Ford 1996 Mustang, Mustang User Manual

Table of Contents

Introductory Information ............................... 1

Safety Restraints .............................................. 9

Starting Your Mustang ................................. 49

Warning Lights and Gauges ....................... 61

Instrument Panel Controls .......................... 79

Steering Column Controls .......................... 91

Features .......................................................... 103

Electronic Sound Systems ......................... 141

Driving Your Mustang ............................... 177

Roadside Emergencies ................................ 199

Customer Assistance ................................... 215

Reporting Safety Defects........................ 222

Accessories .................................................... 227

Servicing Your Mustang ............................ 235

Quick Index .................................................. 305

Index ............................................................... 317

Gas Station Information ............................ 340

1

Introductory Information

At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the
continuous commitment to achieve the best
result possible. It is dedication to learning what
you want, determination to develop the right
concept, and execution of that concept with care,
precision, and attention to detail. In short,
excellence means being the standard by which
others are judged.

Our Guiding Principles

❑

Quality comes first. For your satisfaction, the
quality of our products and services must be
our number one priority.

❑

You are the focus of everything we do. Our
work must be done with you in mind,
providing better products and services than
our competition.

❑

Continuous improvement is essential to our
success. We must strive for excellence in

everything we do: in our products — in their
safety and value — and in our services, our
human relations, our competitiveness, and
our profitability.

❑

Employee involvement is our way of life.
We are a team. We must treat one another
with trust and respect.

❑

Dealers and suppliers are our partners. We
must maintain mutually beneficial
relationships with dealers, suppliers, and our
other business associates.

2

❑

Integrity is never compromised. Our conduct
worldwide must be pursued in a manner that
is socially responsible and commands respect
for its integrity and for its positive
contributions to society.

This Guide

Congratulations on the purchase of your new
vehicle. This guide has information about the
equipment and the options for your new vehicle.
You may not have bought all of the options
available to you. If you do not know which
information applies to your vehicle, talk to your
dealer.

This guide describes equipment and gives
specifications for equipment that was in effect
when this guide was approved for printing. Ford
may discontinue models or change specifications
or design without any notice and without
incurring obligation.

NOTES and WARNINGS

NOTES give you additional information about

the subject matter you are referencing.
WARNINGS remind you to be especially careful

in those areas where carelessness can cause
damage to your vehicle or personal injury to
yourself, your passengers or other people. Please
read all WARNINGS carefully.

RWARNING

3

Finding Information in This Guide

After you have read this guide once, you will
probably return to it when you have a specific
question or need additional information. To help
you find specific information quickly, you can
use the Quick Index or the Index.

The Quick Index at the end of the book
provides a page number following each item
which indicates where detailed information can
be found.

To use the Index, turn to the back of the book
and search in the alphabetical listing for the
word that best describes the information you
need. If the word you chose is not listed, think
of other related words and look them up. We
have designed the Index so that you can find
information under a technical term.

Canadian Owners — French Version

French Owner Guides can be obtained from your
dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box
1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.

Record Booklet

The Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet lists
the services that are most important for keeping
your vehicle in good condition. A record log is
also provided to help you keep track of all
services performed.

4

Your vehicle is covered by three types of
warranties: Basic Vehicle Warranty, Extended

Warranties on certain parts, and Emissions
Warranties.

Read your Warranty Information Booklet carefully
to find out about your vehicle’s warranties and
your basic rights and responsibilities.

If you lose your Warranty Information Booklet, you
can get a new one free of charge. Contact any
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, or refer to the
addresses and phone numbers on the first page
of this owner guide.

Buying a Ford Extended Service Plan

If you bought your vehicle in the U.S., you can
buy a Ford Extended Service Plan for your
vehicle. This optional contract provides service
protection for a longer period of time than the
basic warranty that comes with your vehicle.

You do not have to buy this option when you
buy your vehicle. However, your option to
purchase the Ford Extended Service Plan runs
out after 18 months or 18,000 miles. See your
dealer for more details about the Ford Extended
Service Plan.

If you purchased a Canadian vehicle and did not
take advantage of the Ford Extended Service
Plan at the time of purchase, you may still be
eligible. See your dealer for the details.

5

Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or
break-in period during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in
period, you need to pay careful attention to how
you drive your vehicle.

❑

Avoid sudden stops. Because your vehicle
has new brake linings, you should take these
steps:

— Watch traffic carefully so that you can

anticipate when to stop.
— Begin braking well in advance.
— Apply the brakes gradually.

The break-in period for new brake linings
lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or
1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.

❑

Use only the type of engine oil that Ford
recommends. See Engine oil recommendations

in the Index. Do not use special “break-in”
oils.

Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
Powertrain Control Module that limits engine
and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out mode to
promote durability.

Vehicle

Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage
the paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your
vehicle as often as necessary to keep it clean.

Take similar precautions if your vehicle is
exposed to chemical industrial fallout.

6

Paint damage resulting from fallout is not
related to a defect in paint materials or
workmanship and therefore is not covered by
warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual
improvement in customer satisfaction is a high
priority. For this reason, Ford has authorized its
dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner, the
surfaces of new vehicles damaged by
environmental fallout within 12 months or 12,000
miles (20,000 km) of purchase, whichever comes
first. Customers may be required to bring their
vehicle in for inspection by a Ford
representative.

Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle

Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the
underside, with a mild detergent.

DO NOT:

❑

Wash your vehicle with hot water

❑

Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct
sunlight

❑

Wash your vehicle while the body is hot

Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits
and protect the finish.

7

Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts

Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild
detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, fuel, or strong detergents.

Cleaning Plastic Parts

Some of your vehicle’s exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning.

Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents
or petroleum-based cleaners.

If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove
oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil
remover. If rustproofing is not removed from
plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.

9

Safety Restraints

The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada the law requires their use.

Safety belts provide best restraint when:

❑

the seatback is upright

❑

the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)

❑

the lap belt is snug and low on the hips

❑

the shoulder belt is snug against the chest

❑

the knees are straight forward

❑

seat belt is placed in guide on top of seat

To help you remember to fasten your safety belt,
a warning light may come on and a chime may
sound. See Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime in
the Warning Lights and Gauges chapter.

See the following sections in this chapter for
directions on how to properly use these safety
belts. Also see Safety Restraints for Children in this
chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.

RWARNING

Make sure that you and your passengers
wear safety belts. Always drive and ride
with your seatback upright and the lap
belt snug and low across the hips.

10

RWARNING

Never wear the shoulder belt under the
arm. Never swing it around the neck over
the inside shoulder. Never use a single
belt for more than one person or across
more than one seating position. Each
seating position in your vehicle has a
specific safety belt assembly which is
made up of one buckle and one tongue
that are designed to be used as a pair.
Failure to follow these precautions could
increase the risk and/or severity of injury
in a collision.

RWARNING

Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies and attaching hardware should
be inspected by a qualified technician
after any collision. Safety belt assemblies
not in use during a collision should also
be inspected and replaced if either
damage or improper operation is noted.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a
collision, children should always ride with
the seatback upright.

