WARNING: Exceeding theSafety Compliance Certificationlabel vehicle weight limits canadversely affect theperformance and handling ofyour vehicle, cause vehicledamage and can result in theloss of control of your vehicle,serious personal injury or death.
Maximum Loaded TrailerWeight
Maximum loaded trailer weight isthe highest possible weight of afully loaded trailer the vehicle cantow. Consult the RV & TrailerTowing Guide available at yourauthorized dealer, or online.
RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
GCWR - Gross CombinedWeight Rating
GCWR is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and theloaded trailer, including all cargoand passengers, that the vehiclecan handle without riskingdamage. (Important: The towingvehicle’s braking system is ratedfor operation at Gross VehicleWeight Rating, not at GrossCombined Weight Rating.)Separate functional brakes shouldbe used for safe control of towedvehicles and for trailers where theGross Combined Weight of thetowing vehicle plus the trailerexceed the Gross Vehicle WeightRating of the towing vehicle.
The gross combined weight mustnever exceed the Gross CombinedWeight Rating.
Note: For trailer towinginformation refer to the RV andTrailer Towing Guide available atan authorized dealer.
WARNING: Do not exceedthe GVWR or the GAWRspecified on the certificationlabel.
WARNING: Do not usereplacement tires with lowerload carrying capacities than theoriginal tires because they maylower your vehicle's GVWR andGAWR limitations. Replacementtires with a higher limit than theoriginal tires do not increase theGVWR and GAWR limitations.
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WARNING: Exceeding anyvehicle weight rating canadversely affect theperformance and handling ofyour vehicle, cause vehicledamage and can result in theloss of control of your vehicle,serious personal injury or death.
Steps for determining thecorrect load limit:
1.Locate the statement "Thecombined weight of occupantsand cargo should never exceedXXX kg or XXX lb." on yourvehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combinedweight of the driver and
passengers that can be ridingin your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weightof the driver and passengersfrom XXX kg or XXX lb.
4.The resulting figure equals theavailable amount of cargo andluggage load capacity. Forexample, if the “XXX” amountequals 1,400 lb. and there canbe five 150 lb. passengers inyour vehicle, the amount ofavailable cargo and luggageload capacity is 650 lb.(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.)
5.Determine the combinedweight of luggage and cargobeing loaded on the vehicle.That weight may not safelyexceed the available cargo andluggage load capacitycalculated in Step 4.
6.If you are towing a trailer, loadfrom your trailer is transferredto your vehicle. Consult thismanual to determine how thisreduces the available cargoand luggage load capacity ofyour vehicle.
Helpful examples for calculatingthe available amount of cargoand luggage load capacity
Suppose your vehicle has a1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargo
and luggage capacity. You decideto go golfing. Is there enough loadcapacity to carry you, four of yourfriends and all the golf bags? Youand four friends average 220pounds (99 kilograms) each andthe golf bags weigh approximately30 pounds (13.5 kilograms) each.The calculation would be: 1400 -(5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100- 150 = 150 pounds. Yes, you haveenough load capacity in yourvehicle to transport four friendsand your golf bags. In metric units,the calculation would be: 635kilograms - (5 x 99 kilograms) -(5 x 13.5 kilograms) = 635 - 495 -67.5 = 72.5 kilograms.
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Suppose your vehicle has a1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargoand luggage capacity. You andone of your friends decide to pickup cement from the local homeimprovement store to finish thatpatio you have been planning forthe past two years. Measuring theinside of the vehicle with the rearseat folded down, you have roomfor twelve 100-pound(45-kilogram) bags of cement. Doyou have enough load capacity totransport the cement to yourhome? If you and your friend eachweigh 220 pounds (99 kilograms),the calculation would be: 1400 -(2 x 220) - (12 x 100) = 1400 - 440- 1200 = - 240 pounds. No, you donot have enough cargo capacityto carry that much weight. Inmetric units, the calculation wouldbe: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99kilograms) - (12 x 45 kilograms) =635 - 198 - 540 = -103 kilograms.You need to reduce the loadweight by at least 240 pounds(104 kilograms). If you removethree 100-pound (45-kilogram)cement bags, then the loadcalculation would be:1400 - (2 x220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 -900 = 60 pounds. Now you havethe load capacity to transport thecement and your friend home. Inmetric units, the calculation wouldbe: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99kilograms) - (9 x 45 kilograms) =635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kilograms.
The above calculations alsoassume that the loads arepositioned in your vehicle in amanner that does not overloadthe front or the rear gross axleweight rating specified for yourvehicle on the Safety ComplianceCertification label.
Special Loading Instructions -for all vehicles
WARNING: When loadingthe roof racks, we recommendyou evenly distribute the load,as well as maintain a low centerof gravity. Loaded vehicles, withhigher centers of gravity, mayhandle differently than unloadedvehicles. Take extra precautions,such as slower speeds andincreased stopping distance,when driving a heavily loadedvehicle.
