Ford Mustang Quiz
Maintenance

Changing the vehicle battery

In this manual: Maintenance
Introduction — 1Child Safety — 4Safety Belts — 5Personal Safety System — 1Supplementary Restraints System — 6Keys and Remote Control — 4MyKey — 7Locks — 4Security — 3Steering Wheel — 1Wipers and Washers — 3Lighting — 9Windows and Mirrors — 6Instrument Cluster — 4Information Displays — 4Climate Control — 6Seats — 7Universal Garage Door Opener (If Equipped) — 3Auxiliary Power Points — 1Storage Compartments — 1Starting and Stopping the Engine — 5Fuel and Refueling — 8Transmission — 5Brakes — 4Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 1Parking Aids — 3Cruise Control — 1Driving Aids — 1Load Carrying — 1Towing — 6Convertible Top (If Equipped) — 4Driving Hints — 5Roadside Emergencies — 5Customer Assistance — 9Fuses — 3Maintenance — 19Vehicle Care — 12Wheels and Tires — 10Capacities and Specifications — 8Accessories — 1Ford Extended Service Plan — 1Audio System — 6SYNC® — 8Navigation System (If Equipped) — 10Appendices — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 1
~3min read

Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.

Your vehicle is equipped with a Motorcraft® maintenance-free battery which normally does not require additional water during its life of service.

For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to the battery terminals.

If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of baking soda and water.

It is recommended that the negative battery cable terminal be disconnected from the battery if you plan to store your vehicle for an extended period of time.

Battery Relearn

Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery.

When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and performance. To begin this process:

1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in position P (automatic transmission) or the neutral position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.

• The vehicle may need to be driven 10 mi (16 km) or more to relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
• Note: If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle trim is eventually relearned.

When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed, the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is reconnected.

Always dispose of automotive batteries in a responsible manner. Follow your local authorized standards for disposal. Call your local authorized recycling center to find out more about recycling automotive batteries.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Mustang quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.