RWARNING

Never let a passenger hold a child on his
or her lap while the vehicle is moving.
The passenger cannot protect the child
from injury in a collision.

11

RWARNING

Lock the doors of your vehicle before
driving to lessen the risk of the door
coming open in a collision.

Belts

While your vehicle is in motion, the combination
lap and shoulder belt adjusts to your movement.
However, if you brake hard, corner hard or if
your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph
(8 km/h) or more, the lap and shoulder belt
locks and helps reduce your forward movement.

After you get into your vehicle, close the door
and lock it. Then adjust the seat to the position
that suits you best.

Before fastening the front seat belt, make sure
the shoulder belt passes through the belt holder
on the top of the seatback.

To fasten the belt, pull the lap/shoulder belt
from the retractor so that the shoulder portion of
the belt crosses your shoulder and chest. Be sure
the belt is not twisted. If it is, remove the twist.
Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle
until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make
sure the tongue is securely fastened in the
buckle.

12

Fastening the front seat combination lap and shoulder belt
(coupe models)

Fastening the front seat combination lap and shoulder belt
(convertible models)

13

Fastening the rear seat combination lap and shoulder belt
coupe and convertible

NOTE: Be sure to read and understand

Important Safety Belt Information at
the beginning of this chapter.

Safety Belts for Front Passenger (Coupe
Only) and Rear (Coupe and Convertible)
Outboard Seating Positions

Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking
mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of
the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for
front seat passengers (coupe) and rear outboard
passenger seats (coupe and convertible).

Dual locking mode retractors operate in two
ways:

Vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt
retractor will allow the occupant freedom of
movement, locking tight only on hard braking,
hard cornering or impacts of approximately
5 mph (8 km/h) or more. The retractor can also
be made to lock by pulling/jerking on the belt.

14

Automatic locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt
retractor will be automatically locked and remain
locked when the combination lap/shoulder
safety belt is buckled, and does not allow the
occupant freedom of movement. This mode
provides the following:

❑

A tight lap/shoulder belt fit on the occupant.

❑

Child seat or infant carrier installation
restraint.

RWARNING

Never install a rear-facing child seat or
infant carrier in the right front passenger
seat.

This mode must be used when installing a child
safety seat on the front passenger seat and rear
outboard seats where dual locking retractors are
provided.

To switch the retractor from the emergency
locking mode to the automatic locking mode,
perform the following steps:

1. Buckle the lap/shoulder combination belt.

2. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and
pull downward until all of the belt is
extracted and, when allowed to retract, a
clicking sound is heard. At this time, the belt
retractor is in the automatic locking mode
(child restraint mode).

3. A clicking sound will continue to be heard
as the belt is allowed to retract.

15

NOTE: When the combination lap/shoulder

belt is unbuckled and allowed to
retract completely, the retractor will
switch back to the vehicle sensitive
(emergency) locking mode. See the
detailed instructions under Safety Seats
for Children in this chapter.

Front Passenger Lap Belt Retractor
(Convertible Only)

Your convertible is equipped with a dual locking
mode retractor on the lap belt part of the
lap/shoulder belt for the front seat passenger.

Dual locking mode passenger seat lap belt
retractors operate in two ways:

Vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode

In this operating mode, the lap belt retractor will
allow the occupant freedom of movement,
locking tight only on hard braking, hard
cornering or impacts of approximately 5 mph
(8 km/h) or more. The retractor cannot be made
to lock by pulling on the belt.

Automatic locking mode

In this operating mode, the lap belt retractor will
remain locked and does not allow the occupant
freedom of movement. This mode provides the
following:

❑

A tight lap/shoulder belt on the occupant.

❑

Child safety seat installation.

This mode must be used when installing a
forward facing child safety seat on the front
passenger seat. To switch the retractor from
the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking
mode to the automatic locking mode,
perform the following steps:

16

RWARNING

Never install a rear-facing child seat or
infant carrier in the right front passenger
seat.

1. Buckle the lap/shoulder belt.

2. Grasp the lap portion of the belt below the
child seat label. Pull upward until all of the
belt is extracted and a click is heard. At this
time, the lap belt retractor is in the
automatic locking mode (child restraint
mode).

3. Allow the belt to retract. A clicking sound
will be heard as the belt retracts. This
indicates that the retractor is in the
automatic locking mode.

4. Pull down on the belt to remove slack in the
belt.

NOTE: When the combination lap/shoulder

belt is unbuckled and allowed to
retract completely, the retractor will
switch to the vehicle sensitive
(emergency) locking mode. See the
detailed instructions under Safety Seats
for Children in this chapter.

17

RWARNING

The lap belts should fit snugly and as low
as possible around the hips, not around
the waist.

RWARNING

Failure to follow these precautions could
increase the risk and/or severity of injury
in a collision. 1) Use the shoulder belt on
the outside shoulder only. Never wear the
shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never
swing it around your neck over the inside
shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for
more than one person.

To unfasten all the belts:

1. Push the release button on the end of the
buckle. This allows the tongue to unlatch
from the buckle.

Unfastening the front (coupes) and rear outboard
lap/shoulder belts

18

Unfastening the Mustang convertible front outboard
lap/shoulder belts

2. While the belt retracts, guide the tongue to
its stowed position. If you do not guide the
tongue, it may strike you or part of the
vehicle.

3. (Coupe only). Place the belt in the belt
holder at the top of the seatback. The
retracted belt should be stored on this holder
when not in use, except when a passenger is
entering or leaving the rear seat area of the
vehicle.

19

Belt holder location — coupe only

4. (Convertible only). Place the shoulder belt in
the belt holder at the top of the seatback and
place the lap belt in the belt guide at the
side of the seat cushion. The retracted belt
should be stored on this holder and in the
belt guide when not in use, except when a
passenger is entering or leaving the rear seat
area of the vehicle.

20

Belt holder location — convertible only

RWARNING

The shoulder belt must always be in the
belt holder when the belt is in use.

Safety Belt Extension Assembly

For some people, the safety belt may be too
short even when it is fully extended. You can
add about eight inches (20 cm) to the belt length
with a safety belt extension assembly (part
number 611C22). Safety belt extensions are
available at no cost from your dealer.

RWARNING

Failure to follow these instructions will
affect the performance of the safety belts
and increase the risk of personal injury.

21

Use only extensions manufactured by the same
supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer
identification is located at the end of the
webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt
extension only if the safety belt is too short for
you when fully extended. Do not use extension
to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the
torso.

Check the safety belt systems periodically to
make sure that they work properly and are not
damaged.

All safety belt assemblies, including retractors,
buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies
(slide bar) (if equipped), child safety seat tether
bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching
hardware, should be inspected after any
collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies used in vehicles involved in a
collision be replaced. However, if the collision
was minor and a qualified technician finds that
the belts do not show damage and continue to
operate properly, they do not need to be
replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use
during a collision should also be inspected and
replaced if either damage or improper operation
is noted.

Cleaning the Safety Belts

Clean the safety belts with any mild soap
solution that is recommended for cleaning
upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the
belt webbing because this may weaken it.

