Vehicle Segment:
Pony Car / Personal Luxury Coupe
Target Market:
Youthful buyers, performance enthusiasts, general automotive consumers
Competitors:
Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, AMC Javelin
Design Era:
Third generation (introduced late 1978 for 1979 model year, 1981 is part of this generation)
Manual Value:
Provides factory-level repair and maintenance information, enabling owners to perform complex tasks.
Primary Coverage:
Repair and Service Procedures
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for factory-level manuals of this era)
Type:
Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant Download PDF
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip
Engine:
Included (e.g., 2.3L I4, 3.3L V6, 4.2L V8, 5.0L V8)
Transmission:
Included (e.g., 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic)
Drivetrain:
Included (rear-wheel drive components, axle)
Suspension:
Included (front MacPherson struts, rear solid axle)
Brakes:
Included (front discs, rear drums typical)
Steering:
Included (power steering, manual steering)
Electrical System:
Included (wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, charging)
Fuel System:
Included (carburetor specifications, fuel injection if applicable, pumps)
Cooling System:
Included (radiator, thermostat, fan)
Exhaust System:
Included (catalytic converter, mufflers)
Body:
Included (exterior panels, interior trim, doors, glass)
Climate Control:
Included (HVAC system, A/C)
Preventive Maintenance:
Included (oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements)
Disassembly:
Included (step-by-step for components)
Assembly:
Included (step-by-step for components)
Cleaning:
Included (for specific components)
Reinstallation:
Included (step-by-step for components)
Troubleshooting:
Included (diagnostic charts, symptom analysis)
Repair:
Included (detailed repair instructions)
Diagnostics:
Included (basic electrical and mechanical diagnostics)
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers factory-level repair and maintenance)
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians and Advanced DIY Mechanics
Print Quality:
Full Printable (High-resolution PDF)
Searchability:
Typically Searchable Text within PDF (depends on OCR quality)
Zoom Capability:
Yes (Zoom IN/OUT supported)
Binding:
Digital (Not Applicable for PDF)
Paper Type:
Digital (Not Applicable for PDF)
Engine Options:
2.3L (140 cu in) 'Lima' inline-4 (Turbocharged option available), 3.3L (200 cu in) Thriftpower inline-6, 4.2L (255 cu in) Windsor V8, 5.0L (302 cu in) Windsor V8 (including High Output '5.0 HO' option)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 88 hp (base 4-cyl) to 175 hp (5.0L HO)
Torque Range:
Varies by engine, e.g., 5.0L HO around 245 lb-ft
Carburetion:
Primarily Carbureted (e.g., Motorcraft 2-barrel or 4-barrel depending on engine), some potential for early EFI on high-performance models.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Transmission Options:
4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic (e.g., C3, FMX/C6 for V8s)
Automatic Transmission Availability:
Available on all engine variants
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate (manual transmission)
Length:
Approx. 180 inches
Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches
Height:
Approx. 52.4 inches
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,900 - 3,300 lbs depending on engine and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by configuration, typically around 4,100 - 4,400 lbs
Crash Test Data:
Limited comprehensive testing available for this era; manual will detail safety system design.
Braking System:
Power assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional rear discs on some performance models.
Seatbelts:
Standard 3-point front, lap belts rear.
Child Safety:
Provisions for child seat installation (lap belts).
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column design for improved occupant protection.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, premium sound systems might have been available.
Gauges And Displays:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel, temperature, oil pressure. Warning lights for critical systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional feature on many models.
Air Conditioning:
Optional on most models, integrated into HVAC system.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (manual will specify).
Filter Replacement:
Air filter: every 12,000-15,000 miles; Fuel filter: every 24,000-30,000 miles (manual will provide specifics).
Tune Up:
Spark plugs, points (if applicable), and distributor cap/rotor replacement generally around 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30) and API service classification (e.g., SF or SG).
Coolant:
Typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water. Manual will specify type and capacity.
Transmission Fluid:
Automatic: DEXRON-III (or equivalent); Manual: GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Carburetor adjustment issues, ignition system component wear (points, condenser, coil), exhaust system rust, potential for vacuum leaks.
Electrical Gremlins:
Common in vehicles of this age due to wiring harness degradation and corrosion.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can affect handling and tire wear.
Ford Legacy:
Ford's iconic pony car, established in 1964.
Generation Details:
1981 represents the third generation (Fox Body) of the Mustang, known for its lighter weight and improved aerodynamics compared to previous generations.
Styling Changes:
Minor styling updates for 1981, including revised grille and taillights.
Production Years:
1979-1986 (for the Fox Body platform)
Manufacturing Locations:
Dearborn, Michigan; Metuchen, New Jersey; San Jose, California (assembly plants)
