Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Spring Codes
The spring code portion of the vehicle certification (VC) label identifies both the front and rear springs.
The first letter/number indicates the front spring code. The second letter/number indicates the rear spring code.
- Front springs - base part number - 5310 (RH/LH)
- Rear springs - base part number - 5560 (RH/LH)
Powertrain Calibration Information
NOTE: Powertrain calibration information is limited to a maximum of five characters per line on the Vehicle Certification Label. Because of this, calibration identification consisting of more than five characters will wrap to the second line on the VC label.
Powertrain calibration information is printed in the lower right corner of the Vehicle Certification Label.
Only the base calibration information is printed. Revision levels will not appear, however, this information can be found in the On Line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS). For the current model year, Ford Motor Company is using three different protocols which describe powertrain base calibration. These protocols are designed to provide worldwide standardization for vehicle calibration. If the electronic calibration strategy has been used since 1998 and carried into the current model year, protocol 1 will be used. Refer to Protocol 1 below. If the electronic calibration strategy has been used since 1999 and is carried into the current model year, protocol 2 will be used. Refer to Protocol 2 below. For new electronic calibration strategies introduced since the 2000 model year, use protocol 3. Refer to Protocol 3 below.
Protocol 1
| Item | Description |
| 1 | Model year (model year in which calibration strategy was first introduced) |
| 2 | Engine code |
| 3 | Engine revision level |
Protocol 2
| Item | Description |
| 1 | Model year (model year in which calibration strategy was first introduced) |
| 2 | Engine code |
| 3 | Transmission code |
| 4 | Emission standard (designates the specific country emission standard) |
| 5 | Design level (design level assigned to the engine) |
Protocol 3
| Item | Description |
| 1 | Model year (model year in which calibration strategy was first introduced) |
| 2 | Vehicle code |
| 3 | Transmission code |
| 4 | Unique calibration (designates different hardware to similar vehicles). Example: tires, drive ratios, etc. |
| 5 | Fleet code (describes fleet to which the vehicle belongs). Example: 6 - evaporative emissions |
| 6 | Certification region (lead region where multiple regions are
included in one calibration). Example: A - U.S. federal |
| 7 | Revision level (will advance as revisions occur). Not printed on label |
Protocol 3
The following offers a more detailed explanation of the coding strategy used for protocol 3.
Model Year
- Y - 2000
- 1 - 2001
- 2 - 2002
- 3 - 2003
Vehicle Line
- ZE - Mustang
Transmission
- 1 - Automatic transmission
- 2 - Manual transmission
Interior Trim Codes
The interior trim codes are listed below. The first letter/number is for the
interior fabric. The second
letter is for the interior color.
9 - Quantum/Rhodes cloth (base coupe)
A - Link weave cl ...
Unique Calibration
The Emissions/CAFE/CO2 Compliance Department is responsible for assigning
these calibration
numbers. Unique calibration identifications are assigned to cover similar
vehicles to differentiate tires, ...
Other materials:
Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing
WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut
off prior to
hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished
by turning off
the air suspension switch. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation ...
Rear Suspension
Torque Specifications
WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas pressurized shock absorbers
which will
extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorbers during
removal or
component servicing. Failure to follow these instructions can re ...
Towing the vehicle on four whe
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be flat-towed
(all wheels on the ground, regardless of the powertrain and transmission
configuration) under the fol ...