22

System (SRS)

The driver and right front passenger air bags are
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), provided
at these seating positions in addition to the
lap/shoulder belt, and are designed to
supplement the protection provided to properly
belted occupants in moderate to severe frontal
collisions. The supplemental air bag system does
not provide restraint to the lower body.

The Importance of Wearing Safety Belts

RWARNING

Safety belts must be worn by all vehicle
occupants to be properly restrained and
help reduce the risk of injury in a
collision.

RWARNING

All occupants of the vehicle, including the
driver, should always wear their safety
belts, even when an air bag Supplemental
Restraint System is provided.

There are four very important reasons to use
safety belts even with an air bag system. Use
your safety belts to:

❑

help keep you in the proper position (away
from the air bag) when it inflates

❑

reduce the risk of harm in rollover, side or
rear impact collisions, because an air bag is
not designed to inflate in such situations

❑

reduce the risk of harm in frontal collisions
that are not severe enough to activate the
supplemental air bag

❑

reduce the risk of being thrown from your
vehicle

23

The Importance of Being Properly Seated

In a collision, the air bag must inflate extremely
fast to help provide additional protection for
you. In order to do this, the air bag must inflate
with considerable force. If you are not seated in
a normal riding position with your back against
the seatback, the air bag may not protect you
properly and could possibly hurt you as it
inflates.

RWARNING

If a passenger is not properly seated and
restrained, an inflating air bag could cause
serious injury.

RWARNING

Rear-facing infant seats should never be
placed in the front seat.

In rear-facing infant seats, the infant’s head is
closer to the air bag. The force of the rapidly
inflating air bag could push the top of the
rear-facing seat against the vehicle seatback,
center console (if so equipped), or center
armrests (if so equipped). REAR-FACING
INFANT SEATS MUST ALWAYS BE SECURED
IN THE REAR SEAT, and other child safety
seats and infant seats should be secured in the
rear seat whenever possible.

Your vehicle is equipped with a right front
passenger air bag. Air bags deploy with great
force, faster than the blink of an eye. Front
passengers, especially children and small adults,
must never sit on the front edge of the seat,
stand near the glove compartment of the
instrument panel, or lean over near the air bag
cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants
should sit with their backs against the seatback,

24

move the seat to the most rearward position if
possible and use the safety belts. Children
weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always should
use child or infant seats.

RWARNING

When using forward-facing child seats
move the passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible. NEVER
SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS
IN THE FRONT SEAT.

THE FORCE OF THE RAPIDLY INFLATING
PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD PUSH THE TOP
OF THE REAR-FACING SEAT AGAINST THE
VEHICLE SEATBACK OR CENTER
CONSOLE/ARMRESTS. REAR-FACING
INFANT SEATS MUST ALWAYS BE PLACED
IN THE REAR SEAT.

RWARNING

Do not place objects or mount equipment
on or near the air bag cover on the
steering wheel or in front seat areas that
may come in contact with a deploying air
bag. Failure to follow this instruction may
increase the risk of personal injury in the
event of a collision.

For additional important safety information on
the proper use of seat belts, child seats, and
infant seats, please read the other sections of this
chapter of the Owner Guide, especially sections
entitled Safety Belts for Children and Safety Seats

for Children.

25

For further information about the proper
mounting of equipment in the front seat of this
vehicle, please refer to Ford’s brochure entitled

Some Important Information About Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint System which can be

obtained by calling Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356.
Ask for brochure FPS-8602.

How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint
System Operates

The driver air bag is in the center of the steering
wheel. The right front passenger seat air bag is
in the upper right hand section of the
instrument panel ledge above the glove
compartment. Both air bags are designed to stay
out of sight until they are activated.

The location of the air bag and warning labels

26

If a collision occurs, the sensors sense the
severity of the impact and activates the air bags
if necessary. The air bag system is designed to
deploy in frontal and front-angled collisions
more severe than hitting a parked vehicle (of
similar size and weight) head-on at about
28 mph (45 km/h). Because the system senses
the crash severity rather than vehicle speed,
some frontal collisions at speeds above 28 mph
(45 km/h) will not inflate the air bag.

The whole inflation and deflation process takes
place in a matter of seconds.

RWARNING

Air bag system components get hot after
inflation. Do not touch them after
inflation.

Inflated driver side air bag

27

Inflated right front passenger side air bag

RWARNING

If the air bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG
WILL NOT FUNCTION AGAIN AND
MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If
the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired
area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.

The air bag system uses a readiness light on the
instrument cluster or a tone to indicate the
condition of the system. When you turn the
ignition to the ON position, this light will
illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and
then turn off. This indicates that the system is
operating normally. NOTE: Maintenance of the
air bag system is not required.

28

A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following:

❑

the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
or

❑

it will not light immediately after the ignition
is turned on, or

❑

a group of five beeps will be heard.

If any of these things happen, have the air bag
system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the air bag
Supplemental Restraint System may not function
properly in the event of a collision.

RWARNING

Do not attempt to service, repair, or
modify the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System or its fuses. See your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Disposal of air bags or air bag equipped
vehicles

For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped
vehicles, see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer. Air bags MUST be disposed of by
qualified personnel.

In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law
to use safety restraints for children. If small
children ride in your vehicle — this generally
includes children who are four years old or
younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or
less — you must put them in safety seats that
are made specially for children. Safety belts
alone do not provide maximum protection for
these children. Check your local and state laws
for specific requirements.

29

RWARNING

Never let a passenger hold a child on his
or her lap while the vehicle is moving.
The passenger cannot protect the child
from injury in a collision.

RWARNING

Passengers should not be allowed to ride
in the cargo area. Persons not riding in a
seat with a fastened seat belt are much
more likely to suffer serious injury in a
collision. Cargo should always be secured
to prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.

When possible, put children in the rear seat of
your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that
children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seating positions than in the front
seating positions.

RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s
instructions included with the safety seat
you put in your vehicle. If you do not
install and use the safety seat properly,
the child may be injured in a sudden stop
or collision.

RWARNING

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a
vehicle that has been closed up in sunny
weather; they could burn a small child.
Check seat covers and buckles before you
place a child anywhere near them.

30

RWARNING

Never leave a child unattended in your
vehicle.

RWARNING

When using forward-facing child seats
move the passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible. NEVER
SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS
IN THE FRONT SEAT.

Safety Seats for Children

Use a safety seat that is recommended for the
size and weight of the child. Always follow the
safety seat manufacturer’s instructions when
installing and using the safety seat.

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat
having a top tether strap. Install the child safety
seat in a seating position which is capable of
providing a tether anchorage. For more
information on top tether straps see your Ford
or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

When installing a child safety seat, be sure to
use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating
position, and make sure the tongue is securely
fastened in the buckle. For a shoulder/lap belt
combination with a sliding tongue, make sure
the retractor is in the automatic locking mode.

Children weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg)
should use child or infant seats. Forward facing
child seats must have the passenger seat moved
as far back from the instrument panel as
possible.

