Segment:
Affordable Sports Coupe/Convertible
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Honda Civic (in terms of performance/value for enthusiasts), Toyota Supra (though higher-tier)
Design Philosophy:
Evolution of the iconic Mustang design with a more rounded, aerodynamic look compared to the Fox body generation. Emphasized affordability and attainable performance.
Target Audience:
Performance enthusiasts, young drivers, individuals seeking iconic American muscle car heritage.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments & Gauges, Audio System, Power Accessories, Battery & Charging System, Ignition System, ECM/PCM
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Fluid Level Checks & Top-Offs, Belt Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Flowcharts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) Interpretation, Component Testing
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair
Installation:
Component Installation Procedures, Torque Specifications for Assembly
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks and scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Engine Code And Description:
3.8L (3797cc) OHV V6 (Essex) - Standard Engine
Engine Code And Description Optional:
4.6L (4600cc) SOHC V8 (Modular) - GT and Cobra models
3.8L V6 Horsepower:
145-150 hp @ 4000 rpm (depending on year)
3.8L V6 Torque:
215-220 lb-ft @ 2500-3000 rpm (depending on year)
4.6L V8 Horsepower (Gt):
215 hp @ 4600 rpm
4.6L V8 Torque (Gt):
285 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
4.6L V8 Horsepower (Cobra):
305 hp @ 5800 rpm
4.6L V8 Torque (Cobra):
300 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) for V8 models
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating recommendations will be in manual)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (T-5 for V6/GT, T-45 for Cobra)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4R44E for V6, 4R70W for GT/Cobra)
Clutch:
Hydraulic clutch actuation
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual for specific fluid types (e.g., Mercon V for automatics, appropriate gear oil for manuals)
Wheelbase:
101.3 inches (2573 mm)
Length:
190.2 inches (4831 mm)
Width:
70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
53.0 inches (1346 mm)
Curb Weight V6 Coupe:
Approx. 3200 lbs (1451 kg)
Curb Weight Gt Coupe:
Approx. 3400 lbs (1542 kg)
Curb Weight Cobra Coupe:
Approx. 3500 lbs (1588 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle specific VIN plate; typically around 4000-4300 lbs
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Refer to NHTSA archives for specific year; likely 3 or 4 stars for coupes.
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes; Rear: Solid Disc Brakes (GT/Cobra often featured larger/performance brakes)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) typically standard or optional depending on trim and year.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Front Three-Point Height-Adjustable Seatbelts; Rear Lap/Shoulder Belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard; likely requires aftermarket solutions or older child restraint methods.
Audio System:
AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player and CD Player (optional on some models), 4-6 speaker configurations.
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning and heating systems. Automatic climate control was not prevalent in this era for Mustang.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure. Oil temperature gauge on Cobra models.
Auxiliary Input:
No factory auxiliary audio input (e.g., 3.5mm jack or USB). Aftermarket solutions available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (manual will specify for specific engine and oil type).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000-8,000 miles or as needed based on wear pattern.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type; typically 30,000-100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs. Manual will specify.
Engine Oil Spec V6:
Refer to manual: Typically 5W-30 or 5W-20 API certified motor oil.
Engine Oil Spec V8:
Refer to manual: Typically 5W-30 API certified motor oil. (Cobra may have specific recommendations).
Coolant Spec:
Refer to manual: Typically Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent with specified additive package.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Common Problems:
V6: Head gasket issues (especially on early 3.8L), intake manifold gasket leaks. V8: Spark plug blow-out on early 4.6L (less common in this range but still possible), water pump leaks, coil pack failures.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window motor failures, power lock actuator issues, dashboard illumination problems, ABS sensor failures.
Common Problems Chassis:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, rear axle seal leaks, clutch pedal assembly wear.
Iconic Status:
Long-standing American pony car, synonymous with performance, style, and accessible V8 power.
Fourth Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 1994 model year, marking a significant redesign with a new chassis (SN95) and styling, moving away from the more angular Fox body.
Mid-Cycle Refresh:
Received a significant refresh for the 1999 model year (which this manual does NOT cover), moving to the New Edge design.
Manufacturing Plant:
Dearborn, Michigan, USA; Also Edison, New Jersey, USA (for some years/models).
Key Variants:
Base Coupe/Convertible, GT, Cobra (including Cobra R variants).
Historical Significance:
Represented a significant step in modernizing the Mustang's appeal while retaining its core identity.
Performance Accolades:
Cobra models were highly regarded for their improved performance and handling over base models, often featured in performance car reviews.
Safety Certifications:
Compliant with all US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) of its time.
