Driver Assistance

In this manual: Driver Assistance
Introduction — 1Quick Reference — 1Child restraint systems — 1Seat belts — 1Supplemental Restraint System. Function Description. Driver Airbag. Passenger Airbag — 1Supplemental Restraint System. Occupant Classification System. Side Airbags. Driver and Passenger Knee Airbag — 1Restraint System. Side Airbags - Coupe. Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator — 1Pedestrian Protection — 1Keys and remote transmitters — 1MyKey™ — 1Doors and Locks. Locking and Unlocking — 1Doors and Locks. Keyless Entry — 1Safety — 1Steering wheel — 1Wiper/Washer System — 1Lighting — 1Windows and Mirrors — 1Instrument cluster. Displays — 1Instrument cluster. Warning lights and displays. Audible warnings and messages — 1Information Displays — 1Air conditioning — 5Seats — 1Auxiliary Power Outlets — 1Storage Area — 1Starting the Engine. General Information. Keyless Start System. Steering Wheel Lock — 1Starting the Engine. Starting the Gasoline Engine — 1Starting the Engine. Engine Block Heater — 1Fuel and Refueling. Safety Information. Fuel Quality — 1Fuel and Refueling. Running the Fuel System Dry — 1Fuel and Refueling. Catalytic Converter. Refueling. Fuel Consumption — 1Transmission — 1Rear axle — 1Brakes — 1Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 1Parking Aid. Function Description. Rear Parking Aid — 1Parking Assist. Rear View Camera — 1Cruise control — 1Driver Assistance — 1Carrying Cargo — 1Towing — 1Convertible Top — 1Driving Notes — 1Emergency equipment. Hazard warning lights. Fuel shut-off — 1Emergency equipment. Jump-starting the vehicle — 1Emergency Equipment. Accident Notification System. Transporting the Vehicle. Towing Points — 1Fuses — 1Maintenance — 12Vehicle Care. Exterior Cleaning — 1Vehicle Care. Interior Cleaning — 1Vehicle care. Cleaning leather seats. Repairing minor paint damage. Cleaning alloy wheels. Cleaning the convertible top. — 1Wheels and tires — 10Technical data — 1Audio System. General Information. Audio Unit - Vehicles Equipped with Premium AM/FM/CD. Digital Broadcasting — 1Audio System. USB Port — 1SYNC™ 3 — 14Appendices. Electromagnetic Compatibility — 1Appendix. License Agreement — 1Appendix. Type Approvals — 1
~6min read

This section describes the modern driver assistance features of the Ford Mustang (VI Gen), including electric power steering and selectable drive modes. Adaptive steering assist provides precise steering feel that adapts to the driving situation. Stability control and traction control also work closely with the braking system to ensure maximum safety. Drivers can also choose from several drive modes such as "Normal", "Sport+" or "Track", depending on the desired driving style. These modes change not only the steering characteristics but also throttle response and suspension settings. In this way, the Mustang offers an ideal combination of everyday usability and performance.

Steering

Electric Power Steering

WARNINGS

The electric power steering system includes diagnostic checks that monitor the system continuously. If a fault is detected, a message is displayed in the information display.

Stop the vehicle as soon as possible.

Switch off the ignition. Wait at least 10 seconds, switch the ignition on, and check the information display for a steering system message.

If a steering system warning message is displayed, have the system checked by an authorized dealer immediately.

If the system detects a fault, there may be no noticeable change in steering comfort, but a serious fault may still be present. Have the vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer immediately, otherwise there is a risk of losing steering control.

The vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering system. It does not have a fluid reservoir.

No maintenance is required.

If the vehicle's power supply is interrupted while driving, electric power steering assistance is lost. The steering system remains functional, and the vehicle can be steered manually.

Manual steering requires more effort.

Extreme continuous steering may cause you to need more force to steer the vehicle.

The increased steering effort is intended to prevent internal overheating and permanent damage to the steering system. The ability to steer the vehicle manually is not lost.

Normal steering and driving maneuvers allow the system to cool down, and normal operation is restored.

Steering Tips

If the steering pulls or kicks back, check the following:

  • Correct tire pressures.
  • Uneven tire wear.
  • Suspension components loose or worn.
  • Steering components loose or worn.
  • Incorrect wheel alignment.