31

RWARNING

REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS SHOULD
NEVER BE USED IN THE FRONT SEAT.
REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS MUST
ALWAYS BE PLACED IN THE REAR
SEAT. Failure to follow these instructions
could result in serious injury.

All child restraint systems are designed to be
secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or by the
lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt.

RWARNING

If you do not properly secure the safety
seat, the child occupying the seat may be
injured during a collision or sudden stop.
An unsecured safety seat could also injure
other passengers.

RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s
instructions included with the safety seat
you put in your vehicle. If you do not
install and use the safety seat properly,
the child may be injured in a sudden stop
or collision.

RWARNING

Always keep the buckle release button
pointing upward and away from the child
seat, with the tongue between the child
seat and the release button as shown in
the following illustration.

32

Installing Safety Seats in the Front Seat —
Convertible

Your Mustang Convertible is equipped with a
dual locking mode retractor on the lap belt
portion of the lap/shoulder belt at the front
passenger seat.

The automatic locking mode must be used when
installing a child seat in the front passenger seat.

RWARNING

Never install a rear-facing child seat or
infant carrier in the right front passenger
seat.

If you choose to install a child safety seat in the
front seat:

1. Position the child seat in the front passenger
seat of the vehicle.

2. Pull up on the lap belt, Figure 1.

33

3. Following the child seat manufacturer’s
instructions, route the lap/shoulder belt
through the child seat or infant carrier and
insert the belt tongue into the buckle until
you hear and feel the latch engage, Figure 2.

Routing the lap/shoulder belt

34

4. Grasp the lap portion of the belt below the
child seat label. Pull upward until all of the
belt is extracted and a click is heard. At this
time, the lap belt retractor is in the
automatic locking mode (child seat restraint
mode), Figure 3.

Pull the lap belt out completely to set the automatic
locking mode

35

5. Allow the belt to retract. A clicking sound
will be heard as the belt retracts. This
indicates the retractor is in the automatic
locking mode, Figure 4.

Allowing belt to retract

36

6. Push down on the child seat while you pull
down on the belt to remove any slack in the
belt, Figure 5.

Removing slack from the belt

37

7. Before placing the child in the child seat or
infant carrier, forcibly tilt the seat from side
to side, and also tug it forward to make sure
that the seat is securely held in place,
Figure 6.

Checking that the seat is secure

38

8. Double check that the retractor is in the
automatic locking mode. Try to pull more
belt out of the retractor, if you cannot, the
belt is in the automatic locking mode,
Figure 7.

Checking the retractor

9. Check to make sure that the child seat or
infant carrier is properly secured prior to
each use. If the lap belt is not locked, repeat
steps 4 through 8.

NOTE: To remove the retractor from automatic

lock mode, allow seat belt to retract
fully to its stowed position and the
retractor will automatically switch back
to the vehicle sensitive locking mode
for normal adult usage.

39

Installing Safety Seats in the Front Seat
(Coupe only) and Rear Seating Positions
(Coupe and Convertible)

For seating positions equipped with a dual
locking mode retractor, use the following
procedure.

If you choose to install a child safety seat or
infant carrier in the front seating positions, move
vehicle seat as far back as possible.

1. Position the child seat in the center of the
passenger seat.

2. Pull down on shoulder belt, then grasp
shoulder belt and lap belt together. See
Figure 1.

Pulling out belt webbing

40

3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt
portions together, route the tongue through
the child seat according to the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions. See Figure 2. Be
sure that the belt webbing is not twisted.

Routing the lap/shoulder belt

4. Insert the belt tongue into the buckle for that
seating position until you hear and feel the
latch engage. See Figure 3. Make sure tongue
is latched securely to buckle by pulling on
tongue.

41

Buckling the belt

5. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and
pull downward until all of the belt is
extracted and a click is heard. At this time,
the retractor is in the automatic locking
mode (child seat restraint mode). See
Figure 4.

NOTE: The dual-locking mode retractor must

be in the automatic locking mode to
properly restrain a child.

42

Setting the retractor to automatic locking mode

6. Allow the belt to retract. Pull up on the
shoulder webbing. A clicking sound will be
heard as the belt retracts. This indicates the
retractor is in the automatic locking mode.
Push down on the child seat while you pull
up on the belt to remove any slack in the
belt. See Figures 5 and 6.

43

Allowing shoulder belt to retract

Removing slack from belt

44

7. Before placing the child in the child seat,
forcibly tilt the seat from side to side, and
tug it forward to make sure that the seat is
securely held in place. See Figure 7.

Checking that the seat is secure

45

8. Double check that the retractor is in the
automatic locking mode. Try to pull more
belt out of the retractor. If you cannot, the
belt is in the automatic locking mode. See
Figure 8.

Checking the retractor

9. Check to make sure that the child seat is
properly secured prior to each use. If the
retractor is not locked, repeat steps 4
through 7.

To remove the retractor from automatic lock
mode, allow webbing to retract fully to its
stowed position and the retractor will
automatically switch back to the vehicle sensitive
locking mode for normal adult usage.

46

Safety Belts for Children

Children who are too large for child safety seats
should always wear safety belts. (See instructions
with your child seat, or contact its manufacturer,
to determine maximum size of child that will
safely fit in the seat.)

RWARNING

If safety belts are not properly worn and
adjusted as described, the risk of serious
injury to the child in a collision will be
much greater.

If the shoulder belt portion of one of the lap and
shoulder belts can be positioned so that it does
not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or
neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder
belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the
vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt
fit.

To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on
children who have outgrown child safety seats,
Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning
booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all
Federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and
provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that
encourages safer seating posture and better fit of
lap and shoulder belts on the child. A

47

belt-positioning booster should be used if the
shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or
neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on
both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let
the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion
when the lower legs hang over the edge of the
seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the
specific needs of your child with your
pediatrician.

RWARNING

Do not use a belt-positioning booster with
a lap-only belt.

Lap belts and the lap belt portion of lap and
shoulder belts should always be worn snugly
and below the hips, touching the child’s thighs.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a
collision, children should always ride with
the seatback upright.

49

Starting Your Mustang

Understanding the Positions of the Ignition

The positions of the key in the ignition

ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle’s
electrical accessories such as the radio and the
windshield wipers to operate while the engine is
not running. You must push the key release
button to turn to the ACCESSORY position if
your vehicle has a manual transmission.

LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
automatic transmission gearshift lever.

LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.

OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transmission gearshift lever.

50

ON allows you to test your vehicle’s warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.

START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.

Removing the Key From the Ignition

1. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).

2. Set the parking brake fully.

3. Turn the ignition to the OFF (manual
transmission) or LOCK (automatic
transmission).

4. Push in the key release button until it
catches and stays in (manual transmission
only).

Key release button (manual transmission only)

5. Turn the key to LOCK (manual
transmission).

6. Remove the key.

51

NOTE: If your vehicle has an automatic

transmission, the gearshift lever must
be in the P (Park) position to remove
the key from the ignition.

If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move
the steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.

If the driver’s door is open while the key is still
in the ignition, a warning chime sounds.

RWARNING

Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission) or 1
(First) (manual transmission).