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TOWING A TRAILER - MACH 1
WARNING: Your vehicle isnot approved for trailer towing.Never tow a trailer with yourvehicle.
TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Do not exceedthe GVWR or the GAWRspecified on the certificationlabel.
WARNING: Towing trailersbeyond the maximumrecommended gross trailerweight exceeds the limit of yourvehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rolloverand personal injury.
Note:There may be electricalitems such as fuses or relays thatcan affect trailer towing operation.See Fuses (page 246).
The load capacity of your vehicleis designated by weight notvolume. You may not necessarilybe able to use all available spacewhen loading your vehicle ortrailer.
Towing a trailer places extra loadon the engine, transmission, axle,brakes, tires, and suspension.Inspect these components before,during and after towing.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects the vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items in thecenter of the left and right sidetrailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with thecorrect rise or drop. When boththe loaded vehicle and trailerare connected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward thevehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer orpayload, a slight takeoff vibration
or shudder may be present due tothe increased payload weight.Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and settingyour vehicle up for towing islocated in the Load Carryingchapter. See Load Limit (page214).
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle'sload in the Load Carrying chapter. SeeLoad Limit (page 214).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to thehook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross themunder the trailer tongue and allow enoughslack for turning tight corners. Do not allowthe chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, direction indicators and hazard lightsare working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
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Front Suspension
Insert the top of the spring spacer onto thespring first, then snap the bottom of thespacer into place.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure theignition is in the accessory or on positionwhen being towed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable withoutaccess to wheel dollies or a vehicletransport trailer, it can be flat-towed withall wheels on the ground, regardless of thepowertrain and transmission configuration,under the following conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in neutral (N).If you cannot shift the transmission intoneutral (N), you may need to overridethe gear shifter. See Transmission(page 163). Failing to do so may resultin damage to the transmission.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
You cannot recreational tow your vehiclewith all wheels on the ground becausevehicle or transmission damage couldoccur. You must recreational tow yourvehicle with all four wheels off the groundsuch as when using a car-hauling trailer.Otherwise, you cannot recreational towyour vehicle.
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OPENING THE CONVERTIBLE
TOP
When you use the top, you must firstunlatch it from the windshield and thenuse the convertible top control.
Note:The convertible top does not operateunless the vehicle is stationary or travelingunder 3 mph (5 km/h). A chime sounds anda warning message appears in theinstrument panel. When you slow down, thetop operates.
Note: When you latch or unlatch theconvertible top, the audio system mutesbriefly. This allows the vehicle to optimizethe cabin’s sound quality depending on theposition of the convertible top.
To unlatch the convertible top:
1.Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.The ignition must be on. Werecommend that the vehicle remainsrunning when you open the top toprevent draining the battery.
2.Check the convertible top stowagecompartment behind the rear seat tobe sure it is empty. Make sure theconvertible top outer surface is free ofdebris.
3.Move the latch handle, above theinterior mirror, down toward thewindshield and rotate the handleclockwise to release the convertibletop.
The windows open automatically whenyou press the convertible top control.
To open the convertible top:
1.Press and hold the convertible topcontrol on the overhead console, untilthe windows are completely down andthe top stores completely.
2.Release the convertible top control.
Note:Do not store articles behind the rearseat. Articles in the convertible top stowagecompartment may break the rear glasswindow when you open the top.
Note:Opening the convertible top whenthe top material is wet may cause mold ormildew.
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CLOSING THE CONVERTIBLE
TOP
Closing the Convertible Top
1.Bring your vehicle to a complete stopand make sure to leave the ignition on.We recommend that your vehicleremains running when you open thetop to prevent draining the battery.
Note:The convertible top does not operateunless your vehicle is stationary or travelingunder 3 mph (5 km/h). A tone sounds anda warning message appears in theinstrument panel. When you slow down, thetop operates.
2.Press and hold the convertible topcontrol. When the convertible latchhandle is within reach, make sure it isdown and that you rotate it clockwiseso the latch is in the fully openedposition. Continue pressing theconvertible top control until thewindows completely lower, and thetop unfolds and moves forward towardthe windshield header.
3.When the top lines up evenly with thewindshield header, release theconvertible top control.
Latching the Convertible Top
1.Pull down on the latch handle androtate it counter-clockwise to securethe convertible top.
2.After securing the convertible top fully,push the latch handle up into thestowed position to secure the latch.
Note:When you latch or unlatch theconvertible top, the audio system brieflymutes. This allows the vehicle to optimizethe cabin’s sound quality depending on theposition of the convertible top.
Note:If you keep the top open for anextended period of time or if thetemperature is low, the top material mayshrink slightly. If this happens, pull on thelatch handle to secure the top.
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2023 Mustang (CZG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-11-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingConvertible Top (If Equipped)E174568 E178453