service indicator FORD E SERIES 1998 4.G Owners Manual

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 good quality fuel 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
7

Transmission control indicator light (TCIL)
The word OFF located on the end
of the gearshift lever is the
transmission control indicator light
(TCIL).
The TCIL may flash steadily if a
malfunction is detected. If the TCIL is flashing, contact your Ford dealer
as soon as possible. If this condition persists, damage to the transmission
could occur.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
Charging system
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash
or remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
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.
OVERDRIVE
Instrumentation
8

²4.6L V8 engine
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marksthe oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
²Oil 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.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
98

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.
Maintenance and care
108

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

Hood
release lever ..............................96
Ignition
positions of the ignition ...........21
Instrument panel
lighting up panel and interior .14
Jump-starting your vehicle ...91,93
attaching cables ........................92
disconnecting cables ................93
Keys
key in ignition chime .................9
Lamps
interior lamps ....................28,124
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............6
brake ............................................6
charging system ..........................8
engine oil pressure .....................9
safety belt ...................................8
service engine soon .................6,7
turn signal indicator ...................8
Load limits
trailer towing ............................69
Lubricant specifications ...........132
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......30
Odometer .....................................12
Overdrive .....................................27
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................31
Parking brake ..............................64
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....129
Power door locks ........................29
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....105
Refill capacities for fluids ........129
Relays .....................................79,84
Remote entry system .................30
illuminated entry .................33,34
locking/unlocking doors ......30,31replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................32
replacing the batteries .............31
Reporting safety defects ..........139
Safety restraints
extension assembly ..................44
for children ...............................49
lap and shoulder belts ...40,41,42
maintenance ..............................45
proper use .................................39
warning light and chime ..9,44,45
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ....54
tether anchorage
hardware .........................54,55,57
Seats
adjusting the seat, manual .......34
adjusting the seat, power ........35
bench seat ............................36,37
lumbar support .........................36
quick release rear captain's
chair ......................................38,39
Servicing your vehicle ................95
precautions when servicing .....95
Snowplowing .................................3
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............3
diesel-powered vehicles .............3
Speed control ..............................22
canceling a set speed ...............25
resuming a set speed ...............25
tap up/tap down ..................23,24
turning off .................................22
Speedometer ...............................10
Starting your vehicle .............59,61
Tilt steering wheel ......................26
Tires ....................................114,115
changing ...............................85,86
checking the pressure ............115
replacing .............................88,117
rotating ....................................115
snow tires and chains ............117
Index
141