Ford Mustang 1998 Owner's Manual

Contents

Before driving

Introduction 2

Instrumentation 4

Controls and features 16

Seating and safety restraints 63

Starting and driving

Starting 83

Driving 88

Roadside emergencies 108

Servicing

Maintenance and care 126

Capacities and specifications 177

Reporting safety defects 185

Index 186

All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company.

Copyrightr1998 Ford Motor Company

Introduction

ICONS

Indicates a safety alert. Read the following section on Warnings.

Indicates vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow.

Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards protecting the environment.

Indicates a message regarding child safety restraints. Refer to

Seating and safety restraints for more information.

Indicates that this Owner Guide contains information on this subject. Please refer to the Index to locate the appropriate section which will provide you more information.

WARNINGS

Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.

Introduction

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

SPECIAL NOTICES Notice to owners of Cobra vehicles

Before you drive your vehicle, be sure to read the “SVT Cobra Owner’s Guide Supplement.” This book contains important operation and maintenance information.

Instrumentation

Headlamp control (pg. 16)

Instrument cluster (pg. 6)

Turn signal and wiper/washer control (pg. 43)

REAR DEF

HI LO

OFF

Driver side air bag (pg. 71)

70 90

120140

100

160

MPH km/h

FUEL DOOR

SERVICE

AIR

ENGINE

THEFT

BAG

SOON

100

RPMX1000

110

120

180

200

130

220

140

240

150

LOW FUEL

SELECT/RESET

00000 00

O/D OFF

ABS

BRAKE

Electronic sound system (pg. 21)

Instrumentation

FM1

POWER AUDIO

OFF

FLOOR

VENT

MIX

NORM

A/C

VOLUME

MAX A/C

REW

AUTOMATIC

DNR CrO

EJCT

PLAY

PROG

SCAN

AUTO

AM/FM

PRESET

TUNE

CLOCK

SEEK

Climate control systems (pg. 18)

Instrumentation

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES Base instrument cluster

60 70

100

120

140

AIR

BAG

MPH km/h

FUEL DOOR

THEFT

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

100

160

180

11 0

120

LOW FUEL

RPMX1000

SELECT/RESET

00000 00

O/D OFF

BRAKE

ABS

Optional instrument cluster

70 90

100

120 140

110

100

160

180

MPH km/h

FUEL DOOR

THEFT

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

120

200

130

220

140

240

150

LOW FUEL

AIR

BAG

RPMX1000

SELECT/RESET

00000 00

O/D OFF

BRAKE

ABS

Turn signal

Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. If one or both of the indicators stay on continuously or flash faster, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb. Refer to Exterior bulbs in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Instrumentation

High beams

Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

Safety belt

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For more information, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Charging system

Illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. The light also illuminates when the battery is not charging properly, requiring electrical system service.

Air bag readiness

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned ON. If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately.

AIR

BAG

Anti-theft system

Refer to SecuriLocky passive anti-theft system in the Controls and features chapter.

THEFT

Instrumentation

Service engine soon

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). The OBD II system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.

The Service Engine Soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is started, one of the engine’s emission control systems may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require towing.

What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates

Light turns on solid:

This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.

Temporary malfunctions may cause your Service Engine Soon light to illuminate. Examples are:

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly.)

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.

3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely tightened.

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the Service Engine Soon light should turn off. (A driving cycle

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

Instrumentation

consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.

If the Service Engine Soon light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Light is blinking:

Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive

exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

Low fuel

Illuminates as an early reminder of a low fuel condition indicated on the fuel gauge. The light comes on when there is approximately 1/16th of a tank indicated on the fuel gauge (refer to Fuel Gauge in this chapter for more information). The ignition must be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON position regardless of the fuel level.

LOW

FUEL

O/D off (if equipped)

Illuminates when the transmission control switch has been pushed. When the light is on, the transmission does not shift into overdrive. If the light does not come on when the transmission

O/D

OFF

Instrumentation

control switch is depressed or if the light flashes when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced.

Traction ControlY active

This light momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to ON. It also illuminates when the Traction Controly system begins applying and releasing the brakes and adjusting the engine characteristics to limit a wheelspin condition. It will be lit for a minimum of four seconds or for the duration of the Traction Controly event.

For more information, refer to the Driving chapter.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. If the light remains on, continues to flash or fails to illuminate, have the system serviced immediately. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with parking brake released.

ABS

Brake system warning

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. If brake warning lamp does not illuminate at this time, seek service immediately. Also illuminates when the parking brake is engaged. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately.

