Ford Mustang (2018 year). Manual — part 37

PARKING BRAKE

Vehicles With Automatic
Transmission

WARNING

Always set the parking brake and
leave your vehicle with the
transmission in park (P).

Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing uphill, shift into park (P) and turn the
steering wheel away from the curb.

Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing downhill, shift into park (P) and turn
the steering wheel toward the curb.

Vehicles with Manual
Transmission

WARNING

If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, shift into first or reverse
gear. If your vehicle has an automatic

transmission, shift into park (P).

Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing uphill, select first gear and turn the
steering wheel away from the curb.

Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing downhill, select reverse gear and turn
the steering wheel toward the curb.

All Vehicles

WARNING

If the parking brake is fully released,
but the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, the brakes may not be

working properly. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.

E223664

To set the parking brake, pull the parking
brake handle up as far as possible.

To release the parking brake:

1.

Press and hold the button at the end
of the parking brake handle.

2. Pull the handle up slightly, then push

the handle down.

HILL START ASSIST

WARNINGS

The system does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave your
vehicle, always apply the parking

brake and shift the transmission into park
(P) for automatic transmission or first gear
for manual transmission.

You must remain in your vehicle
when the system turns on. At all
times, you are responsible for

controlling your vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening, if required. Failure
to take care may result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, serious personal
injury or death.

The system turns off if there is a
malfunction or if you excessively rev
the engine.

The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.

When the system activates, your vehicle
remains stationary on a slope for a few
seconds after you release the brake pedal.
This allows you time to move your foot
from the brake to the accelerator pedal.
The brakes release when the engine has
developed sufficient torque to prevent your
vehicle from rolling down the slope. This
is an advantage when pulling away on a
slope, for example from a car park ramp,
traffic lights or when reversing uphill into
a parking space.

The system activates on any slope that
causes your vehicle to roll.

Note: There is no warning lamp to indicate
the system is either on or off.

Using Hill Start Assist

1.

Press the brake pedal to bring your
vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep
the brake pedal pressed and shift into
first gear when facing uphill or reverse
(R) when facing downhill.

2. The system activates if the sensors

detect that your vehicle is on a slope.

3. When you remove your foot from the

brake pedal, your vehicle remains on
the slope without rolling away for a few
seconds. This hold time increases if you
are in the process of driving off.

4. Pull away in the normal manner.

Switching the System On and Off

Vehicles with Manual Transmission

You can switch this feature on or off in the
information display. The system
remembers the last setting when you start
your vehicle.

Vehicles with Automatic Transmission

The system turns on when you switch the
ignition on and you cannot switch the
system off.

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.

If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.

USING TRACTION CONTROL

WARNING

The stability and traction control
light illuminates steadily if the
system detects a failure. Make sure

you did not manually disable the traction
control system using the switch. If the
stability control and traction control light
is still illuminating steadily, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with
traction control disabled could lead to an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.

If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.

Note: When you switch traction control off,
stability control remains fully active.

Switching the System Off

E166706

The switch for the stability and traction
control system is on the instrument panel.

When you switch the system off, a
message and an illuminated icon appear
on the instrument cluster.

Use the switch again to return the traction
control system to normal operation.

Your vehicle may have MyKey restrictions
regarding this feature. See Principle of
Operation (page 52).

System Indicator Lights and
Messages

E138639

The stability and traction control
light temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and flashes:

•

When a driving condition activates
either of the systems.

•

If a problem occurs in either of the
systems.

E130458

The stability and traction control
off light temporarily illuminates
on engine start-up and stays on:

•

When you switch the traction control
system off.

•

When you select an alternative stability
control mode.

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

WARNINGS

Vehicle modifications involving
braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system,

tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the electronic stability
control system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with
and adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and
the front seats in order to minimize the risk
of interfering with the electronic stability
control sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the electronic stability
control system could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.

Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws of
physics. It’s 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. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator’s ability to
control the vehicle potentially resulting in
a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your electronic
stability control system activates, SLOW
DOWN.

The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.

If a fault occurs in either the stability
control or the traction control system, you
may experience the following conditions:

•

The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.

•

The stability control and traction
control systems do not enhance your
vehicle's ability to maintain traction of
the wheels.

If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:

•

The stability and traction control light
flashes.

•

Your vehicle slows down.

•

Reduced engine power.

•

A vibration in the brake pedal.

•

The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.

•

If the driving condition is severe and
your foot is not on the brake, the brake
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.

The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:

Electronic Stability Control

The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.

Traction Control

The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to maintain traction of the wheels by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. See
Using Traction Control (page 153).