I have a 96 Ford Mustang GT. Can anyone tell me anything I should definitely check on my car? I just got it and don't really trust what the previous owner told me about it. Also, what's the best route to go when trying to fix my instrument cluster? Should I send in mine to get it fixed, buy a restored one, or just buy a new one? I appreciate anybody's help and if you could recommend a place to do said answer, I'd be even happier. Thanks for your time and help.
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- Thread starter Mattstang413
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Hey, I also bought a '96 GT in 2024. Lots and lots of hackery with wiring; CATS and mufflers gone, seats had been replaced with a total amateur job. OK, first do you have an OBD II scanner, if not get one and a multimeter. I found a FORD repair manual on CD at EBAY, very handy; Chilton/Haynes are not as helpful but get a manual. Check brakes. Wipe the throttle body plate but use no cleaners. Check fluids, Trans (manual or A/T) rear diff, P/S (remember the P/S is hooked up to the Hydro boost braking system. Learn about Hydro boost online. I had a bad rear wheel bearing (you have to change the axel and bearing so do a diff service then as well.) The cluster, depends on what's wrong. I changed the bulbs to LED and replaced the gears for the odometer (they fail). but in 28 years the circuit board on the back had delaminated at the connectors. I went to a yard, got a used one with good circuits, changed my odometer into it for my mileage and put my oil pressure gage in it because of a communication error that pegged the meter. All good. New ones (after-market) are expensive. I might have someone recon it if you can find someone. I could not locate someone that worked on one that old. Used (EBAY) you take your chances, I'm a bit auto handy so the salvage yard has been my friend. I even replaced the seats with factory ones. Lots of YouTube vids on these. When searching parts look for '96-'98 there were changes done in the '94-2004 models in '96 and '99. What's the mileage on yours? Sorry this is so long but there really is a lot to know with these and lots to enjoy. Cheers.