BRAKE

Instrumentation

Check coolant

Illuminates when the coolant level in the coolant reservoir is low and more needs to be added. This lamp will also illuminate when the ignition is turned to ON and the engine is off. For more information on adding engine coolant, refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Safety belt warning chime

Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For information on the safety belt warning chime,

refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime

For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Key-in-ignition warning chime

Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the driver’s door is opened.

Headlamps on warning chime

Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off (and the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.

Instrumentation

GAUGES Base instrument cluster gauges

E F

60 70

100

120

140

AIR

BAG

MPH km/h

FUEL DOOR

THEFT

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

100

160

180

11 0

120

LOW FUEL

RPMX1000

SELECT/RESET

00000 00

O/D OFF

BRAKE

ABS

Optional instrument cluster gauges

70 90

100

120 140

110

100

160

180

MPH km/h

FUEL DOOR

THEFT

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

120

200

130

220

140

240

150

LOW

FUEL

AIR BAG

RPMX1000

SELECT/RESET

00000 00

O/D

OFF

ABS

BRAKE

Fuel gauge

Displays approximately how much fuel is in the

fuel tank (when the key is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion. The ignition should be in the OFF position while the vehicle is being refueled. When the gauge first indicates empty, there is a small amount of reserve fuel in the tank. When refueling the vehicle from empty indication, the amount of fuel that can be added will be less than the advertised capacity due to the reserve fuel.

Instrumentation

Engine coolant temperature gauge

Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating temperature, the needle remains within the normal area (the area between the “H” and “C”). If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine immediately and let the engine cool. Refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap

while the engine is running or hot.

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

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle speed.

• Base instrument cluster

C H

60 70

100

MPH km/h

FUEL DOOR

120

140

100

160

180

11 0

120

• Optional instrument cluster

70 90

120 140

100

MPH km/h

FUEL DOOR

160

100

180

110

200

220

240

120

130

140

150

Instrumentation

Odometer

Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.

Driving with your tachometer pointer at the top of the scale or in the red zone may damage the engine.

• Base instrument cluster

RPMX1000

SELECT/RESET

00000 00

RPMX1000

SELECT/RESET

00000 00

• Standard instrument cluster

RPMX1000

SELECT/RESET

00000 00

Instrumentation

Trip odometer

Registers the kilometers (miles) of individual journeys. Press the reset button until a “T” appears in

the display (this represents the trip mode). Press and hold the button for

2.5 seconds to reset.

Battery voltage gauge

This gauge shows the battery voltage when the ignition is in the ON position. If the pointer moves and stays outside the normal operating range (as indicated), have the vehicle’s electrical system checked as soon as possible.

Engine oil pressure gauge

This shows the engine oil pressure in the system. Sufficient pressure exists as long as the needle remains in the normal range (the area between the “L” and “H”).

If the gauge indicates low pressure, stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and switch off the engine immediately. Check the oil level. Add oil if needed (refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and care chapter). If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your dealership or by a qualified technician.

RPMX1000

SELECT/RESET

00000 00

L H

Controls and features

HEADLAMP CONTROL

• Pull the headlamp control toward you to the first position to turn on the parking lamps, tail lamps, license plate lamps and marker lamps.

• Pull the headlamp control toward you to the outer position to turn on the headlamps (in addition to the previous lamps).

Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)

Turns the headlamps on with a reduced output. To activate:

• the ignition must be turned on

• the headlamp control is in the OFF or Parking

lamps position

• the high beam headlamps must be turned off

• the parking brake is released

Always remember to turn on your

headlamps at dusk or during inclement weather. The Daytime Running Light (DRL) System does not activate your tail lamps and generally may not provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.

Controls and features

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL

To adjust the brightness of the instrument panel:

• Rotate clockwise/ counterclockwise when the headlamp control is in the parking lamp or low-beam position.

To turn on the courtesy lamps:

• Rotate fully counterclockwise.

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (IF EQUIPPED)

The rear defroster control is located on the instrument panel.

Press the rear defroster control to clear the rear window of thin ice and fog.

• The small LED will illuminate when the rear defroster is activated.

The ignition must be in the ON position to operate the rear window defroster.

The defroster turns off automatically after 10 minutes or when the ignition is turned to the OFF position. To manually turn off the defroster before ten minutes have passed, push the control again.

REAR DEF

Controls and features

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM Manual heating and air conditioning system

A/C

VENT

OFF

FLOOR

MIX

NORM

MAX

Fan speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

Temperature control knob

Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle.

Mode selector control

OFF

FLOOR

Controls the direction of the airflow to the inside of the vehicle.

NORM

A/C

MAX

A/C

VENT

MIX

The air conditioning compressor will operate in all modes except VENT and FLR. However, the air conditioning will only function if the outside temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or above.

