service FORD E SERIES 1998 4.G Owner's Manual

WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less
effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
When replacing wiper blade assemblies, always use a Motorcraft part or
equivalent. To make replacing the wipers easy, turn the ignition to ACC,
then turn the wipers on. When the wipers reach the vertical position,
turn the ignition to LOCK.
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and lock into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
with a screwdriver to release the
blade and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
Maintenance and care
113

INFORMATION ABOUT TIRE QUALITY GRADES
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have their Tire Quality Grade
(described below) molded into the
tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards
that the United States Department
of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic tires for use on
passenger cars. They do not apply
to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire grade 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
grade 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are A, B, and C, and they
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking
(straight ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) traction.
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114

Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
SERVICING YOUR TIRES
Checking the tire pressure
²Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
²Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been
parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km
(3 miles).
²Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the Tire
Pressure Label.
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Tire rotation
Because your vehicle's tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the ªService Guide.º If you notice that the tires
wear unevenly, have them checked.
The following procedure applies to vehicles equipped with single rear
wheels, if your vehicle is equipped with dual rear wheels it is
recommended that only the front wheels be rotated (side to side).
Maintenance and care
115

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
Maintenance and care
119

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.
Maintenance and care
120

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.
Maintenance and care
121

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 diagnostic (OBD-II) system. If your ªcheck engine/service
engine soonº light is on, reference the applicable light description in the
Warning Lights and Chimessection of your owners guide. Your vehicle
may not pass the I/M test with the ªcheck engine/service engine soonº
light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the OBD-II system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº condition. To
ready the OBD-II system for I/M testing, a minimum of 30 minutes of city
and highway driving is necessary as described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop and go, city type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
EXTERIOR BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
²Headlamps
²Tail lamps
²Brakelamps
²High-mount brakelamp
Maintenance and care
122

USING THE RIGHT BULBS
Function Number of
bulbsTrade number
Headlamps (low series) 2 H6054
Headlamps (high series) 2 9007
Park lamp and turn signal (front) 2 3157 NAK
Back-up lamps 2 3156 K
License plate lamps 1 186
Stop/tail/side marker lamp 2 3357 K
Turn lamp (rear) 2 3156 K
High-mount brakelamp 2 912
Cargo lamp 1 211-2
Dome lamp (standard) 1 912
Map/reading lamp 2 211-2
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your dealer
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The alignment of your headlamps should be checked by a qualified
service technician if:
1. Oncoming motorists frequently signal you to deactivate your high
beams, and your high beams are not activated.
2. The headlamps do not seem to provide enough light for clear night
vision.
3. The headlamp beams are pointed substantially away from a slightly
down and to the right position.
CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Refer to the ªCustomer Assistance Guideº for a list of Ford-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.
Maintenance and care
125

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Transmission
3Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FAutomatic
(4R70W)13.1L
(13.9 quarts)
Motorcraft
MERCONt
AT FAutomatic
(E4OD)15.0L
(15.9 quarts)
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll Fill to line on
reservoir
If your vehicle's rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant it is
considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.
1Fill 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of additive friction modifier C8AZ-19B546-A, Ford
specification EST-M2C118±A, for complete refill of 8.8 inch and 9.75 inch
Traction-Lok axles.
2Fill Dana rear axles to 6 mm to 19 mm (1/4 inch to 3/4 inch) below
bottom of fill hole.
3Always use dipstick to determine exact fluid requirement.
4Ford conventional and Traction-Lok axles, Dana 80 axle (E-Super
Duty) and Dana axles on E-350 vans/wagons with 4.10:1 ratio require
Motorcraft SAE 75W140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant (part number
F1TZ-19580±B). Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of friction modifier C8AZ-19B546-A,
Ford specification EST-M2C118±A. Dana conventional and limited-slip
axles require Motorcraft SAE 80W90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant. Add
177ml (6 oz.) of additive friction modifier C8AZ-19B546-A, Ford
specification EST-M2C118±A.
Capacities and specifications
131

Aiming headlamps ....................125
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................46
and child safety seats ..............47
description ................................46
disposal ......................................49
indicator light ...........................48
passenger air bag .....................47
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .......16,17,18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description ................................64
Battery .......................................108
voltage gauge ............................12
Brake fluid
checking and adding ..............100
Brakes ..........................................63
anti-lock .....................................63
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................63
fluid, checking and adding ....100
Brake-shift interlock ...................65
Break-in period .............................2
Bulbs, replacing ........................122
headlamps ...............................123
specifications ..........................125
Changing a tire ...........................85
Child safety seats ........................51
Chime
headlamps on ..............................9
Cleaning your vehicle ...............125
engine compartment ..............127
fabric ........................................128
instrument panel ....................128
plastic parts ............................127
safety belts ..............................128
tail lamps .................................128
washing ....................................126
waxing .....................................126
wheels ......................................126
windows ..................................128Controls .......................................20
Emission control system ..........121
Engine ........................................134
check engine temperature
warning, message center .........96
service points ............................96
Engine block heater ...................61
Engine coolant
checking and adding .......101,102
disposal ....................................103
refill capacities ........................103
Engine oil ...............................97,99
changing oil and oil filter .........99
checking and adding ...........97,99
Exhaust fumes ............................62
Fail safe cooling ........................103
Fuel
calculating fuel economy .......120
improving fuel economy ..........76
octane rating ...........................119
quality ......................................120
running out of fuel .................120
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................118
Fuel gauge ...................................10
Fuel pump shut-off switch .........77
Fuse panels
instrument panel ......................79
power distribution box .............82
Fuses ............................................79
Gauges, Mechanical ....................10
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................11
Hazard flashers ...........................77
Headlamps ...................................13
daytime running lights .............13
flashing ......................................14
high beam .................................13
Heating ........................................14
High beams
indicator light .............................9
Index
140