As you guys know I'm still learning my 2010 Mustang GT (18,125 miles) my first Stang and have asked few questions already , hoping to add the questions in one post rather than multiple posts , 1. On my trunk release on my wireless remote when I unlock the trunk from a distance I can hear a loud "thunk " or "bang" is that normal? I took it to the dealer and they said the noise is normal, I know I have sensitive hearing because of my occupation as a paramedic but should the trunk release make a noise when it opens? I noticed my fuel system is lacking a fuel cap dealer also said that's normal, can people siphon fuel and or put stuff down the filler neck? I want to add black racing stripes on my car but where do I go for that? Also what are the advantages of adding "louvers " to my exterior? I like the way the older Mustangs look with them, thanks for your help (again)

 

One more thing, do I leave the "trac" button on or off? Hear conflicting advice about it, a dash light illuminates when it's off or on

 

Yes, the trunk pop is normal.

No, there is no cap for the fuel neck. That is a recent Ford development, that most manufacturers have copied. They claimed it helps reduce emissions from people forgetting to screw the cap on all the way. Under your trunk mat, there should be a carpeted arrow shaped cover that houses the tire iron and a funnel. The funnel has a little lip that allows it to be inserted into the fuel neck, in case you run out of gas or wanted to use one of those fuel injector cleaners. You can open the flap without that special funnel. Go ahead, try to stick your finger in there. If you're extra worried about it, Ford sells a locking gas cap, but after having one on a previous Mustang, I'd never do it again. The locks are super cheap and finicky - one time I was under a 1/4 tank and stopped to get gas - I couldn't get the lock off. And I was nowhere near home. Stupid design. No one syphons gas anymore...I wouldn't bother.

As for stripes, there's many Mustang part vendors that sell them, as well as online vinyl vendors that do nothing but vinyl. Otherwise, you could go to a local vinyl shop and have them make some custom for you.

 

When you start the car, it's defaulted to ON. If you press the button and it illuminates on the dash, T/C is now OFF, but stability control is still on. To defeat both completely, you need to be stopped and in drive or gear, foot on brake, and hold the button for 10-15 seconds. It should have a message in the cluster saying Advance Track disabled or something to that effect.

 

I'll answer what I can:


Trunk - There is usually a noise when you pop the trunk.

Gas cap (or lack thereof) - I know on my 2013, there is no gas cap. I do not know what year that started but the dealer is probably correct. Cap or no cap, a crook will find a way to steal.

Stripes - I'd imagine any body/paint shop could install them.

Louvers - no advantage other than cosmetic. If you like the look, go for it, it's your car.

Trac (traction control) - I'd say the average driver leaves it on. There are people here who say they turn it off every time they start their car.

 

Yep, trunk noise totally normal.

Yes, that's normal though you can still buy a locking cap at any auto parts store if you're worried.

You can buy ready-to-apply ones at AmericanMuscle.com or tons of other performance websites and then just about any body shop should be able to handle install.

Louvers are strictly cosmetic and do make it a bit harder to see your blindspot. The rear windows help with that.

As far as the traction/stability controls, I answered that one for you in another thread: https://themustangsource.com/forums/...2/#post6997833

 

CaliStang, just wanted to add some stuff now that you have the car. When you finish washing the car and you're drying it make sure that you open the doors. Water gets down in the doors and opening them helps them drain at the front corner.

Keep an eye out for hood corrosion. Very common on these cars. It will appear as bubbling under your paint, typically along the edge of the hood on the bottom side is where it starts.

 

I have a 2010 GT so happy to help, but it sounds like the other guys got you covered already. Personally I would rather have visibility over louvers but that's a personal preference thing.

I have over 90K miles on mine right now, going strong so far and seems to really enjoy a good romp on the road track every now and then . . . . knocking wood, hope it keeps going strong!