RWARNING

Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets alone in your vehicle. They could
accidentally injure themselves or others
through inadvertent operation of the
vehicle. Further, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe and possibly fatal injuries to
people as well as animals.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator before or
during starting. Only use the accelerator when

you have problems getting your vehicle started.
See Starting Your Engine in this chapter for
details about when to use the accelerator while
you start your vehicle.

52

Preparing to Start Your Vehicle

RWARNING

Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. See Guarding
Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for
more instructions.

Before you start your vehicle, do the following:

1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. See Safety Restraints
in the Index for more details.

2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.

3. If you have an automatic transmission,
make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is set before you turn
the key.

sure that the parking brake is fully set, push
the clutch pedal to the floor, and put the
gearshift into Neutral before you turn the
key. The starter will operate only if the

clutch pedal is pushed in all the way.

Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the Warning
Lights and Gauges chapter.

53

Starting Your Engine

To start your engine:

1. Follow the steps under Preparing to Start
Your Vehicle at the beginning of this section.

2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.

3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.

4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.

rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.

For a cold engine:

❑

At temperatures 10˚F (-12˚C) and below: If
the engine does not start in fifteen (15)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.

❑

At temperatures above 10˚F (-12˚C): If the
engine does not start in five (5) seconds on
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.

For a warm engine:

❑

Do not hold the key in the START position
for more than five (5) seconds at a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.

54

Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.

After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.

NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that

prevents you from shifting out of P
(Park) unless your foot is on the brake
pedal.

If the engine does not start after two attempts:

1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.

3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.

4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.

5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up. Then drive away in the
normal manner.

If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch see Fuel
Pump Shut-Off Switch later in this chapter.

A computer system controls the engine’s idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine’s
idle speed normally runs higher than when it’s
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.

55

If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.

RWARNING

Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.

RWARNING

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.

If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).

Engine Block Heater (If equipped)

Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach

-10˚F (-23˚C) or below. An engine block heater

warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.

To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.

RWARNING

To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.

56

For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.

NOTE: Be sure to disconnect the engine block

heater before driving your vehicle.

Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes

Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

RWARNING

Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. See Guarding
Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for
more instructions.

RWARNING

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:

❑

your vehicle is raised for service

❑

the sound of the exhaust system changes

❑

your vehicle has been damaged in a collision

Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.

57

If the engine is idling while you are stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, the
heating or air conditioning system should be set
to any function except MAX A/C or AUTO.

❑

If you use the heater, set the fan speed on
MEDIUM or HIGH with the function control
knob at any desired position.

❑

If you use the air conditioner, set the fan
speed on MEDIUM or HIGH with the
function control knob at any position except
OFF and the temperature control lever at
mid-position.

Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision

Fuel System Shut-off Switch

If the engine cranks but does not start or does
not start after a collision, the fuel system shut-off
switch may have been triggered. The shut-off
switch is a device intended to stop the fuel
system when your vehicle has been involved in
a substantial jolt.

Once the shut-off switch is triggered, you must
reset the switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle. The switch is on the left side of the
trunk near the left tail lamp.

58

The fuel pump shut-off switch

RWARNING

If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.

If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:

1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.

3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.

4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.

59

5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel. If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again. If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.

6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.

Vehicles with automatic transmissions cannot be
started by pushing. Vehicles with manual
transmissions should not be push started due to
possible catalytic converter damage. Follow the
directions under If Your Vehicle Needs a

Jump-Start.

61

Warning Lights and
Gauges

The instrument panel (dashboard) on your
vehicle is divided into several different sections.
The illustrations on the following pages show
the major parts of the instrument panel that are
described in this chapter. Some items shown
may not be on all vehicles.

In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together on the instrument panel.
We call this grouping a cluster.

% [LG01900(M )05/95]

full page art:0010106-K

File:05rclgm.ex

Update:Wed Mar 27 09:29:39 1996

% [LG01950(M )05/95]

full page art:0011226-D

File:05rclgm.ex

Update:Wed Mar 27 09:29:39 1996

64

The following warning lights and gauges are on
the cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges
alert you to possible problems with your vehicle.
Some of the lights listed are optional. The
following sections detail what each of these
indicators means.

Brake System Warning Light

The warning light for the brakes can show two
things — that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a
qualified service technician.

This light comes on when the parking brake is
set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition key to START. It normally
goes off shortly after the engine starts and you
release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.

RWARNING

The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.

65

Anti-Lock Brake System Light
(If equipped)

This warning light will go on each time you
start your vehicle. If it remains on for longer
than five seconds, you should shut off your
engine and restart. If the anti-lock brake light
stays on, this indicates that the anti-lock feature
is disabled and should receive immediate
attention by a qualified service technician.
Normal braking is not affected unless the brake
warning light is also lit.

RWARNING

If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.

NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock

system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.

Low Oil Level Light (4.6L engines only)

This light indicates that the level of the oil in
your engine is low and you have to add more
oil. The light may glow for a moment when the
engine is started. If the light stays on while the
engine is running, check the engine oil.

66

1. Park your car on level ground, and turn off
the engine and allow a few minutes for the
engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.

2. Use the dipstick to check the oil. If the level
is low, add oil, but do not overfill. See
Engine Oil Recommendations in the Index.

If you are parked on a steep incline, the LOW
OIL LEVEL warning may come on when you
start your car, even though the oil is at the
correct level.

NOTE: The LOW OIL LEVEL warning will

stay on until you turn the ignition
OFF. After your car is on level ground,
wait five minutes to allow the oil to
drain back before turning the ignition
ON again.

Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime

This warning light and chime remind you to
fasten your safety belt. The following conditions
will take place:

❑

If the safety belt is not buckled when the key
is turned to the ON position, the light comes
on for 1 to 2 minutes and the chime sounds
for 4 to 8 seconds.

❑

If the safety belt is buckled while the light is
on and the chime is sounding, both the light
and chime will turn off.

67

❑

If the safety belt is buckled before the key is
turned to the ON position, the light will
come on for 4 to 8 seconds with no chime.

Air Bag Readiness Light

The air bag system uses a readiness light to
indicate the condition of the system. If the
system is functioning properly, the light will
stay on for 6 seconds when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position.

If there is a problem with the system, two things
may happen: the readiness light will either flash
or stay lit up, or you will hear a beeping sound.
If either of these things happen, have the air bag
system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately.

68

Low Coolant Warning Light (4.6L Engine
Only)

This light tells you that the coolant is low inside
the coolant recovery bottle and that you should
add more coolant.

This light comes on for a few seconds when
your ignition key is turned to start, but should
turn off when the engine starts. If this light stays
on, check the level of coolant inside the recovery
bottle. See Engine Coolant in the Index.

Charging System Light

This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.

This light comes on every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.

69

If the light stays on or comes on when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.

Overdrive Off Indicator (Automatic Only)

This light tells you that the Transmission Control
Switch (O/D) to the right of the gearshift lever
has been pushed. When the light is on, the
transmission will not shift into overdrive.
Depressing the button to the right of the shifter
will return the vehicle to “overdrive on” mode.
The transmission will be in the “overdrive on”
mode when the vehicle is started even if the
O/D OFF mode was selected when the vehicle
was last shut off. For more information see
Driving Your Mustang.

