FORD F250 1996 Owners Manual

312 [SV06975( ALL)05/95]If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft or equivalent part.
%*
[SV07000( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can damage the
fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision.
*
[SV07025( ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
*
[SV07050( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
*
[SV07060(BEF )11/89]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal
condition. It may be caused by:
*
[SV07061(BEF )03/90]
q
Too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions.
The service stations sometimes sell winter
grade fuel in the summer.
*
[SV07062(BEF )11/89]
q
Pulling a heavy load on hot days, or at high
altitudes.
*
[SV07063(BEF )11/89]
q
Extended periods of idling with the engine
RPM increased above the normal idle range.
*
[SV07064(BEF )11/89]
q
Parking vehicle in full sunlight for extended
periods on extremely hot days.
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313
*
[SV07500( ALL)05/95]
Choosing the Right Fuel
*
[SV07550( EF )05/94]
NOTE: Read the7.3L Diesel Engine Owner
Guide Supplementfor information
regarding correct fuel requirements for
your diesel-powered vehicle.
*
[SV07600( ALL)05/95]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL in your vehicle.
Using leaded fuel is prohibited by federal law.
Your warranty may not apply if your vehicle is
damaged because you used the wrong fuel.
*
[SV07700( ALL)05/95]
Vehicle inspection programs may detect
misfueling. Under these circumstances, you may
be required by law to make costly repairs at
your own expense.
*
[SV08710( ALL)04/95]
Octane recommendations
*
[SV08725( ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular
unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87.In
most cases, it is not necessary to use a fuel with
an octane rating higher than 87. At service
stations, the octane rating is displayed on a label
on the pumps.
*
[SV08900( ALL)05/95]
one inch art:0060001-C
Typical octane rating label
*
[SV09050( ALL)05/95]
In some parts of the country, ªregularº grade
fuels are sold with octane ratings of 86 or even
less, especially in high altitude areas. We
recommend that you do not use these fuels.
Always use a fuel with an octane rating of 87,
even if it is sold as a ªmidgradeº or ªpremium.º
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314
*
[SV09200( ALL)05/95]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or when
you accelerate. However, if a fuel with the
recommended octane rating knocks heavily
under all driving conditions or knocks lightly
driving at cruising speed on level roads, see
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Persistent, heavy knocking can damage the
engine.
*
[SV09435( ALL)05/95]
Fuel quality
*
[SV09450( ALL)05/95]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems when the engine is cold, it
may be caused by fuel with low volatility. Try a
different brand of fuel. If the condition persists,
see your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[SV09452( ALL)05/95]
Using a high-quality fuel makes your vehicle
more responsive and maintains its good fuel
economy and emissions by:
*
[SV09455( ALL)05/95]
q
protecting your fuel system from rusting.
*
[SV09460( ALL)05/95]
q
preventing the fuel lines from freezing.
*
[SV09465( ALL)05/95]
q
improving vehicle starting and warm-up.
*
[SV09470( ALL)05/95]
q
protecting the fuel system from vapor lock in
very hot weather, which causes the engine to
hesitate or stall and makes restarts difficult.
*
[SV09475( ALL)05/95]
q
minimizing deposits in fuel injectors,
combustion chambers, and on intake valves.
*
[SV09480( ALL)05/95]
q
preventing your fuel system from ªgumming
upº when your vehicle is not used for long
periods of time.
*
[SV09485( ALL)05/95]
q
preventing your engine from knocking and
pinging.
*
[SV09500( ALL)05/95]
It should not be necessary to add any
aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you
continue to use a high-quality fuel.
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315
*
[SV09875( ALL)04/95]
Gasolines for clean air
*
[SV09900( ALL)05/95]
Fuels in certain areas of the country are required
to contain oxygenates to improve air quality.
Common oxygenates are ethanol or grain alcohol
(blended at no more than 10%), methanol or
wood alcohol (blended at no more than 5% with
cosolvents and additives), and MTBE or methyl
tertiary butyl ether (blended at no more than
15%).
[SV09950( ALL)04/95]
Reformulated gasoline is also required in certain
areas of the U.S. These fuels are designed to
further reduce the emissions from your vehicle.
[SV10000( ALL)04/95]
Generally, you should not experience difficulties
operating your vehicle on reformulated gasoline
or on fuels containing oxygenates. We encourage
you to use these fuels.
%*
[SV10185( ALL)05/95]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive
Fuels
*
[SV10195( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury
or death if misused or mishandled.
*
[SV10200( ALL)05/95]
Gasoline and other automotive fuels are
extremely flammable. Turn your vehicle off and
do not smoke while refueling your vehicle. Keep
sparks and other sources of ignition away from
fuels.
*
[SV10205( ALL)03/95]
Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal if
swallowed. Further, gasoline may be blended
with methanol. Even small amounts of methanol
can cause blindness and possibly death when
swallowed. Therefore, never attempt to siphon
any fuel by mouth.
*
[SV10210( ALL)03/95]
If any fuel is swallowed, call a physician or
poison control center immediately.Do not delay
calling a physician merely because no adverse
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316effects are noticed at first; the toxic effects of a
gasoline-methanol blend, including blindness,
may not become apparent for many hours.If
gasoline is swallowed, do not induce vomiting.
If a gasoline-methanol blend is swallowed,
induce vomiting under the direction of a
physician or poison control center.
*
[SV10215( ALL)03/95]
Gasoline and gasoline-methanol blends may
contain small amounts of carcinogens, such as
benzene. Long-term exposure to unleaded
gasoline vapors has caused cancer in laboratory
animals. Further, excessive inhalation of fuel
vapors can cause headache, dizziness, nausea,
loss of coordination, and other symptoms which
could interfere with your ability to safely
operate your vehicle. To the extent possible,
avoid breathing vapors while refueling. If fuel
vapors are inhaled in excessive quantities, move
the victim to fresh air and seek medical
attention.
