engine FORD E SERIES 1998 4.G Service Manual
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How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine overheats, the engine
will automatically switch to
alternating cylinder operation. Each
disabled cylinder acts as an air
pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, the engine coolant temperature gauge will move into
the red area, the
,and the service engine soon lights will
illuminate.
The vehicle will still operate, but will have limited engine power and no
air conditioning capability.
Continued operation will increase engine temperature and cause the
engine to completely shut down. The vehicle will coast to a stop.
As the engine temperature cools, the engine may be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
²Pull off the road as soon as possible.
²Immediately turn the engine off to prevent severe engine damage.
²Wait for the engine to cool.
²Check the coolant level.
H
C
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CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid at
least twice a year. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge will be near the
center of the NORMAL band).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows
in the FULL HOT range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
FULL COLD
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2. With the parking brake engaged
and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow sufficient time
for each gear to engage.
3. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
5. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
6. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid level should
be in the HOT (H) area on the dipstick.
7. If necessary, add fluid in 250 ml (1/2 pint) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
8. If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
If the fluid is above the hot area
range after driving the vehicle
approximately 30 km (20 miles),
excess transmission fluid should be
removed by a qualified technician.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal
joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be necessary.P R N D 2 1
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BATTERY
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
Superstart maintenance-free battery.
If the original equipment battery
needs replacing, it may be replaced
with a low-maintenance battery. The
low-maintenance battery normally
does not require additional water
during its life of service. However,
for severe usage or in high
temperature climates, check your
battery electrolyte level, at least
every 24 months or 40,000 km
(24,000 miles). Keep the electrolyte
in each cell up to the ªlevelº indicator. Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery cells with
distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the charging
system checked.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminal(s) and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when
you are done cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the
top of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery is replaced.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To
begin this process:
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
vehicle.
2. Let the engine idle for at least one minute.
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3. The relearning process will automatically complete as you drive the
vehicle.
²If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle, the idle quality of
your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is eventually
relearned.
²If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been
installed, the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once
the battery is reconnected.
²Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's
standards for disposal. Call your
local recycling center to find out
more about recycling automotive batteries.
Disconnecting dual batteries (if equipped)
The primary battery is located under the hood.
The auxiliary battery is located on the passenger side frame rail.
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Gasoline engines
Disconnect:
1. Disconnect the primary battery
ground cable.
2. Disconnect the auxiliary battery
frame ground.
Remove the ground bolt.
Pull the cable away from the frame
and make sure that the cable does
not contact the frame.
Connect:
1. Reconnect the auxiliary battery
frame ground.
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2. Reconnect the primary battery
ground cable.
Diesel engines
Disconnect:
Secondary positive cable remains energized after disconnection.
make sure the tool does not contact any ground surface.
1. Disconnect the secondary positive
cable from the primary battery
terminal.
2. Wrap the secondary positive cable
with a non-conductive material to
insulate.
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²Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly remove contaminated clothing and
wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
²If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact lenses, flush with water
for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
²Be particularly careful if you are taking ªAntabuseº or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. Consult a physician
immediately.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Vehicles certified to California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control Information label) are designed to
operate on California reformulated gasolines. If California reformulated
gasoline is not available when you refuel, your vehicle can be operated
on non-California fuels. However, even though your engine will perform
adequately on other gasolines, the performance of the emission control
devices and systems may be adversely affected.
Repair of damage caused by using a fuel that your vehicle was not
designed for may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªRegularº unleaded with an (R+M)/2
octane rating of 87. We do not
recommend gasolines labeled as
ªRegularº in high altitude areas that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or
even less.
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly. However,
if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on fuel with the
recommended octane, see your dealer or a qualified service technician to
prevent any engine damage.
87
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Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº gasoline.
ªPremiumº gasoline is not recommended (particularly in the United
States) because it may cause these problems to become more
pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) issued a
gasoline specification to provide information on high quality fuels that
optimize the performance of your vehicle. We recommend the use of
gasolines that meet the AAMA specification if they are available.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air quality, including
reformulated gasolines that contain oxygenates up to 10% ethanol or
15% MTBE.
Do not use gasolines containing methanol, which can damage critical fuel
system components. Damage resulting from the use of methanol may not
be covered by your warranty.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out fuel because this situation may have an adverse affect
on modern powertrain components.
You may need to crank the engine several times before the system starts
to pump fuel from the tank to the engine. If you run out of fuel, your
Service Engine Soon light may come on. For more information on the
Service Engine Soon light, refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Calculating fuel economy
To accurately calculate your vehicle's fuel economy:
1. Fill the tank completely and record the initial odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added
(in liters or gallons).
3. After at least three to five fuel tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and
record the current mileage reading.
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4. Use one of the following equations to calculate fuel economy.
Liters used x 1004Total kilometers traveled
Total miles traveled4Total gallons used
Keep a record for at least one month. This will provide an accurate
estimate of the vehicle's fuel economy.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the services listed in your ªService Guideº performed according
to the specified schedule.
The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in the ªService Guideº are
required because they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure, the
charging system warning light, the ªService Engine Soonº light or the
temperature warning light. These events could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
If you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have
the dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive
if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill
you.
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