check engine light FORD E-350 2000 Owners Manual

government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
TheService Engine Soonindicator light illuminates when the ignition is
first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourService Engine Soonlight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles
without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, theService
Engine Soonlight should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional
vehicle service is required.
If theService Engine Soonlight remains on, have your vehicle serviced
at the first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Instrumentation
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Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or both of the
indicators stay on continuously,
check for a burned-out turn signal
bulb. Refer toExterior bulbsin theMaintenance and carechapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Oil pressure/Engine coolant
This light will come on when the
key is in the ON position and the:
²engine coolant temperature is
very high
²engine 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.
Safety belt warning chime/buzzer
Sounds to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime
For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to theSeating and
safety restraintschapter.
Instrumentation
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BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The vehicles are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). A
noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Driving
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught up in moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained inBattery
in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
²the engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
²the
andsymbol will
illuminate.
²theService Engine Soon
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, 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 vehicle will still operate. However:
²the engine power will be limited.
²the air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
H
C
Maintenance and care
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cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
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 terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
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 and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
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²Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
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 ªService Engine Soonº light, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, 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 ªWarranty Guideº 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 ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº 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 ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
Maintenance and care
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Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................88
and child safety seats ..............90
description ................................88
disposal ......................................93
driver air bag ............................90
indicator light ......................12,92
operation ...................................90
passenger air bag .....................90
Air cleaner filter ................155,199
Air conditioning ..........................18
Ambulance packages ....................4
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................158
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................109,110
Audio system (see Radio) .........25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................115
fluid, adding ............................165
fluid, checking ........................165
fluid, refill capacities ..............200
fluid, specification ..................206
Auxiliary power point .................24
Axle
lubricant specifications ...203,206
refill capacities ........................200
traction lok ..............................113
Battery .......................................167
acid, treating emergencies .....167
charging system
warning light .............................12
disconnecting ..........................170
jumping a disabled battery ....144
maintenance-free ....................167
replacement, specifications ...199
servicing ..................................167
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder .................................84
Brakes ........................................109
anti-lock ............................109,110anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ......................10,110
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....156
fluid, refill capacities ..............200
fluid, specifications ..........203,206
lubricant specifications ...203,206
shift interlock ..........................114
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....200
Cassette tape player ...................36
Child safety restraints ................94
child safety belts ......................94
Child safety seats ........................95
in front seat ..............................96
in rear seat ................................96
tether anchorage hardware .....99
Cleaning your vehicle ...............193
engine compartment ..............195
exterior .............................195,198
exterior lamps .........................196
instrument panel ....................197
instrument panel lens ............197
interior .....................................197
plastic parts ............................196
safety belts ..............................198
washing ....................................194
waxing .....................................194
wheels ......................................195
windows ..................................198
wiper blades ............................196
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............18
Clock .............................28,35,45,55
Controls
power seat .................................72
Coolant
checking and adding ..............158
refill capacities .................161,200
specifications ...................203,206
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................59
Index
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Customer Assistance ................127
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................217
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................210
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............216
Getting roadside assistance ...127
Getting the
service you need ....................210
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................221
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................213
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............216
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................17
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................165
engine oil .................................152
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........203
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................167
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................126
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................144
Emission control system ..........186
Engine ........................................206
check engine/
service engine soon light .........10
cleaning ...................................195
coolant .....................................158
diesel ...........................................5
fail-safe coolant ......................162
idle speed control ...................167
lubrication
specifications ...................203,206refill capacities ........................200
service points ..........................152
starting after a collision .........128
Engine block heater .................106
Engine oil ..................................152
checking and adding ..............152
dipstick ....................................152
filter, specifications .........154,199
recommendations ...................154
refill capacities ........................200
specifications ...................203,206
Exhaust fumes ..........................107
Fail safe cooling ........................162
Fluid capacities .........................200
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................113
Fuel ............................................179
calculating fuel economy .......183
cap ...........................................182
capacity ...................................200
choosing the right fuel ...........181
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................186
detergent in fuel .....................182
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................179,182,183
filter, specifications .........183,199
fuel pump shut-off switch .....128
gauge .........................................14
improving fuel economy ........183
octane rating ....................181,206
quality ......................................181
running out of fuel .................182
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................179
Fuses ...................................130,131
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............182
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................183
Gauges .........................................14
battery voltage gauge ...............16
Index
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engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................15
engine oil pressure gauge ........15
fuel gauge ..................................14
odometer ...................................16
speedometer .............................14
trip odometer ............................16
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....118
calculating ...............................120
definition .................................118
driving with a heavy load ......118
location ....................................118
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............118
calculating ........................118,120
definition .................................118
driving with a heavy load ......118
location ....................................118
Hazard flashers .........................128
Headlamps ...................................17
aiming ......................................193
bulb specifications ..................193
daytime running lights .............17
flash to pass ..............................18
high beam ............................13,17
replacing bulbs ................188,190
turning on and off ....................17
warning chime ..........................14
Heating ........................................18
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................23
heater only system ...................18
heating and
air conditioning system ............20
Hood ..........................................151
Ignition .......................................206
positions of the ignition ...........58
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..95
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................187Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................197
cluster .................................10,197
lighting up
panel and interior .....................18
location of components ............10
Jump-starting your vehicle ......144
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition ...........58
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................193
cargo lamps ...............................18
daytime running light ...............17
headlamps .................................17
headlamps, flash to pass ..........18
instrument panel, dimming .....18
interior lamps ...........................65
replacing bulbs ..188,190,191,192
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................59
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....10,110
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................12
check coolant ............................13
engine oil pressure ...................13
high beam .................................13
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ..................10
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................118
GAWR ......................................118
GVWR ......................................118
trailer towing ..........................118
Loading instructions .................119
Lubricant specifications ....203,206
Lumbar support, seats ...............73
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......67
Index
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