coolant FORD E SERIES 1998 4.G Owners Manual

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
Chimes 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.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position and either front door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off
(and the key is not in the ignition) and the driver's door is opened.
Instrumentation
9

Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains
within the normal area (the area
between the ªHº and ªCº). If it
enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, switch off
the engine immediately and let the
engine cool. Refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and care
chapter.
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine is
running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the
coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication
will not be accurate.
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 ªHº and ªLº).
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 toChecking
and adding engine oilin theMaintenance and carechapter). If the
oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your dealership or by a
qualified technician.
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Instrumentation
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Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to
illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the light (
) will not illuminate.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to 5 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
4 (ON).
2. If the engine does not start within five seconds, wait ten seconds and
try again.
3. If the engine does not start in two attempts or if the temperature is
below -12ÉC (10ÉF), depress the accelerator and start the engine while
holding the accelerator down. Release the accelerator when the engine
starts.
4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking
brake.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23ÉC
(-10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
3
2
1
5
4
Starting
61

1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Air filter assembly
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant recovery reservoir
9. Battery
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you fuel your vehicle.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
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).
²4.2L V6/5.4L V8/6.8L V10 engines
MIN MAX
Maintenance and care
97

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield
washer fluid.
ENGINE COOLANT
Check the level of the engine
coolant in the reservoir at least once
a month. Be sure to read and
understandPrecautions when
servicing your vehiclein this
chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked for a long period of time, the
engine coolant reservoir may eventually empty. If this occurs, add engine
coolant to the reservoir. For more information on engine coolant
COLD FILL LEVEL
Maintenance and care
101

maintenance, refer toAdding engine coolantin this chapter.
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine coolant,
antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and
vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield
washer fluid.
If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could make it difficult to see
through the windshield.
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
water to the engine coolant recovery reservoir-DO NOT ADD DIRECTLY
TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water only in an emergency, but you
should replace it with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water as
soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery reservoir the next few
times you drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough of a 50/50 mixture
of coolant and water to bring the liquid level to the fill line on the
reservoir.
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine is
running or hot.
If you must remove the coolant recovery cap, follow these steps to avoid
personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid E2FZ-19549±AA (in Canada,
Motorcraft CXC-8±B) or an equivalent premium engine coolant that
meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A. Ford Premium Engine Coolant
is an optimized formula that will protect all metals and rubber elastomers
used in Ford cooling systems for four years or 80,000 km (50,000 miles).
Maintenance and care
102

Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine coolants mixed
with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. Do not use supplemental coolant
additives in your vehicle. These additives may harm your engine cooling
system. The use of an improper coolant may void your warranty of your
vehicle's engine cooling system.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and Lincoln-Mercury
dealers use recycled engine coolant produced by Ford-approved
processes. Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant which
meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A, and use of such coolant may
harm engine and cooling system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have
to add more than a liter (quart) of engine coolant per month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36ÉC [±34ÉF]), it may
be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the coolant concentration in
your vehicle is such that the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months. Never increase the engine
coolant concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme climates.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The ªfail safeº distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
Maintenance and care
103

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.
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Maintenance and care
104

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
Maintenance and care
105

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 4.2L V6
engine4.6L V8
engine5.4L V8
engine6.8L V10
engine
Air filter FA-1632 FA-1632 FA-1632 FA-1632
Battery
(standard)BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650
Battery (optional) BXT-65-750 BXT-65-750 BXT-65-750 BXT-65-750
Battery (auxilary) BH-65DC BH-65DC BH-65DC BH-65DC
Fuel filter FG-872 FG-872 FG-872 FG-872
Oil filter FL-400-S FL-820-S FL-820-S FL-820-S
PCV Valve EV-152 EV-233 EV-233 EV-233
Spark plugs* AGSF-34EE AWSF-32PP AWSF-22E AWSF-22E
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for
spark plug gap information.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine oil
(includes
filter change)Motorcraft
5W30 Super
Premium Motor
OilAll 5.7L (6.0 quarts)
Engine
coolantFord Extended
Life Engine
Coolant
(DEX-COOL)4.2L V6 engine 22.0L (23.2 quarts)
4.6L V8 engine 23.7L (25.0 quarts)
5.4L V8 engine 27.4L (29.0 quarts)
6.8L V10 engine 29.0L (30.6 quarts)
Power
steering fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FAll Keep in FULL range
on dispstick
Capacities and specifications
129