*
[SV10220( ALL)03/95]
Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through
the skin. When refueling, be careful not to
splash fuel on yourself or your clothing. If fuel
is splashed on the skin, promptly remove
contaminated clothing and wash the skin
thoroughly with soap and water.
*
[SV10225( ALL)05/95]
Fuels can cause severe eye irritation and possibly
eye damage. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with large
amounts of water for 15 minutes, and seek
medical attention.
*
[SV10230( ALL)05/95]
You should be particularly careful if you are
taking the medication ªAntabuseº or other forms
of disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism.
There is a possibility that breathing the vapors
of a gasoline-methanol blend, or skin contact
with such a blend, may cause the same kind of
adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic
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317
beverage. In sensitive individuals, serious
personal injury or sickness could result. Consult
a physician promptly if you experience an
adverse reaction.
*
[SV10300( ALL)02/95]
Filling the fuel tank
*
[SV10400( ALL)04/94]
RWARNING
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure
in an overfilled tank may cause leakage
and lead to fuel spray and fire.
*
[SV10500( ALL)01/95]
To fill the fuel tank properly:
*
[SV10550( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Extinguish all lit cigarettes, other
smoking materials, and any open
flames before fueling your vehicle.
*
[SV10600( ALL)01/95]
1. Remove the fuel cap by following the
instructions above underRemoving the Fuel
Capin this chapter. Proceed to add fuel to
the tank only if your vehicle is on level
ground.
*
[SV10700( ALL)03/95]
2. Make sure that you pump unleaded fuel and
put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe.
*
[SV10800( ALL)05/95]
3. If you spill any fuel on the body of your
vehicle, clean it off immediately. The fuel
may dull or soften the paint if you do not
wash it off.
%*
[SV10900( ALL)05/95]
4. Replace the fuel cap completely when you
are finished. Turn it clockwise 1/4 turn until
it is tight. It will click when it is fully
tightened.
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318 %
*
[SV11300( ALL)05/95]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[SV11400( ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle runs out of fuel, try to stop on
level ground away from traffic. Add at least two
gallons (8 liters) of fuel to start your vehicle
again. If your vehicle is not on level ground,
you may need as much as five gallons (20 liters)
of fuel to start it.
*
[SV11500( ALL)05/95]
You may need to crank the engine several times
before the fuel system starts to pump fuel from
the tank to the engine.
%*
[SV11600( ALL)05/95]
Fuel Economy
*
[SV11700( ALL)05/95]
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of
your vehicle and can be calculated as Miles Per
Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per 100 Kilometers
(L/100K).
*
[SV11750( ALL)05/95]
Do not calculate fuel economy during your
vehicle's break-in period. This would not be an
accurate estimate of how much fuel your vehicle
will normally use.
*
[SV11800( ALL)05/95]
To calculate fuel economy:
*
[SV11900( ALL)05/95]
1. Fill the tank completely and record the inital
odometer reading.
*
[SV12000( ALL)05/95]
2. Every time you buy fuel record the
amount (in gallons or liters) purchased.
*
[SV12200( ALL)05/95]
3. After at least three to five tankfuls, fill the
fuel tank and record the final odometer
reading.
*
[SV12225( ALL)05/95]
4. Use these equations to calculate your fuel
economy.
*
[SV12250( ALL)05/95]
q
English: MPG = (total miles)/(gallons used).
*
[SV12275( ALL)05/95]
q
Metric: L/100K = (liters used) x 100/(total
kilometers)
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319
*
[SV12300(BEF )05/95]
Comparisons With EPA Fuel Economy
Estimates
*
[SV12400(BEF )05/95]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from
laboratory tests under simulated road conditions
and may not reflect the actual conditions you
experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that
you will achieve the fuel economy shown.
*
[SV12450( F )03/93]
NOTE: There are no EPA fuel economy
estimates for vehicles over 8500 lbs.
(3,855 kg) GVW.
*
[SV12500( ALL)05/95]
Improving Fuel Economy
*
[SV12600( ALL)05/95]
Fuel economy is affected by a number of
variables which can reduce efficiency. You can
improve fuel economy by understanding these
variables and minimizing their effect.
*
[SV12700( ALL)05/95]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[SV12800( ALL)05/95]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[SV12900( ALL)05/95]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[SV13000( ALL)05/95]
q
Sudden stops
*
[SV13100( ALL)05/95]
q
Excessive speed
*
[SV13200( ALL)05/95]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[SV13300( ALL)05/95]
q
Heavy loads
*
[SV13400( ALL)05/95]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[SV13500(BEF )05/95]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[SV13550(BEF )05/95]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
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320
*
[SV13600( ALL)02/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[SV13610( ALL)04/95]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
*
[SV13655( ALL)03/95]
one third page art:0060020-D
The API Certification Mark
*
[SV13670( ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680( ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690( ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700( ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
[SV13705( EF )04/95]
For vehicles with 5.8L engines.
*
[SV13710(BEF )03/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[SV13725( ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
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321
*
[SV13730( EF )01/93]
For vehicles with 4.9L, 5.0L or 7.5L engines
[SV13740( ALL)04/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 10W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle which provide the
best engine protection for all climates down to
-5ÊF (-20ÊC). SAE5W-30 engine oils may also be
used down to-15ÊF (-25ÊC).
[SV13745( ALL)02/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
*
[SV13775( ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800( ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
*
[SV13900( ALL)03/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000( ALL)02/95]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[SV14050(B F )03/95]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
*
[SV14100( ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[SV14200( ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[SV14300( ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
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