service indicator FORD E SERIES 1999 4.G 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 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
9

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
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position to remind
you to fasten your safety belts. For
more information, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Charging system
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
10

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 reservoir 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. If the gauge enters the red section, the oil
pressure/engine coolant andCheck Engine/Service Engine Soon
indicators illuminate, refer toWhat you should know about fail-safe
coolingin theMaintenance and care chapter.
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 ªLº and ªHº).
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 oil
in 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
13

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.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the 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
148

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 1.0 liter (1.0 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.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
²the engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
²the
symbol will illuminate.
²the
symbol 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.
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Maintenance and care
154

DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to the maintenance guide and or service guide for
maintenance intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with
universal joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be
necessary.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the maintenance guide and or service
guide for the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
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
mineral or 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.
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.
Maintenance and care
159

²Your ªService Engine Soonº light may come on. For more information
on the ªService Engine Soonº light, refer to theInstrumentation
chapter.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a one-eighth turn
on/off feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the ªService Engine Soon/Check Engine ª indicator comes on and stays
on when you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly
installed. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap and reinstall it
being careful to align the cap properly.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a genuine
Ford or Motorcraft part. The customer warranty may be void for
any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if a genuine Ford or
Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
Maintenance and care
173

Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................83
and child safety seats ..............84
description ................................83
disposal ......................................87
indicator light ...........................86
passenger air bag .....................85
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................109,110,111
Axle
refill capacities ........................189
Battery
disconnecting ............161,162,163
voltage gauge ............................14
Brakes ........................................103
anti-lock .....................103,104,105
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................104
fluid, checking and adding ....150
shift interlock ..........................108
Break-in period ..........................2,3
CD player ....................................53
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ....93
in rear seat ................................90
tether anchorage
hardware ..............................93,97
Cleaning your vehicle ...............183
engine compartment ..............185
exterior .............................184,187
exterior lamps .........................186
interior .....................................186
plastic parts ............................186
washing ....................................184
waxing .....................................184
wheels ......................................185
windows ..................................187
wiper blades ............................186
Controls
power seat .................................72
Coolant ...............................153,154checking and adding ..............152
refill capacities ........................154
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................159
Emission control system ..........178
Engine
coolant .....................................151
idle speed control ...................159
service points ..........................147
starting after a collision .........123
Engine block heater .................101
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............149
dipstick ....................................147
specifications ...................147,149
Exhaust fumes ..........................101
Fail safe cooling .................154,155
Fuel
choosing the right fuel ...........171
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................177
detergent in fuel .....................172
filling your vehicle
with fuel ...........................170,173
gauge .........................................12
quality ......................................172
running out of fuel .................172
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................170
Fuses ...................................125,126
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ..............174,175,176,177
Gauges .........................................12
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................13
engine oil pressure gauge ........13
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................113
Hazard flashers .........................123
Headlamps
aiming ......................................183
Index
200

bulb specifications ..................183
high beam ............................11,15
warning chime ..........................11
Heating ........................................16
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ...........................21,22
heater only system .........16,17,18
heating and air conditioning
system .............................18,19,20
Hood ..........................................146
Ignition .......................................195
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................179
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................186
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
positions of the ignition ...........56
Lamps
daytime running light ...............15
headlamps .................................15
headlamps, flash to pass ..........16
instrument panel, dimming .....16
interior lamps ...........................63
replacing bulbs ..179,180,181,182
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................57
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............8
brake ............................................8
charging system ........................10
engine oil pressure ...................11
safety belt .................................10
service engine soon .................8,9
turn signal indicator .................10
Lumbar support,
seats ..............................73,74,75,76
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......65
Motorcraft parts ........................174
Octane rating ............................172Odometer .....................................14
Overdrive .....................................62
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................67
Parking brake ............................105
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................129
Power door locks ........................64
Power steering ..........................107
fluid, checking and adding ....156
Radio ...................23,24,25,26,27,28
29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37
Relays .................................125,131
Remote entry system .................65
illuminated entry ......................70
locking/unlocking doors ......65,66
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................69
replacing the batteries .............67
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................11
Safety restraints
cleaning the safety belts ...82,187
extension assembly ..................81
for children ..........................87,88
lap belt ......................................80
warning light and chime .....11,82
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ................76,77,78,79,80
Seats ............................................71
child safety seats ......................89
Servicing your vehicle ..............145
Spark plugs, specifications .......188
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
diesel-powered vehicles .............4
Specification chart, lubricants .193
Speed control ..............................57
Speedometer ...............................12
Starting your vehicle ...........98,100
jump starting ............139,140,142
Index
201