NOTE: If the light does not come on when the

TCS is depressed or if the light flashes
when you are driving, have your
vehicle serviced at the first
opportunity. If this condition persists,
damage could occur to the
transmission.

70

High Beam Light

This light comes on when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights.

Check Engine Warning Light

The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II)
system consists of the hardware and software
necessary to monitor the operation of the
powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to
check the function of the vehicle’s powertrain
control system during normal operation. If an
emission problem is detected, the Check Engine
Warning Light (in the cluster) is turned on.

Modification or additions to the vehicle may
cause incorrect operation of the OBD II system.
Additions such as burglar alarms, cellular
phones, and CB radios must be carefully
installed. Do not install these devices by tapping
into or running wires close to powertrain control
system wires or components.

71

The light comes on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to ON, but it should turn off when
the engine starts. If the light does not come on
when you turn the ignition to ON or if it comes
on and stays on when you are driving, have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. This
indicates a possible problem with one of the
vehicle’s emission control systems. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed in.

If the light turns on and off at one (1) second
intervals while you are driving the vehicle, it
means that the engine is misfiring. If this
condition persists, damage could occur to the
engine or catalytic convertor. Have your vehicle
serviced at the first opportunity. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed in.

If the light turns on and off on rare occasions
while you are driving, it means that a
malfunction occurred and the condition corrected
itself.

An example of a condition which corrects itself
occurs when an engine running out of fuel
begins to misfire. In this case, the Check Engine
Warning Light may turn on and will then set a
Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the
engine was misfiring while the last of the fuel
was being consumed. After refueling, the Check
Engine Warning Light will turn off after the
vehicle has completed three consecutive warm
up cycles without a misfire condition occurring.
A warm up cycle consists of engine start from a
cold condition (engine at ambient temperature)
and running until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.

On the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine
Warning Light will turn off as soon as the
engine begins to crank. It is not necessary to
have the engine serviced.

72

Under certain conditions, the Check Engine
Warning Light may come on if the fuel cap is
not properly installed. If the Check Engine
Warning Light comes on and you suspect that
the fuel cap is not properly installed, pull off the
road as soon as it is safely possible and turn off
the engine. Remove and replace the fuel cap,
making sure it is properly seated.

After completing the three consecutive warm up
cycles and on the fourth engine start up, the
Check Engine Warning Light should turn off. If
the light does not go off after the fourth engine
restart, have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer or a qualified technician.

Anti-Theft Alarm Light (If equipped)

This light is used when you set the anti-theft
alarm system. See Anti-Theft System in the
Features chapter for more information.

Turn Signal Indicator Lights

The turn signal arrow will flash to indicate the
direction in which you are going to be turning.

73

Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge

The fuel gauge displays approximately how
much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the
ignition switch is ON. For proper fuel gauge
indication after adding fuel, turn the ignition
switch OFF while refueling the vehicle.

The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly when
the vehicle is in motion. The most accurate
reading is obtained with the vehicle on level
ground.

With ignition switch OFF, the fuel gauge
indicator may drift from the ignition switch ON
position.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.

The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the NORMAL band as your engine coolant
warms up. Under normal driving conditions, the
pointer should stay in the NORMAL band. It is
acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate within the
NORMAL band under normal driving

74

conditions, and under certain driving conditions
such as, heavy stop and go traffic, or driving up
hills in hot weather, for the pointer to indicate at
the top of the NORMAL band.

If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the NORMAL band, the engine is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.

The engine coolant temperature gauge

If your engine coolant overheats:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Turn off the engine.

3. Let the engine cool. DO NOT REMOVE

COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL
THE ENGINE IS COOL.

4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, see Engine Coolant in the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.

If the coolant continues to overheat, have the
coolant system serviced.

75

Speedometer

The speedometer

The speedometer tells you how many miles
(kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.

Odometer

The odometer tells you the total number of miles
(kilometers) your vehicle has been driven.

Trip Odometer

If you want to track your mileage up to 999.9
miles (kilometers), use the trip odometer. Simply
set the trip odometer to zero by pressing the
reset button firmly when beginning the distance
you wish to measure.

Since the trip odometer displays distance
independent of the odometer it will not always
advance to the next mile (kilometer) at the same
time as the odometer.

76

Tachometer

The tachometer

The tachometer displays the approximate engine
revolutions per minute (rpm), or how fast the
engine is running.

The white zone shows the highest number of
engine revolutions per minute (rpm) at which
you should drive your car. Driving with the
pointer in the red zone may cause engine
damage.

Battery Voltage Gauge (If Equipped)

This gauge shows you the battery voltage when
the ignition key is in the ON position.

If the battery is operating under cold weather
conditions, the pointer may indicate in the upper
range of the NORMAL band while the battery is
charging. If you are running electrical accessories
with the engine off or idling at a low speed, or
the battery is not fully charged, the pointer may
move toward the lower end of the NORMAL
band.

If it stays outside the NORMAL band, have your
vehicle’s electrical system checked as soon as it
is safely possible.

77

Battery voltage gauge

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge

This gauge indicates the engine oil pressure, not
the oil level. However, if your engine’s oil level
is low, it could affect the oil pressure. With the
engine running, the pointer should move into
the NORMAL band. If the pointer drops below
the NORMAL band while the engine is running,
you have lost oil pressure and continued
operation will cause severe engine damage.

Engine oil pressure gauge

78

If you lose engine oil pressure:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Shut off the engine immediately or severe
engine damage could result.

3. Check the engine’s oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine
oil, see the Engine Oil in the Index. If you do
not follow these instructions, you or others
could be injured. To assure an accurate
reading, your car should be on level ground.

4. If the level is low, add oil as necessary
before you start the engine again. Do not
overfill. Do not operate the engine if the
pointer is below the NORMAL band,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your
nearest dealer for further service actions.

For more information about adding oil, see
Engine Oil Recommendations in the Index.

[IP00260(M )05/95]

full page art:0010099-K

File:06rcipm.ex

Update:Wed Mar 27 09:30:23 1996

80

The main controls for the climate control system,
clock, and radio are on the instrument panel.

NOTE: Any cleaner or polish that increases the

gloss (shine) of the upper part of the
instrument panel should be avoided.
The dull finish in this area is to help
protect the driver from undesirable
windshield reflection.

Your vehicle has one of two different climate
control systems. The two systems are:

❑

an optional heating and air conditioning
system

❑

a standard heating only system

If you are not sure which system your vehicle
has, see the diagrams on the following pages.

The Optional Heating and Air
Conditioning System

You can heat the inside of your vehicle, defrost
the windshield, and turn on the air conditioning
with the three knobs in the center of the
instrument panel:

❑

FAN

❑

TEMP

❑

SELECT

81

The knobs that control the optional heating and air
conditioning system

The heating system in the optional heating and
air conditioning system operates the same as the
heater only system. See The Heater Only System.

