Maintenance? - CarForum.net - Car Forums, Automotive News and Community

xSeany · 05-03-2009, 11:31 PM

Okay, I have a 2003 Ford Mustang Coupe. It's my first car, and I'm very fortunate to have it. It's in what seems to be excellent condition. However, I'm not very car smart. So, what type of maintenance is required? Checks, oil changes, etc?
1) What are the things that need to be tended to?
2) How often for each?
3) How do I preform these actions?

**lautinjr** · 05-03-2009, 11:58 PM

It's a new car to you do everything. Lets start with plugs and wires in your ford only use Autolite plugs and only the oem model if it calls for platinum, double platinum or iridium then don't use anything else when changing wires change one at a time to avoid mixing them up. Next trans filter and fluid only use Mercon V in this car or compatible I would suggest Mobil one Synthetic since it's your first car and your liable to be hard on it. Drop the pan and just change the fluid and filter don't flush, flushing isn't bad but unnecessary I suggest changing trans fluid once a year w/filter to prevent damage to trans flushing on a used car can be more harmful then useful since you don't know how well it was maintained. Next motor Oil Castrol Syntec, Mobil 1, Valvoline synthetic are all good brands just remember 5w20 isn't a suggestion but a requirement for this car so use it.
Then we get to Power Stirring fluid change it immediately ford pumps have enough problems. I would suggest replacing it with Mobil 1 trans fluid and maybe a Lucas additive to change this fluid the easiest way is to disconnect the low pressure line and drain then refill start car circulate wheel lock to lock a couple times and repeat to the fluid looks pretty clean it won't get it all but will get a majority doing this ones will extend the hydraulic steering system life by 70%. Then we've got coolant don't fool around with this have a shop do it as a newb it can get air pockets and do motor damage so just get a professional flush. When you have more Auto experience you can do this your self for now let's get it done right. While you have it at the shop have the Brake fluid changed to DOT 4 make sure when they do the exchange they change all the brake fluid and not just bleed till it looks clear old fluid can be clear to. then rear axles should be done and gasket replaced this is easy and you can do it you self again I suggest Mobil 1 or Castrol Syntec in the appropriate weight for car.

Last but most fun I suggest a K&N cold air intake to wake things up a bit and a 4 step FI service to clean intake, Throttle body, fuel rail, injectors and Mass Air Flow if equipped and replace PCV valve replacing the PCV will help keep negative crank case pressure which prevents oil leaks.

Everything listed you can do easy except Cooling flush Brake Flush and 4 step FI service. This will be a great learning experience and you will know everything is caught up on main.

I suggest changing all fluids once a year except oil should be done every 3K Manufacturer minimum maint. is less but for proper upkeep minimum manit. won't do.

If you need help or instructions please ask we all would be more then willing to help just remember Toque specs are there for a reason when changing gaskets and plugs over torquing can do damage.

*GDP* · 05-05-2009, 03:27 PM

I cant possibly fathom anything that needs to be added to that lol. Once again thanks lautinjr.

*Gandalf* · 05-05-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GDP

I cant possibly fathom anything that needs to be added to that lol. Once again thanks lautinjr.

OH OH OH I GOT ONE!!!

Don't forget to refill the windshield washer fluid.

hondaguy · 05-06-2009, 02:27 AM

dont forget the blinker fluid its really important really unless you like tickets lol im kidding by the way

*TwIsTeDbOi* · 05-06-2009, 09:31 AM

Muffler bearings are also a high-class commodity.

S D · 05-06-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwIsTeDbOi

Muffler bearings are also a high-class commodity.

Yeah, make sure you inspect your muffler bearings for wear. If those go there's no telling what could happen!

*GDP* · 05-06-2009, 04:04 PM

Alright guys stay on topic please.

*Gandalf* · 05-06-2009, 06:35 PM

Aw, that's no fun. Besides, lautinjr already covered the entire topic, so there's nothing on topic for us to say. lol

*GDP* · 05-06-2009, 08:08 PM

Im just saying dont go too much off topic please.