Since the air conditioner removes considerable moisture from the air during operation, it is normal if clear water drips on the ground under the air conditioner drain while the system is working and even after you have stopped the vehicle.

Controls and features

Under normal conditions, your vehicle’s climate control system 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.

• MAX A/C-Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. MAX A/C is noisier than NORM A/C but more economical and will cool the inside of the vehicle faster. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers. This mode can also be used to reduce undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

• NORM A/C-Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is quieter than MAX A/C but not as economical. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers.

• VENT-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

• OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate. For short periods of time only, use this mode to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

• FLR-Allows for maximum heating by distributing outside air through the floor ducts. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

• MIX-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts and the floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. For added customer comfort, when the temperature control knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full cold positions, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the windshield defroster ducts. If the temperature

Controls and features

is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to reduce fogging.

•

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select before driving. This

• To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle,

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will

• Remove any snow,

Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to reduce fogging.

will prevent your windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position.

don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position.

interfere with the airflow to the back seats.

ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield).

If your vehicle has been parked with the windows

•

closed during hot weather, the air conditioner will do a much faster job of cooling if you drive for two or three minutes with the windows open. This will force most of the hot, stale air out of the vehicle. Then operate your air conditioner as you would normally.

•

When placing objects on top of your instrument panel, be careful to not place them over the defroster outlets. These objects can block airflow and reduce your ability to see through your windshield. Also, avoid placing small objects on top of your instrument panel. These objects can fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow and possibly damage your climate control system.

Controls and features

USING YOUR AUDIO SYSTEM AM/FM Stereo/Cassette/Premium Sound

FM 1

POWER AUDIO AM/FM

–+

VOLUME

123

4 5 CLOCK

DOLBY SYSTEM

AMSSCAN

SEEK

Power control

Press the control to turn the audio system

POWER

on or off.

Volume control

Press the control to raise or lower volume.

VOLUME

+–

If the volume is set above a certain level and the ignition is turned off, the volume will come back on at a “nominal” listening level when the ignition switch is turned back on. If you wish to maintain your preset volume level, turn the audio system off with the power control before switching off the ignition.

AM/FM select

The AM/FM select control works in radio

AM/FM

mode and allows you to select AM or FM frequency bands.

Press the control to switch between AM, FM1 or FM2 memory preset stations.

Tune adjust in radio mode

Tune adjust allows you to tune in a particular radio station. You can

AMS

manually locate the

Controls and features

station by using the Automatic Music Search (AMS) button.

• Press the AMS control until the display shows TUNE.

• Press and release either

or on the SEEK control to change to the next frequency up or down.

• Press and hold down

or to quickly move

through the frequencies.

Seek function

The seek function control works in radio or tape mode.

Seek function in radio mode

• Press to find the next listenable station down the frequency band.

• Press

to find the next listenable station up the

frequency band.

Seek function in tape mode

The Automatic Music Search (AMS) feature allows you to quickly locate the beginning of the tape selection being played or to skip to the next selection.

• Press the AMS control.

• Press

to listen to the previous selection on the tape.

• Press

to listen to the next selection on the tape.

The tape deck stops and returns to play mode when the AMS circuit senses a blank section on the tape.

SEEK

AMS

Controls and features

In order to ensure proper operation of the AMS feature, the tape MUST have a blank section of at least 4 seconds duration between programs.

Scan function

The scan function works in radio mode.

• Press the SCAN button to activate the scan mode. The radio scans up the frequency band, stopping on each listenable station for approximately a five-second sampling.

• Press the SCAN button a second time to deactivate the feature.

Radio station memory preset

The radio is equipped with five station memory preset controls. These controls can be used to select up to five preset AM stations and ten FM stations (five in FM1 and five in FM2).

Setting memory preset stations

1. Select the frequency

band with the AM/FM select control.

SCAN

AM/FM

2. Select a station. Refer to Tune adjust or Seek

function for more information on selecting a station.

3. Press and hold a

123

memory preset control until the sound returns,

indicating the station is held in memory on the control you selected.

Repeat the steps for each station memory preset button you want to set.

If the battery is disconnected, the memory preset stations will need to be reset.

Controls and features

Bass adjust

The bass adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio system’s bass output.

• Push the AUDIO control repeatedly until the display reads BASS.

• Press (+) or (−) on the volume control to increase or decrease bass output.

Treble adjust

The treble adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio system’s treble output.

• Push the AUDIO control repeatedly until the display reads TREB.

• Press (+) or (−) on the volume control to increase or decrease treble output.

Speaker balance adjust

Speaker sound distribution can be adjusted between the right and left speakers.

• Push the AUDIO control repeatedly until the display reads BAL.

• Press the (+) side of the volume control to shift sound to the right speakers.