To cool your vehicle quickly in warm weather,
turn the SELECT knob to MAX A/C, turn the
TEMP knob all the way to the end of the blue
range (full left) and turn the FAN knob to HI.
MAX A/C uses recirculated air and is the most
fuel efficient way to cool your vehicle and can
also be used in heavy traffic to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle. MAX A/C can
also be used in high humidity areas for more
efficient operation.

If the interior of your vehicle is very warm,
drive for the first few minutes with the windows
open. This forces most of the hot, stale air out of
the vehicle and allows the air conditioning to
work faster.

To cool your vehicle using outside air, turn the
SELECT knob to NORM A/C, turn the TEMP
knob all the way to the end of the blue range
(full left) and turn the FAN knob to the desired
speed between LO and HI. NORM A/C
provides quieter system operation than MAX
A/C.

82

Under normal conditions, the SELECT knob
should be left in any position other than MAX
A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This
allows the vehicle to “breathe” through the
outside air inlet duct.

The Heater Only System

You can heat the inside of your vehicle, defrost
the windshield, or use the vents by adjusting the
three knobs in the center of the instrument
panel:

❑

FAN

❑

TEMP

❑

SELECT

The knobs that control the standard heating only system

To heat the inside of your vehicle, turn the
SELECT knob to FLOOR, turn the TEMP knob
all the way to the end of the red range (full
right) and turn the FAN knob to HI. After the
vehicle is warm, the temperature and blower
speed can be adjusted to maintain a comfortable
temperature.

To defrost the windshield and side windows,
turn the SELECT knob to Defrost symbol, turn
the TEMP knob to the end of the red range (full
right) and turn the FAN knob to HI.

83

To heat the inside of your vehicle and defrost
the windshield and side windows at the same
time, turn the SELECT knob to MIX, turn the
TEMP knob into the red range, as required, and
turn the FAN knob to the desired speed between
LO and HI.

On mild days you may want to ventilate your
vehicle with outside air. Turn the SELECT knob
to VENT, turn the TEMP knob to the end of the
blue range (full left) and turn the FAN knob to
the desired speed. Air will be delivered through
the instrument panel registers.

Under normal conditions, the SELECT knob
should be left in any position except OFF when
the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to
“breathe” through the outside air inlet duct.

(If equipped)

The defroster for the rear window clears frost,
fog, or thin ice from both the inside and outside
of the rear window.

The button for the rear window defroster is
located on the left side of the instrument panel
below the headlamp switch.

The button that controls the rear window defroster

84

Clear away any snow that is on the rear
window before using the defroster. With the
engine running, push the defrost button.

After approximately 10 minutes, the defroster
will turn off. If the window is still not clear,
turn the defroster on again.

The defroster will turn off when the ignition key
is turned to the OFF position.

The heating elements are bonded to the inside of
the rear window. Do not use sharp objects to
scrape the inside of the rear window or use
abrasive cleaners to clean it. Doing so could
damage the heating elements.

Daytime Running Light System

(Canadian vehicles only)

The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system turns
the high beam headlamps on, with a reduced
light output, when:

❑

The headlamp system is in the OFF position,
and

❑

The vehicle is running, and

❑

The vehicle has a fully released parking
brake.

NOTE: The high beam indicator will not turn

on in the flash-to-pass mode during
nighttime driving.

NOTE: You may notice that the lights flicker

when the vehicle is turned on or off.
This is a normal condition.

85

RWARNING

The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system
will not illuminate the tail lamps and
parking lamps. Turn on your headlamps
at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a
collision.

Turning On the Exterior Lights

To turn on the headlamps, parking lamps, side
markers, and tail lamps, use the control knob
that is to the left of the steering wheel.

Headlamp switch location

The knob that controls the headlamps and parking lamps

86

When you turn on the headlamps, the parking
lamps, tail lamps, and side markers
automatically turn on. But you can turn on the
parking lamps, tail lamps, and side markers
without turning on the headlamps.

For more information about how the high beams
work, refer to the Steering Column Controls
chapter.

Cleaning the Exterior Lamps

Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps, as these
may cause scratches or crack the lamps.

Fog Lamps (If equipped)

The fog lamps switch is located on the console
to the left of the parking brake. The fog lamps
act as a supplement to the low beam headlamps
under limited visibility conditions such as rain,
snow, dust or fog and operate only when the
low beam headlamps are on.

Fog lamp switch

❑

To turn the fog lamps on, push the concave
side of the rocker switch. An indicator light
will glow when the lamps are on.

❑

To turn off, push the raised side of the
switch.

87

Lighting Up the Interior and Instrument
Panel

With the headlamp knob in the parking lamps
or headlamps position, you can brighten or dim
the lights on the instrument panel. To do this,
rotate the headlamp knob clockwise (to dim the
lights) or counterclockwise (to brighten the
lights). Rotate the knob fully counterclockwise to
operate the interior lights.

The knob controls the light on the instrument panel and
the interior light

88

Turning on the Map and Reading Lamps

Your vehicle has two map lamps for the
passenger and the driver. To turn on the map
lamps, push the switch next to each lamp.

Map lamp (convertible only)

Front seat map and dome lamps (coupe only)

The dual beam map lamps are located on each
side of the dome lamp. Each map lamp can be
turned on by the switches on the lamp.

89

Cleaning the Interior Lamps

Your interior dome lamps and map lamps are
plastic and should be cleaned with a mild
detergent diluted in water. Rinse them with clear
water.

The digital clock

1. To set the hour, press and hold the H
button. When the desired hour appears,
release the button.

2. To set the minutes, press and hold the M
button. When the desired minute appears,
release the button.

Cleaning the Instrument Panel Lens

Clean the instrument panel lens with a soft cloth
and a glass cleaner, such as Ford Ultra-Clear
Spray Glass Cleaner, or equivalent. Do not use
paper towel or any abrasive cleaner to clean the
lens as these may cause scratches.

91

Steering Column Controls

The controls on the steering column and wheel
are designed to give you easy access to the
controls while you are driving.

You can use the turn signal lever on the left side
of the steering column to:

❑

operate the turn signals

❑

turn the high beams on/off

❑

flash the lamps

❑

turn the windshield wipers and washer
on/off

The turn signal lever

Turn Signals

Move the lever up to signal a right turn. Move
it down to signal a left turn. The corresponding
indicator light in the instrument cluster will
flash.

92

If the turn signal stays on after you turn, move
the lever back to the center (off) position.

For lane changes, move the lever far enough to
signal but not to latch. The lever will return to
the off position when you release it.

High Beams

To turn on the high beams, turn the headlamp
control knob to the headlamp ON position and
push the turn signal lever away from you until
it latches. When the high beams are ON, the
high beam indicator light on the instrument
panel comes on.

To turn off the high beams, pull the lever
toward you until it latches. The high beam
indicator light turns off.

NOTE: The fog lamps will turn off if you put

high beams on while fog lamps are on.

Flashing the Lights

To flash the headlamps, pull the lever toward
you for a moment and then release it. The
headlamps will flash whether the headlamp
knob is in the on or off position.

