MyKey can limit speed, audio volume, traction-control behavior, and other settings. Check the MyKey count after purchase so you are not stuck driving on a restricted key.
S197
2013 Mustang Owner Guide
Later S197 cars add Easy Fuel, MyKey, more electronics, stronger powertrains, and optional track-oriented features. Baseline the car before assuming a used example's tune, tires, and suspension are trustworthy.
Tips, Tricks & Emergency Access
Easy Fuel has no traditional gas cap. Use the included funnel for portable fuel cans and do not jam aftermarket funnels into the filler neck.
The interior trunk release is a mechanical escape handle, and convertibles can disable the interior trunk control for security when the top is open.
If equipped with the temporary mobility kit, check the compressor, sealant bottle, instructions, and sealant expiration before assuming the car has a usable spare.
Battery saver turns off trunk lamps after 30 minutes if the trunk is left open, but a weak battery can still cause no-start, module, or key programming headaches.
First Things To Do
- Check MyKey/admin key status, get two working keys, and clear old MyKey settings only after confirming you have an admin key.
- Scan OBD-II codes/readiness and record any tune-related, EVAP, misfire, catalyst, or transmission faults before clearing them.
- Locate the Easy Fuel funnel and test that the fuel door, filler seal, and EVAP readiness behave normally.
- Inspect brake fluid, tires, alignment, driveshaft vibration, rear axle noise, clutch feel, and MT82 or automatic shift quality.
- Check recalls by VIN, especially airbags and later service campaigns, before judging a used car by model year alone.
- On Boss, Shelby, track-pack, and heavily modified cars, replace unknown brake fluid and inspect pads, rotors, cooling, tires, and suspension hardware before track use.
- Check the temporary mobility kit or spare/jack setup and replace expired sealant.
Buyer Checks
Look for tune/mod evidence: cold-air intake without calibration proof, long-tube headers, deleted cats, axle ratio changes, nitrous wiring, or mismatched injector/MAF parts.
Scan for OBD-II readiness and confirm no MyKey restriction is hiding full vehicle behavior during the test drive.
Inspect cowl drains, trunk well, carpets, SJB area, taillight seals, and convertible-top drains for water intrusion.
Verify Boss 302, Laguna Seca, Shelby GT500, Bullitt, GT/CS, Track Package, and MCA package claims with window sticker, VIN, equipment, and original parts.
Check tire brand/age, rear tire wear, wheel hop, axle whine, clutch odor, brake pulsation, and evidence of drag-strip launches.
On convertibles, inspect top fabric, rear glass, hydraulic operation, quarter-window indexing, and trunk security lockout behavior.