check oil FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 1999 10.G Owners Manual

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Low fuel
Illuminates as an early reminder of a
low fuel condition indicated on the
fuel gauge. The light comes on when
there is approximately 1/16th of a
tank indicated on the fuel gauge
(refer toFuel Gaugein this chapter for more information). The ignition
must be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also
illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON
position regardless of the fuel level.
Oil pressure/Engine coolant
This light will come on when the
key is in the ON position and the:
•engine coolant temperature is
very high
•engine oil pressure is low
The light serves as a notice that a system needs your attention and to
check the engine coolant temperature gauge and the engine oil pressure
gauge.
Refer toEngine coolant temperature gaugeandEngine oil pressure
gaugein this chapter for more information.
F
E
CH H
L
18
8
PRN 21LOW
FUEL
BRAKE!+ -+ -000000000
0
50
60
70
20
10
0 3040
80
90
100
20406080
100
120
140
180
MPH km/h
1
02
RPMx1000
3
4
5
6
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOONABS
FUEL
RESET
DOOR
AJARBRAKE
LOW
FUEL
Instrumentation
4

GAUGES
Fuel gauge
Displays approximately how much
fuel is in the fuel tank (when the
key is in the ON position). The
ignition should be in the OFF
position while the vehicle is being
refueled. When the gauge first
indicates empty, there is a small
amount of reserve fuel in the tank.
When refueling the vehicle from
empty indication, the amount of fuel
that can be added will be less than the advertised capacity due to the
reserve fuel.
Engine oil pressure gauge
This shows the engine oil pressure
in the system. Sufficient pressure
exists as long as the needle remains
in the normal range (the area
between the “L” and “H”).
If the gauge indicates low pressure,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level.
Add oil if needed (refer toEngine
oilin theMaintenance and care
chapter). If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your
dealership or by a qualified technician.
F
E
CH H
L
18
8
PRN 21LOW
FUEL
+ -+ -000000000
0
50
60
70
20
10
0 3040
80
90
100
20406080
100
120
140
180
MPH km/hBRAKE!
1
02
RPMx1000
3
4
5
6
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOONABSFUEL
RESETDOOR
AJARBRAKE
L
H
Instrumentation
10

Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
6.8L V10 ENGINE
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Air filter assembly
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil .
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
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7
Maintenance and care
55

2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN mark, add enough oil to raise the level
within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the MIN and MAX ranges, add only
certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil
filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
56

The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are 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.
Illumination of the charging system warning light, “Service Engine Soon”
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your “Warranty Guide” for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your “Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon” light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the “Check Engine/Service Engine Soon” light on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
Maintenance and care
75

•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•Using speed control (if equipped) may improve fuel economy. Speed
control can help maintain a constant speed and reduce speed changes.
You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain as
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gears may occur and
could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
2 km/h [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollover/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
Maintenance and care
82

Air cleaner filter .........................84
Ambulance packages ....................3
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................................29
fluid, refill capacities ................84
fluid, specification ....................87
Axle
lubricant specifications ............87
refill capacities ..........................84
Battery .........................................67
acid, treating emergencies .......67
charging system
warning light ...............................5
jumping a disabled battery ......48
maintenance-free ......................67
replacement, specifications .....84
servicing ....................................67
voltage gauge ............................11
Brakes .....................................25,26
anti-lock ................................25,26
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..............8,26
brake warning light ....................5
fluid, checking and adding ......58
fluid, refill capacities ................84
fluid, specifications ..............86,87
lubricant specifications .......86,87
shift interlock ............................28
Break-in period .............................2
Capacities for refilling fluids ......84
Cleaning your vehicle .................76
engine compartment ................77
exterior ......................................77
wheels ........................................76
Coolant ..............................59,61,62
checking and adding ................60
refill capacities .....................61,84
specifications .......................86,87
Dipstick
engine oil ...................................55Doors
door ajar warning .......................9
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke ...............................67
Driving under special
conditions
through water ...........................33
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ............................48
Emission control system ............74
Engine ..........................................87
check engine/
service engine soon light ........6,7
coolant .......................................59
idle speed control .....................67
lubrication specifications ....86,87
refill capacities ..........................84
service points ............................55
Engine block heater ...................23
Engine oil ....................................55
checking and adding ...........55,56
dipstick ......................................55
filter, specifications .............57,84
recommendations .....................57
refill capacities .....................55,84
specifications .............55,57,86,87
Exhaust fumes ............................24
Fail safe cooling ..........................62
Fluid capacities ...........................84
Fuel ..............................................71
calculating fuel economy .........80
capacity .....................................84
choosing the right fuel .............73
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates ...................83
detergent in fuel .......................74
filling your vehicle
with fuel ...............................71,80
filter, specifications .............77,84
gauge .........................................10
improving fuel economy ..........80
low fuel warning light ................4
Index
90

octane rating ........................73,87
quality ........................................74
running out of fuel ...................74
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ..................71
Fuses ............................................39
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) ...................80
Gauges .........................................10
battery voltage gauge ...............11
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................11
engine oil pressure gauge ........10
fuel gauge ..................................10
odometer ...................................12
speedometer .............................12
tachometer ................................13
trip odometer ............................12
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .......32
calculating .................................33
definition ...................................32
driving with a heavy load ........32
location ......................................32
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) ...............32
calculating ............................32,33
definition ...................................32
driving with a heavy load ........32
location ......................................32
Hazard flashers ...........................37
Headlamps ...................................14
daytime running lights .............14
flash to pass ..............................15
high beam ..............................9,14
turning on and off ....................14
warning chime ............................9
Ignition .........................................87
positions of the ignition ...........15
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ................................75Instrument panel
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................15
Jump-starting your vehicle ........48
Keys
key in ignition chime .................9
positions of the ignition ...........15
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................15
daytime running light ...............14
headlamps .................................14
headlamps, flash to pass ..........15
instrument panel, dimming .....15
replacing bulbs .........................76
Lights, warning and indicator ......4
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .........8,26
brake ............................................5
charging system ..........................5
check coolant ..............................4
door ajar ......................................9
engine oil pressure .....................4
fuel reset .....................................9
high beam ...................................9
low fuel ........................................4
safety belt ...................................5
service engine soon .................6,7
turn signal indicator ...................9
Load limits ...................................32
GAWR ........................................32
GVWR ........................................32
trailer towing ............................32
Lubricant specifications ........86,87
Motorcraft parts .....................77,84
Octane rating ..............................73
Odometer .....................................12
Overdrive .....................................20
Parking brake ..............................27
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ......84
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) .................................42
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ......64
Index
91