Market Segment:
Sport Compact / Pony Car
Key Selling Points 1986:
Performance V8 option, refined styling, improved aerodynamics over previous generations.
Primary Competitors 1986:
Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird
Manual Advantage Digital:
Instant download access, searchable text (depending on PDF creation), printable pages.
Manual Content Parity:
Matches features of paper factory service manuals including step-by-step procedures, specifications, illustrations.
Engine:
2.3L Inline-4 (OHC), 3.8L V6 (Essex), 5.0L V8 (Small Block Windsor)
Transmission:
4-Speed Manual (T-4, T-5), 3-Speed Automatic (C-3, AOD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front McPherson Strut, Rear Solid Axle), Steering (Rack and Pinion), Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum)
Electrical System:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition, Charging System, Starting System, Gauges, Accessories
Body:
Body and Chassis, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) where applicable for the era, Symptom-based diagnostics
Disassembly:
Step-by-step guides for component removal
Assembly:
Step-by-step guides for component reinstallation
Cleaning:
Component cleaning procedures
Reinstalling:
Component reinstallation procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and repairs
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.3 Liters (140 cu in)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-4, Overhead Cam (OHC)
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Fuel Injection (Electronic Fuel Injection - EFI)
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.8 Liters (232 cu in)
Engine 2 Configuration:
V6, Overhead Valve (OHV), 90-degree V-angle (Essex)
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Carburetor (2-barrel), potential for EFI in some variants.
Engine 3 Displacement:
5.0 Liters (302 cu in)
Engine 3 Configuration:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV), 90-degree V-angle (Windsor Small Block)
Engine 3 Fuel System:
2-barrel Carburetor (GT/Cobra variants often had 4-barrel options)
Engine 3 Horsepower Estimated:
Approx. 175-200 hp (depending on specific carburetion and emissions equipment)
Engine 3 Torque Estimated:
Approx. 240-260 lb-ft (depending on specific carburetion and emissions equipment)
Transmission Standard Type:
4-Speed Manual (likely T-4 or T-5)
Transmission Optional Type:
3-Speed Automatic (likely C-3 for 4-cyl/V6, AOD 4-speed auto for V8)
Transmission Clutch Type:
Hydraulic clutch actuation (standard on manual transmissions)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 100.4 inches (2548 mm)
Length:
Approx. 179.6 inches (4562 mm)
Width:
Approx. 68.3 inches (1735 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.2 inches (1300 mm)
Curb Weight Estimate Min:
Approx. 2750 lbs (1247 kg) for base 4-cylinder models
Curb Weight Estimate Max:
Approx. 3150 lbs (1429 kg) for V8 models
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x4.5 inches (4x114.3 mm)
Standard Tire Size Estimate:
P195/75R14 or P205/60R15 (depending on trim and options)
Crash Testing Era:
NHTSA ratings for this era vary and might not be directly comparable to modern standards.
Active Safety Features:
Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes.
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts), reinforced passenger compartment.
Infotainment System 1986:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Analog gauges for speed, tachometer, fuel, temperature, oil pressure.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to power steering and power brakes; no electronic driver aids typical of modern vehicles.
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense (no Bluetooth, USB, etc.).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, consult manual for exact Ford recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type.
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., SAE 5W-30, 10W-30) and API service classification (e.g., SF/CD).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Likely MERCON or DEXRON II for automatic transmissions.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Manual transmission fluid (MTF) or gear oil, consult manual for specific weight and type (e.g., GL-4).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Issues Fox Body:
Electrical gremlins, carburetor performance issues, rust (especially in wheel wells and rocker panels), aging rubber components (bushings, hoses), potential for transmission synchro wear in manuals.
Ford Mustang Legacy:
Iconic American pony car, introduced in 1964. Known for sporty styling and performance.
Third Generation Fox Body:
Introduced for the 1979 model year, this generation marked a significant departure with a more European-influenced design and a lighter platform. It underwent several facelifts and updates throughout its production run.
Manufacturing Location Estimate:
Dearborn, Michigan, USA; Metuchen, New Jersey, USA