05-03-2009, 11:31 PM	#1
xSeany Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 39 Rep: 10	Maintenance? Okay, I have a 2003 Ford Mustang Coupe. It's my first car, and I'm very fortunate to have it. It's in what seems to be excellent condition. However, I'm not very car smart. So, what type of maintenance is required? Checks, oil changes, etc? 1) What are the things that need to be tended to? 2) How often for each? 3) How do I preform these actions? __________________ My Bloggy: xSeany.com

05-03-2009, 11:58 PM	#2
lautinjr Now accepting bribes. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Currently Las Vegas Posts: 4,311 Rep: 193	It's a new car to you do everything. Lets start with plugs and wires in your ford only use Autolite plugs and only the oem model if it calls for platinum, double platinum or iridium then don't use anything else when changing wires change one at a time to avoid mixing them up. Next trans filter and fluid only use Mercon V in this car or compatible I would suggest Mobil one Synthetic since it's your first car and your liable to be hard on it. Drop the pan and just change the fluid and filter don't flush, flushing isn't bad but unnecessary I suggest changing trans fluid once a year w/filter to prevent damage to trans flushing on a used car can be more harmful then useful since you don't know how well it was maintained. Next motor Oil Castrol Syntec, Mobil 1, Valvoline synthetic are all good brands just remember 5w20 isn't a suggestion but a requirement for this car so use it. Then we get to Power Stirring fluid change it immediately ford pumps have enough problems. I would suggest replacing it with Mobil 1 trans fluid and maybe a Lucas additive to change this fluid the easiest way is to disconnect the low pressure line and drain then refill start car circulate wheel lock to lock a couple times and repeat to the fluid looks pretty clean it won't get it all but will get a majority doing this ones will extend the hydraulic steering system life by 70%. Then we've got coolant don't fool around with this have a shop do it as a newb it can get air pockets and do motor damage so just get a professional flush. When you have more Auto experience you can do this your self for now let's get it done right. While you have it at the shop have the Brake fluid changed to DOT 4 make sure when they do the exchange they change all the brake fluid and not just bleed till it looks clear old fluid can be clear to. then rear axles should be done and gasket replaced this is easy and you can do it you self again I suggest Mobil 1 or Castrol Syntec in the appropriate weight for car. Last but most fun I suggest a K&N cold air intake to wake things up a bit and a 4 step FI service to clean intake, Throttle body, fuel rail, injectors and Mass Air Flow if equipped and replace PCV valve replacing the PCV will help keep negative crank case pressure which prevents oil leaks. Everything listed you can do easy except Cooling flush Brake Flush and 4 step FI service. This will be a great learning experience and you will know everything is caught up on main. I suggest changing all fluids once a year except oil should be done every 3K Manufacturer minimum maint. is less but for proper upkeep minimum manit. won't do. If you need help or instructions please ask we all would be more then willing to help just remember Toque specs are there for a reason when changing gaskets and plugs over torquing can do damage. __________________ Please help reduce our mini van population and wear condoms! Last edited by lautinjr; 05-09-2009 at 11:19 PM.

05-05-2009, 03:27 PM	#3
GDP Retired Director Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NC Posts: 518 Rep: 20	I cant possibly fathom anything that needs to be added to that lol. Once again thanks lautinjr. __________________ Please follow the rules, you may find them HERE

05-06-2009, 02:27 AM	#5
hondaguy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: salt lake city, utah Posts: 192 Rep: 33	dont forget the blinker fluid its really important really unless you like tickets lol im kidding by the way __________________ here is my sleeper sedan build up thread http://www.carforum.net/showthread.p...1167#post21167

05-06-2009, 04:04 PM	#8
GDP Retired Director Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NC Posts: 518 Rep: 20	Alright guys stay on topic please. __________________ Please follow the rules, you may find them HERE

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Maintenance?

05-06-2009, 06:35 PM	#9
Gandalf Retired Director Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Indiana, USA Posts: 1,489 Rep: 36	Aw, that's no fun. Besides, lautinjr already covered the entire topic, so there's nothing on topic for us to say. lol __________________ Vehicles: 1993 240SX 1990 Katana 750

05-06-2009, 08:08 PM	#10
GDP Retired Director Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NC Posts: 518 Rep: 20	Im just saying dont go too much off topic please. __________________ Please follow the rules, you may find them HERE