Note: A steep road gradient or strong crosswind can also cause the steering to pull or kick back.

Adaptive Learning Function

The adaptive learning function of the electric power steering system compensates for road irregularities and improves overall driving and steering behavior. It communicates with the braking system and supports the operation of the advanced stability control and accident avoidance systems.

In addition, after disconnecting the battery or installing a new battery, drive the vehicle a short distance so the strategy can be relearned and all systems are reactivated.

Driving Control

Selectable Drive Modes

The selectable drive modes offer a unique driving experience thanks to several modern electronic vehicle systems.

These systems optimize steering, handling and throttle response. This allows several system performance settings to be controlled from one place.

The selectable drive modes consist of the following systems:

  • The electronically assisted steering adjusts steering effort and steering response based on the mode you select.
  • Electronic Stability Control and traction control help you keep your vehicle under control in adverse conditions or during the most demanding driving. See Stability Control.
  • The electronic throttle control improves the throttle response of the engine.

Using the Selectable Drive Modes

The selectable drive modes automatically adjust your vehicle configuration to each selected mode.

To change the drive mode setting, press the mode button or switch on the instrument panel below the display. The selected mode illuminates when you first press the mode button or switch. Press again to change the selected mode.

Note: Mode changes are not possible when the ignition is off or when Reverse (R) is selected. In Drive (D), the Normal, Sport+, Track and Snow/Rain modes are available. In Sport (S), the Snow/Rain and Normal modes are not available.

Modes:

  • Normal – Provides a balanced combination of comfort and handling. This mode offers a confident driving experience and direct road feel without compromising the overall behavior you expect from your vehicle.
  • Sport – Activated when the automatic transmission is shifted into Sport (S). Sport mode improves throttle response and acceleration, but does not affect steering feel or the stability system.
  • Sport+ – Provides sportier steering feel and accelerator pedal response. Sport+ mode is ideal for more engaged driving.
  • Track – Provides a high-performance driving experience. The engine responds immediately to your inputs and produces a more powerful sound. Track mode is the right choice when maximum performance is desired. When Track mode is selected, a performance-oriented traction control mode is automatically used. In this mode, traction control intervention is reduced and is designed specifically for exclusive use on a race track. It is not intended for use on public roads. See Using Stability Control.
  • Snow/Rain – Provides reliable handling when driving in adverse weather conditions.
This mode provides a reliable driving experience and direct feedback from the road, without compromising the overall behavior your vehicle is designed to deliver.

Note: The selectable drive modes include diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper operation.

Some selectable drive modes are not available depending on the position of the shift lever (for example, Snow/Rain is not available in Sport (S)).

If a selected mode is not available due to a system fault or a change in shift lever position, Normal mode is selected by default.

Note: When Track mode is selected, Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support is automatically turned off.

Selectable Steering

Note: The steering setting defaults to Normal when the battery is disconnected or removed.

To change the steering feel, press the switch on the instrument panel. The selected mode illuminates when you first press it. Press again to change the selected mode.

Modes:

  • Normal – Factory default setting.
  • Sport – Requires slightly more effort to steer, and the steering wheel provides a more direct feel of the road.
  • Comfort – Requires slightly less effort to steer, and the steering wheel provides less feel of the road.

After selecting the desired setting, you may feel a slight shudder in the steering wheel as the change takes place.

Note: If your vehicle is equipped with selectable drive modes, the steering feel changes when you select a new drive mode. You can override this automatic selection by pressing the steering button or switch.

The driver assistance features of the Ford Mustang (VI Gen, 2014–2023) provide advanced support systems for a dynamic and at the same time safe driving experience. Whether electric power steering, selectable drive modes or adaptive learning features, the Ford Mustang 2014–2023 combines a sporty driving feel with high precision and comfort.

The clear structure of the systems, combined with individual setting options, allows the driver to adapt the Mustang optimally to different driving conditions. The Ford Mustang VI Generation shows how technology can enhance the driving experience without compromising safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I adjust the steering independently of the drive mode?

Yes, the steering can be adjusted separately using the corresponding switch, even when a specific drive mode is active.

What happens if the battery has been disconnected?

After disconnecting the battery, drive the vehicle a short distance so the adaptive learning feature becomes active again.

Test yourself

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