2023 FORD Mustang Owner’s Manual

Here’s a look at the 2023 FORD Mustang: The Mustang is a timeless symbol of American speed and performance. Its exciting mix of power, style, and new ideas keeps people interested. The 2023 Mustang attracts attention everywhere it goes thanks to its design, which pays homage to its legendary past while also embracing current style. From the roar of its powerful engines to the precision with which it can be driven, this famous pony car gives drivers an experience that is unmatched and lasts for generations. Pioneering technology and cutting-edge features make the ride better, and the Mustang’s unmistakable presence on the road proves that it is still a symbol of automotive freedom and excitement.

UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW

2.3L ECOBOOST™

• A Battery (out of view). See Changing the 12V Battery (page 271).
• B Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 262).
• C Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 262).
• D Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 270).
• E Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 264).
• F Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 265).
• G Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 275).
• H Power distribution box. See Fuses (page 246).
  Note: Your vehicle may not have an engine cover as shown.

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

• A Minimum.
• B Nominal.
• C Maximum.

ENGINE OIL CHECK

1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Check the oil level before starting the engine, or switch the engine off after warm up and wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
   Note: Checking the oil level too soon could result in an inaccurate reading.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
4. Reinstall the dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
5. Remove the dipstick again to check the oil level.
   Note: If the oil level is between the maximum and minimum marks, the oil level is acceptable. Do not add oil.
6. If the oil level is at the minimum mark, immediately add oil.
7. Reinstall the dipstick. Make sure it is fully seated.

Note: The oil consumption of new engines reaches its normal level after approximately 3,000 mi (5,000 km).
Note: Increases in oil level can occur from frequent short trips that do not allow the engine to get to operating temperature, as well as frequent idling or low speed driving for long periods.
Note: If oil levels are continuously noted above the maximum mark, schedule a visit to your authorized dealer.

Adding Engine Oil
WARNING: Do not add engine oil when the engine is hot. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not remove the filler cap when the engine is running.

Do not use supplemental engine oil additives because they are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that the vehicle warranty may not cover.

1. Clean the area surrounding the engine oil filler cap before you remove it.
2. Remove the engine oil filler cap.
3. Add engine oil that meets our specifications. See Capacities and Specifications (page 337).
4.  Reinstall the engine oil filler cap. Turn it clockwise until you feel a strong resistance.
   Note: Do not add oil further than the maximum mark. Oil levels above the maximum mark may cause engine damage.
   Note: Immediately soak up any oil spillage with an absorbent cloth.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Lamp
WARNING: If it illuminates when you are driving do not continue your journey, even if the oil level is correct. Have your vehicle checked.
It illuminates when you switch the ignition on. If it illuminates when the engine is running this indicates a malfunction. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and switch the engine off. Check the engine oil level. If the oil level is sufficient, this indicates a system malfunction. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET
Use the information display controls on the steering wheel to reset the oil change indicator.

CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR FILTER – 2.3L ECOBOOST™/ 5.0L
WARNING: To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and personal burn injuries, do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
Note: Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe engine damage. Your warranty may not cover these damages.
Only use the specified replacement air filter. See Motorcraft Parts (page 342).

For EcoBoost-equipped vehicles: When servicing the air cleaner, it is important that no foreign material enter the air induction system. The engine and turbocharger are susceptible to damage from even small particles.
Change the air filter element at the proper intervals. Refer to Scheduled Maintenance Information.

1. Release the two clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.
2. Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.
3. Remove the air filter element from the air filter housing.
4. Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filter housing and cover to make sure no dirt gets in the engine and that you have a good seal.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter element edges between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause filter damage and allow unfiltered air to enter the engine if it is not properly seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing cover.
7. Engage the clamps to secure the air filter housing cover to the air filter housing.

CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR FILTER – 5.0L, MACH 1
WARNING: To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and personal burn injuries, do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
See the scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft™ air filter element listed. See the Motorcraft part numbers in the Capacities and Specifications chapter.

1. Remove the two sensor wire harness retainers from the air box studs located on the front side of the air box.
2. Remove the four studs that fasten the upper air box housing to the lower air box housing.
3. Separate the upper air box housing from the lower air box housing.
4. Loosen the air filter clamp enough to allow the filter to slip off the housing easily.
5. Remove the air filter from the air filter housing.
6. Wipe the newly exposed air filter outlet tube clamping area clean to remove any dirt or debris.
7. Install a new air filter, taking care not to damage the air filter element. Align the tab on the closed end of the filter with the notch in the air filter housing.
8. Tighten the air filter clamp down.
   Note: Do not overtighten the clamp or studs when reinstalling.
9. Reinstall the upper air box piece to the lower air box piece. Tighten the 4 studs down.
10. Reinstall the two sensor wire harness retainers to the mating air box studs.

ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNING: Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap when the engine is on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10 minutes for the cooling system to cool down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap with a thick cloth to prevent the possibility of scalding and slowly remove the cap. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not put coolant in the windshield washer reservoir. If sprayed on the windshield, coolant could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The cooling system is under pressure. Steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when you loosen the cap slightly.

Track Use (If Equipped)

TRACK USE – MACH 1
Operating at High Speeds and Track Days
Your vehicle is capable of sustained high speeds and track-day driving.
Before operating your vehicle at high speeds:

• Verify your tires have the correct pressures.
• Inspect wheels and tires for wear and damage. Replace any damaged wheels and tires.
• Check and set lug nut torque. See Technical Specifications (page 336).
• Verify fluid levels for oil, coolant, brake and hydraulic fluid. See Capacities and Specifications (page 337).
• Change the engine oil and replace the engine oil filter prior to use on the track. Change the engine oil and filter again after every four hours of track time. Maintain the engine oil level at or near the max mark on the engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Check (page 262).
• Replace the brake fluid with fresh Motorcraft/Ford DOT 4 LV High-Performance Brake Fluid or other DOT-compliant fluid with a dry boiling point greater than 500°F (260°C) from a sealed container. Do not use silicone or DOT 5 brake fluids.
• If you are operating your Mach 1 on a drag strip, use drag strip selectable drive mode in addition to using line lock and launch control to provide a specific set-up tuned for the quickest straight-line elapsed times.
• If you are operating your Mach 1 on a road course, use sport or track selectable drive modes to provide a specific set-up tuned for optimal shift and suspension set-up that is tuned towards handling prowess on closed course surfaces.
  After operating your vehicle at high speeds or track day driving, do the following:
• Set the tire pressure to the proper specification.
• Check and set the lug nut torque. See Technical Specifications (page 336).
• Check all fluid levels.
• refer to the track maintenance interval chart. See Normal Scheduled Maintenance (page 452).
• Check the front and rear wheel bearings for abnormal wear.
• inspect brake caliper dust boots for abnormal wear.

Track Apps
WARNING: Track Apps™ is for track use only. Remember that even advanced technology cannot defy the laws of physics. It is always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
This information display-driven feature provides a suite of menu options to record and optimize your track performances. See General Information (page 98).
Note: Track Apps are for track use only. Do not use them under any other driving conditions.
Note: You cannot view or clear your results unless your vehicle is at a complete stop with the right arrow on the display menu inactive. If your vehicle does not reach 100 mph (160 km/h) during the track run, your display may not show your selected interval’s results.

FAQ