service indicator FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 1999 10.G Owners Manual

Service engine soon (Federal only)
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System
(OBD I). This OBD I system
protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to
meet government emission standards. The OBD I system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
TheCheck Engine/Service 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 Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light
illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD I 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.
These and other temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the
fuel tank with good quality fuel. After three driving cycles without these
or any other temporary malfunctions present, theCheck Engine/Service
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 theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
6

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.
The Transmission Control Indicator
Light (TCIL), which is located on
the gearshift lever (the word OFF),
may flash steadily if a transmission
malfunction has been detected. It
the TCIL is flashing, contact your Ford dealer as soon as possible. If this
condition persists, damage to the transmission may occur.
Service engine soon (California only)
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System
(OBD II). This OBD II system
protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to
meet 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.
OVERDRIVE
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
7

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.
The Transmission Control Indicator
Light (TCIL), which is located on
the gearshift lever (the word OFF),
may flash steadily if a transmission
malfunction has been detected. It
the TCIL is flashing, contact your Ford dealer as soon as possible. If this
condition persists, damage to the transmission may occur.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. If the light remains on,
continues to flash or fails to
illuminate, have the system serviced
immediately.
Normal is braking is still effective unless the brake warning light(s) also
illuminate(s) with the ignition turned to ON.
OVERDRIVE
ABS
Instrumentation
8

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).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN mark, add enough oil to raise the level
within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil 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.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the MIN and MAX ranges, add only
certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil
filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
56

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 –36°C [–34°F]), 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
coolant concentration above 60%. Increased engine coolant
concentrations above 60% will decrease the freeze protection
characteristics of the engine coolant. Vehicles driven year-round in
non-extreme climates should use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
distilled water for optimum freeze protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•the engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•the
symbol will illuminate.
•the
symbol will illuminate.
•theService 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:
•the engine power will be limited.
•the air conditioning system will be disabled.
H
C
Maintenance and care
62

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
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 range on the
side of the dipstick with the words
MAX. HOT at the top. 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 range. Be sure to put the dipstick
back in the reservoir.
ADD MAX. HOTFULL
Maintenance and care
64

DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
The original universal joints are equipped with grease fittings.
Lubrication will be necessary. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for maintenance intervals.
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 Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level 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
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
67

Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded
gasoline. “Premium” unleaded 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.
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.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out fuel because this situation may have an adverse affect
on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to crank the engine several times after refueling before
the system starts to pump the fuel from the tank to the engine.
•Your “Service Engine Soon” indicator may come on. For more
information on the “Service Engine Soon” indicator, refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
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:
•Use only unleaded fuel.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
Maintenance and care
74

octane rating ........................73,87
quality ........................................74
running out of fuel ...................74
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ..................71
Fuses ............................................39
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) ...................80
Gauges .........................................10
battery voltage gauge ...............11
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................11
engine oil pressure gauge ........10
fuel gauge ..................................10
odometer ...................................12
speedometer .............................12
tachometer ................................13
trip odometer ............................12
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .......32
calculating .................................33
definition ...................................32
driving with a heavy load ........32
location ......................................32
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) ...............32
calculating ............................32,33
definition ...................................32
driving with a heavy load ........32
location ......................................32
Hazard flashers ...........................37
Headlamps ...................................14
daytime running lights .............14
flash to pass ..............................15
high beam ..............................9,14
turning on and off ....................14
warning chime ............................9
Ignition .........................................87
positions of the ignition ...........15
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ................................75Instrument panel
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................15
Jump-starting your vehicle ........48
Keys
key in ignition chime .................9
positions of the ignition ...........15
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................15
daytime running light ...............14
headlamps .................................14
headlamps, flash to pass ..........15
instrument panel, dimming .....15
replacing bulbs .........................76
Lights, warning and indicator ......4
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .........8,26
brake ............................................5
charging system ..........................5
check coolant ..............................4
door ajar ......................................9
engine oil pressure .....................4
fuel reset .....................................9
high beam ...................................9
low fuel ........................................4
safety belt ...................................5
service engine soon .................6,7
turn signal indicator ...................9
Load limits ...................................32
GAWR ........................................32
GVWR ........................................32
trailer towing ............................32
Lubricant specifications ........86,87
Motorcraft parts .....................77,84
Octane rating ..............................73
Odometer .....................................12
Overdrive .....................................20
Parking brake ..............................27
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ......84
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) .................................42
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ......64
Index
91