In 2006, Ford introduced an iconic and legendary model in the history of American sports cars: the Mustang. With its enticing design and impressive performance, the 2006 Mustang came equipped with captivating modern features, one of which was its sophisticated and informative instrument cluster. In this article, we will delve deep into the instrument cluster of the Ford 2006-Mustang, which not only provides essential information to the driver but also delivers an unforgettable driving experience.
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Base instrument cluster
Optional instrument cluster
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions. Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the respective system warning light for additional information.
Service Engine Soon
The Service Engine Soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to On board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
⚠ Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Brake system warning light
To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the ON position when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON position.
If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.
Anti-lock brake system (if equipped)
If the ABS light stays illuminated or continues to flash, a malfunction has been detected, have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness
If this light fails to illuminate when ignition is turned to ON, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been detected.
Safety belt
Reminds you to fasten your safety belt. A chime will also sound to remind you to fasten your safety belt.
Charging system
Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure (if equipped)
Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range, refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
Engine coolant temperature
Illuminates when the engine coolant temperature is high. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
⚠ Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot.
Traction Control active
Flashes when the Traction Control is active. If the light remains on a malfunction has been detected; have the system serviced immediately.
Overdrive off (automatic transmission)
Illuminates when the overdrive function of the transmission has been turned off,
refer to the Driving chapter. If the light does not illuminate, have the transmission serviced soon, or damage may occur.
Low fuel (if equipped)
Illuminates when the fuel level in the fuel tank is at or near empty (refer to Fuel gauge in this chapter).
Speed control (if equipped)
Illuminates when the speed control is engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is disengaged.
Door/Trunk ajar (if equipped)
Illuminates when the ignition is in the ON position and any door or trunk is open.
Anti-theft system
Flashes when the Securilock Passive Anti-theft System has been activated.
Electronic throttle control
Illuminates when the engine has defaulted to a ’limp-home’ operation. Report the fault to a dealer at the earliest opportunity.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. If the indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
Illuminates when the Daytime running lamps are on. Also is an indication that the tail lamps, license plate lamps, side marker lamps and parking lamps are switched OFF.
⚠ Always remember to turn on your headlamps at dusk or during inclement weather. The Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) system does not activate the tail lamps and generally may not provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.
GAUGES
Base instrument cluster gauges
Optional instrument cluster gauges
Refer to Message Center (if equipped) in the Driver Controls chapter to select one of six preset colors or one user definable color (MyColor) for the nighttime gauge backlighting.
Speedometer:
Indicates the current vehicle speed.
- Base instrument cluster
- Optional instrument cluster
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates engine coolant temperature. At normal operating temperature, the needle will be in the normal range (between “H” and “C”). If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
⚠ Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot.
Odometer
Registers the total miles (kilometers) of the vehicle.
- Base instrument cluster
- Optional instrument cluster
Refer to Message Center in the Driver Controls chapter on how to switch the display from Metric to English.
Trip odometer
Registers the miles (kilometers) of individual journeys.
- Base instrument cluster
Press and release the RESET button on the cluster to toggle between odometer and trip odometer display. To reset, press and hold for less than 2 seconds.
- Optional instrument cluster
Press and release the message center INFO button until TRIP mode appears in the display. Press the RESET button to reset.
Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute. Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale may damage the engine.
- Base instrument cluster
- Optional instrument cluster
Battery voltage gauge (if equipped)
Indicates the battery voltage when the ignition is in the ON position. If the pointer moves and stays outside the normal operating range, have the vehicle’s electrical system checked by your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Engine oil pressure gauge (if equipped)
Indicates engine oil pressure. The needle should stay in the normal operating range (between “L” and “H”). If the needle falls below the normal range, stop the vehicle, turn off the engine and check the engine oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is correct (and gauge reads no/low oil pressure….), shut down the engine immediately and contact your dealer for service or by a qualified technician.
Fuel gauge
Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel tank (when the ignition is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade. The FUEL icon and arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.