To turn on the windshield wipers, the ignition
key must be turned to the ON or ACC position.

Rotate the end of the lever away from you to
activate the wipers. The first seven detents are
interval wipe positions, the eighth detent is the
LO position and the ninth detent is the HI
position.

To turn the wipers off, turn the knob toward
you to the OFF position.

93

Variable Interval Wipers

In addition to two speed wipers, your vehicle
has wipers that you can set to operate at
varying intervals. For example, you can set the
interval so they wipe less often when it drizzles
or more often in heavier rain.

The variable interval wiper on the turn signal lever

To set the interval wipers, turn the knob at the
end of the turn signal lever toward or away
from you until the wipers are going at the
desired interval.

Windshield Washer

To clean the windshield, push in the end of the
wiper knob. For a constant spray, keep the knob
pushed in. After you release the knob, the
wipers operate for two to three cycles before
turning off (if the wipers were OFF) or
returning to HI, LO, or the interval setting
selected.

If the washer does not work, check the washer
fluid level and fill it if it is low. See the Servicing
Your Mustang chapter. If there is enough fluid,
consult your nearest Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer.

94

Do not try to clean the windshield when the
washer fluid container is empty or activate the
washers at any time for more than 15 seconds
continuously. This could damage the washer
pump system.

RWARNING

In freezing weather, the washer solution
may freeze on the windshield and obscure
your vision. Always warm up the
windshield with the defroster before you
use the washer fluid. If you cannot see
through the windshield clearly, it can
increase the risk of being involved in a
collision.

For information about refilling the washer fluid
or replacing your windshield wiper blades, see
Windshield washer fluid and Wipers in the Index.

To alert other drivers to hazardous situations,
push in the hazard flasher on the top of the
steering column. The same switch turns the
flashers off.

The flashers work whether your vehicle is
running or not. The flashers work for up to two
hours when the battery is fully charged and in
good condition without draining the battery
excessively. If the flashers run for longer than
two hours or if the battery is not fully charged,
the battery can be drained.

95

The control switch for the hazard flashers

To sound the horn, push the center pad area of
the steering wheel.

The horn on the steering wheel

96

RWARNING

Never adjust the steering wheel when the
vehicle is moving.

The lever to tilt the steering wheel

To change the position of the steering wheel,
pull the release lever on the column toward you.
Tip the steering wheel to the desired position.
Release the lever to lock the steering wheel in
place.

97

If your vehicle has speed control, you can
automatically maintain a constant speed at or
above 30 mph (50 km/h).

Use of radio transmitting equipment that is not
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or
in Canada the Canadian Radio and
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
approved may cause the speed control to
malfunction. Therefore, use only properly
installed FCC (CRTC in Canada) approved radio
transmitting equipment in your vehicle.

NOTE: For vehicles equipped with 5-speed

manual transmission, it may be
preferable to drive in 4 (Fourth) gear in
mountainous areas or at high altitude
to improve speed control performance.

NOTE: When driving in hilly terrain, at high

elevations, or when pulling a trailer, it
may be desirable to drive with the
transmission in the Overdrive off
mode. This can be done by depressing
the Transmission Control Switch (O/D)
to the right of the transmission gear
selection lever. Driving in this mode
prevents the transmission from shifting
excessively when ascending grades, and
helps maintain speed when going
down steep hills.

NOTE: Do not shift to N (Neutral) when using

the speed control. This will cause the
engine to overspeed.

When driving uphill, especially with a heavy
load, significant speed drops may occur. If the
speed drops more than 10 mph (16 km/h) the
automatic speed control will, by design, be
suspended. Some vehicles may require

98

temporary resumption of manual speed control
while ascending steep grades in order to
maintain the selected speed.

The speed control switches on the steering wheel

To set the speed control:

1. Press and release the ON switch.

2. Accelerate to the desired speed above
30 mph (50 km/h) using the accelerator
pedal.

3. Press the SET ACCEL switch and release it
immediately to set your speed. If you keep
this switch pressed, your speed will continue
to increase.

4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle will maintain the speed you set.

99

If you drive up or down a steep hill, your
vehicle may momentarily slow down or speed
up, even though the speed control is on. This is
normal.

NOTE: If your speed increases above your set

speed while driving in D (Drive) on a
downhill grade, you may want to
depress the Transmission Control
Switch located on the shift lever to
turn off overdrive to reduce vehicle
speed. Speed control cannot reduce the
vehicle speed if it goes above your set
speed on a downhill grade.

NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a 5

speed manual transmission, and if your
speed increases above your set speed
while driving in 5 (Fifth) gear on a
downhill grade, you may want to shift
to 4 (Fourth) gear to reduce vehicle
speed. Depressing the clutch pedal
cancels speed control, therefore speed
control must be reset by pressing the
SET/ACCEL or RESUME buttons.
Speed control cannot reduce the vehicle
speed if it goes above your set speed
on a downhill grade.

RWARNING

Do not use the speed control in heavy
traffic or on roads that are winding,
slippery, or unpaved.

100

Accelerating With the Speed Control
Operating

You can use the accelerator pedal to speed up
momentarily. When you take your foot off the
accelerator, the vehicle will return to the set
speed.

Resetting the Speed Control

To reset the speed control to a lower speed, use
one of the following procedures:

❑

COAST — Press and hold the COAST switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle slows
down to the desired speed.

❑

Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle
attains the desired speed, press the SET
ACCEL switch and release it immediately.

❑

TAP-DOWN — Press and then quickly
release the COAST switch. Each time you
“tap” the switch, the set speed will decrease
by one (1) mph (1.6 km/h). Multiple taps
will cause the set speed to decrease in
increments of one (1) mph (1.6 km/h). For
example, if the current set speed is 60 mph
(96 km/h) five (5) taps of the COAST switch
will decrease the vehicle speed and SET it at
55 mph (88 km/h).

If vehicle speed is reduced below 30 mph
(50 km/h) by any of the above methods, then
you must manually accelerate to a speed over
30 mph (50 km/h) and reset the system.

To reset the speed control to a higher speed,
follow one of these procedures:

❑

ACCEL — Press and hold the SET ACCEL
switch. Release the switch when the vehicle
has accelerated to the desired speed.

101

❑

Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, press the
SET ACCEL switch and release it
immediately.

❑

TAP-UP — Press and then quickly release the
SET ACCEL switch. Each time you “tap” the
switch, the set speed will increase by one (1)
mph (1.6 km/h). Multiple taps will cause the
set speed to increase in increments of one (1)
mph (1.6 km/h). For example, if the current
set speed is 55 mph (88 km/h) five (5) taps
of the SET ACCEL switch will increase the
vehicle speed and SET it at 60 mph
(96 km/h).

Resuming a Set Speed

If you press the brake or clutch pedal, speed
control is suspended. You can return to the set
speed you set by pressing the RESUME switch,
as long as you did not press the OFF switch.
You must be driving at least 30 mph (48 km/h).

Your vehicle will gradually return to the
previously set speed and then maintain it.

To Turn Speed Control Off

Press the OFF switch.
Speed control is also turned OFF each time the

vehicle ignition is shut off.