi (56 km)
. To obtain reimbursement
information, United States vehicle
customers call 1-800-241-3673.
Customers need to submit their original
receipts.
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