• Press the (−) side of the volume control to shift sound to the left speakers.

AUDIO

VOLUME

AUDIO

VOLUME

AUDIO

VOLUME

+–

Controls and features

Speaker fade adjust

Speaker sound distribution can be adjusted between the front and rear speakers.

• Push the AUDIO control repeatedly until the display reads FADE.

• Press the (+) side of the volume control to shift sound to the front speakers.

• Press the (−) side of the volume control to shift sound to the rear speakers.

Tape play select

Insert a tape to begin tape play. Push only slightly when inserting a cassette tape

(with the open edge to the right). A cassette deck loading mechanism pulls the tape in the rest of the way.

Rewind/fast forward

The rewind and fast forward controls work in tape mode.

Rewind/fast forward function in tape mode

• Press to rewind the tape. Play will continue once the beginning of the tape is reached or rewind is stopped.

• Press of the tape is reached, tape direction reverses and the opposite side of the tape plays.

to fast forward the tape. Once the end

AUDIO

VOLUME

+–

Controls and features

Tape eject

Press the control to stop and eject a tape.

DolbyTnoise reduction

Dolbyt noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation operates only in tape mode. Dolbyt reduces the amount of hiss and static during tape playback.

Press the Dolbyt noise reduction.

Setting the clock

Press the CLOCK control while simultaneously depressing the SEEK control.

• Press hours.

• Press to set the minutes.

button to activate (and deactivate)

CLOCK

to set the

SEEK

Controls and features

AM/FM Stereo/Cassette/MACH 460 Sound SystemT with Premium AM/FM Stereo Cassette

SCAN TUNE SEEK

REW FF

PLAY

PROG

EJCT

FM1

POWER AUDIO

VOLUME

AM/FM

AUTOMATIC

DNR CrO

1 2 3 4 5 CLOCK

AUTO

PRESET

Power control

Press the control to turn the audio system

POWER

on or off.

Volume control

Press the control to raise or lower volume.

VOLUME

AM/FM select

The AM/FM select control works in radio

AM/FM

mode and allows you to select AM or FM frequency bands.

Press the control to switch between AM, FM1 or FM2 memory preset stations.

Controls and features

Tune adjust

Tune adjust works in radio mode and allows you to manually tune in a particular radio station.

• Press the SCAN/TUNE button twice.

• The display reads TUNE.

Press the SEEK control to move up or down through the frequencies.

• Press frequency band.

• Press and hold down or to quickly move through the frequencies.

to move down or to move up the

Seek function

The seek function control works in radio or tape mode.

Seek function in radio mode

This feature allows you to automatically select listenable stations up or down the frequency band.

• Press the frequency band.

• Press to find the next listenable station up the frequency band.

to find the next listenable station down

Seek function in tape mode

This feature allows you to locate the beginning of the tape selection being played or to skip to the next selection.

• Press tape.

to listen to the previous selection on the

SCAN TUNE

SEEK

Controls and features

• Press to listen to the next selection on the tape.

Scan function

The scan function works in radio, tape and CD mode (if equipped).

Scan function in radio mode

This feature allows you to scan the frequency band, stopping on each listenable station for approximately a five-second sampling.

• Press the SCAN/TUNE button to enter the scan mode.

• This display reads SCN.

Use the SEEK button to scan up or down the frequency band.

• Press the frequency band.

• Press to find the next listenable station up the frequency band.

to find the next listenable station down

Scan function in tape mode

This feature allows you to scan the tape currently playing, stopping on each selection for approximately an eight-second sampling.

• Press the SCAN/TUNE button to enter the scan mode.

• The display reads SCN.

Use the SEEK button to scan the desired direction on the tape.

• Press

to scan previous selections.

SCAN TUNE

SEEK

SCAN TUNE

SEEK

Controls and features

• Press to scan forward selections.

Press the SCAN/TUNE button again to stop the scan mode on the current selection.

Radio station memory preset

The radio is equipped with five station memory preset controls. These controls can be used to select up to five preset AM stations and ten FM stations (five in FM1 and five in FM2).

Setting memory preset stations

1. Select the frequency

band with the AM/FM select control.

2. Select a station. Refer to Seek function for more

information on selecting a station.

3. Press and hold a

memory preset control until the sound returns, indicating the station is held in memory on the control you selected.

If the battery is disconnected, the memory preset stations will need to be reset.

Bass adjust

The bass adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio system’s bass output.

• Push the AUDIO control repeatedly until the display reads BASS.

• Press (+) or (−) on the volume control to increase or decrease bass output.

Treble adjust

The treble adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio system’s treble output.

AM/FM

1 2 3 4 5

AUDIO

VOLUME

+ 162 hidden pages