coolant level FORD F150 1997 10.G Owners Manual

Engine coolant temperature
Illuminates briefly when the
ignition key is turned to On (light
from optional cluster shown).
Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the engine and check the engine
coolant temperature level as soon
as possible. Refer toChecking
and adding engine coolantand
What you should know about
fail-safe coolingin the
Maintenance and caresection.
Oil pressure
Illuminates briefly when the
ignition key is turned to On (light
from base cluster shown).
Illuminates when the oil pressure
is low. Stop the engine and check
the engine oil level as soon as
possible. Refer toChecking and
adding engine oilin the
Maintenance and caresection.
Door ajar
Illuminates when the ignition
switch is in the ON or START
position and any door is open.
Charging system
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
DOOR
AJAR
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com_brake_system.01
Instrumentation
9

Tachometer (if equipped)
Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal
operating temperature, the needle
remains within the normal area. If
it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Switch off
the ignition and let it cool. Refer to
Checking and adding engine
coolantorWhat you should know
about fail safe coolingin the
Maintenance and carechapter.
Fuel gauge
Indicates the fuel level.
0RPMx1000
3
2
4
5
6 1
CHCH
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Instrumentation
15

CHECKING AND ADDING
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
1. Lift the washer fluid reservoir
cover.
2. Add washer fluid intil the level
reaches the FULL line.
Use only fluid that meets Ford
Specifications. Refer toCapacities
and specifications.
The addition of a bug shield to the
front of the vehicle may adversely
affect the washer system from
delivering fluid to the windshield.
Devices such as bug shields are
not recommended.
Windshield washer fluid
contains methanol and it is
poisonous. Follow all instructions
on the bottle of washer fluid.
What you should know about
washer fluid
In freezing weather [temperatures
below 0ÉC (32ÉF)], use washer
fluid containing a small amount of
antifreeze, such as methanol. State
or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) may
restrict the use of methanol, a
common type of antifreeze.
Use a non-methanol antifreeze in
freezing weather only if the fluid
does not damage the paint finish,
wiper blades and washer system.
WASHER FLUID
ONLY
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Maintenance and care
166

CHECKING AND ADDING
ENGINE COOLANT
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.
COOLANT FILL
LEVEL
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Maintenance and care
167

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.
Checking the cooling system
hoses
Inspect all engine and heater
system hoses and hose connections
for:
²deterioration
²leaks
²loose hose clamps
What you should know about
fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
Vehicles equipped with 4.6L or
5.4L engines have a fail-safe
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Maintenance and care
170

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.
CHECKING AND ADDING
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid
level at least twice a year.
1. Start the engine.
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Maintenance and care
172

2. When the engine coolant
temperature gauge reaches the
normal zone, turn the engine off.
3. Visually inspect the fluid level in
the power steering fluid reservoir.
4. Add power steering fluid until
the fluid level reaches MAX.
Use only fluid that meets Ford
specifications. Refer toCapacities
and specifications.
CHECKING AND ADDING
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking and adding automatic
transmission fluid (if equipped)
Service the automatic transmission
according to the scheduled
intervals in the ªService Guide.º
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
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Maintenance and care
173