check engine light FORD F250 1996 Owners Manual

58
*
[ST07300(BEF )05/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
*
[ST07350( ALL)05/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[ST07400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[ST07450( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[ST07500(BEF )03/95]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[ST07600(BEF )03/95]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
(Standard in Canada)
*
[ST07700(BEF )03/95]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
File:ltstf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:26:52 1996
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61
*
[ST08330( ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ST08340( ALL)03/95]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving your vehicle.
*
[ST08350(BEF )03/95]
quarter page art:0020107-A
Reset button for fuel pump shut-off switch
%*
[ST09300( ALL)02/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[ST09400( ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[ST09500( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding
Against Exhaust Fumesin this chapter for
more instructions.
*
[ST09600( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
File:ltstf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:26:52 1996
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66
*
[LG03000( ALL)06/94]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[LG03100( ALL)06/93]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
*
[LG03200( ALL)03/95]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[LG03350( EF )06/92]
The red warning light for the brakes can show
three things Ð that either the parking brake is
not fully released, that the brake fluid level is
low in the master cylinder reservoir or the
vacuum pressure is low on diesel engine
vehicles. If the fluid level is low, the brake
system should be checked by a qualified service
technician.
*
[LG03400( ALL)05/94]
This light comes on when you turn the ignition
key to START to verify that the indicator bulb is
working. If the light stays on or comes on after
you have released the parking brake fully, have
the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[LG03500( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
*
[LG03600( ALL)11/89]
one inch art:0020044-A
Brake warning light symbols
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Update:Thu May 9 15:22:28 1996
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68
*
[LG04150(BEF )02/95]
Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime
*
[LG04301(BEF )03/95]
This warning light and chime remind you to
fasten your safety belt. The following conditions
will take place:
*
[LG04325(BEF )03/95]
q
If the safety belt is not buckled when the key
is turned to the ON position, the light comes
on for 1 to 2 minutes and the chime sounds
for 4 to 8 seconds.
*
[LG04351(BEF )02/95]
q
If the safety belt is buckled while the light is
on and the chime is sounding, both the light
and chime turn off.
*
[LG04365(BEF )05/95]
q
If the safety belt is buckled before the
ignition is turned to the ON position, neither
the light nor the chime will come on.
*
[LG04400( ALL)10/92]
one inch art:0020046-B
Safety belt warning light symbol
*
[LG04500( ALL)03/95]
Check Engine Warning Light
*
[LG04525( ALL)05/95]
The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II)
system consists of the hardware and software
necessary to monitor the operation of the
powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to
check the function of the vehicle's powertrain
control system during normal operation. If an
emission problem is detected, the Check Engine
Warning Light (in the cluster) is turned on.
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69
*
[LG04550( ALL)05/95]
one inch art:0020048-A
Check engine warning light symbol
*
[LG04575( ALL)05/95]
Modification or additions to the vehicle may
cause incorrect operation of the OBD II system.
Additions such as burglar alarms, cellular
phones, and CB radios must be carefully
installed. Do not install these devices by tapping
into or running wires close to powertrain control
system wires or components.
*
[LG04600( ALL)05/95]
The light comes on briefly when you turn the
ignition key toON, but it should turn off when
the engine starts. If the light does not come on
when you turn the ignition toONor if it comes
on and stays on when you are driving, have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. This
indicates a possible problem with one of the
vehicle's emission control systems. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed in.
*
[LG04625( ALL)05/95]
If the light turns on and off at one (1) second
intervals while you are driving the vehicle, it
means that the engine is misfiring. If this
condition persists, damage could occur to the
engine or catalytic convertor. Have your vehicle
serviced at the first opportunity. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed in.
*
[LG04650( ALL)05/95]
If the light turns on and off on rare occasions
while you are driving, it means that a
malfunction occurred and the condition corrected
itself.
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70
*
[LG04662( F )05/95]
NOTE: If your light truck is equipped with
dual fuel tanks, the ªCHECK ENGINEº
light may come on if fuel is restricted
to the engine or if the fuel flow is
momentarily disrupted because of an
empty fuel tank before you switched to
the auxiliary fuel tank. This condition
is normal and the light should go off
after full fuel flow is restored.
*
[LG04675( ALL)05/95]
An example of a condition which corrects itself
occurs when an engine running out of fuel
begins to misfire. In this case, the Check Engine
Warning Light may turn on and will then set a
Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the
engine was misfiring while the last of the fuel
was being consumed. After refueling, the Check
Engine Warning Light will turn off after the
vehicle has completed three consecutive warm
up cycles without a misfire condition occurring.
A warm up cycle consists of engine start from a
cold condition (engine at ambient temperature)
and running until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
*
[LG04700( ALL)05/95]
On the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine
Warning Light will turn off as soon as the
engine begins to crank. It is not necessary to
have the engine serviced.
*
[LG04725( ALL)05/95]
Under certain conditions, the Check Engine
Warning Light may come on if the fuel cap is
not properly installed. If the Check Engine
Warning Light comes on and you suspect that
the fuel cap is not properly installed, pull off the
road as soon as it is safely possible and turn off
the engine. Remove and replace the fuel cap,
making sure it is properly seated.
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71
*
[LG04750( ALL)05/95]
After completing the three consecutive warm up
cycles and on the fourth engine start up, the
Check Engine Warning Light should turn off. If
the light does not go off after the fourth engine
restart, have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer or a qualified technician.
*
[LG05900( ALL)01/95]
Charging System Light
*
[LG06000( ALL)03/95]
This light, shown as a battery symbol on your
cluster, indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
*
[LG06050( ALL)03/91]
one inch art:0020777-A
The charging system light
*
[LG06100( ALL)05/95]
This light comes on every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[LG06300(B FM)01/95]
If the light stays on or comes on when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
*
[LG06305(BEF )06/93]
Supplemental Air Bag Readiness Light and
Tone Generator
*
[LG06310(BEF )06/93]
This light illuminates for six seconds when the
ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash, remains on,
or if a series of five beeps is heard, have the
system serviced as soon as possible.
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72 [LG06320(B F )05/95]
one inch art:0000653-CSupplemental air bag readiness light
*
[LG06400( ALL)05/94]
Battery Voltage Gauge (Voltmeter)
*
[LG06601( ALL)05/94]
This gauge shows you the battery voltage when
the ignition key is in the ON position.
*
[LG06700( ALL)11/89]
If you are running electrical accessories (when
the engine is off, or idling at a low speed), the
pointer may move toward the lower end of the
normal band. If it stays outside the normal band
area, have your vehicle's electrical system
checked as soon as it is safely possible.
*
[LG06701( ALL)05/95]
If the battery is operating under cold weather
conditions, the pointer may indicate in the upper
range of the NORMAL band while the battery is
charging. If you are running electrical accessories
with the engine off or idling at a low speed, or
the battery is not fully charged, the pointer may
move toward the lower end of the NORMAL
band.
*
[LG06750( ALL)05/94]
If it stays outside the NORMAL band, have your
vehicle's electrical system checked as soon as it
is safely possible.
*
[LG06900(B F )03/93]
quarter page art:0020052-D
Battery voltage gauge
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204
*
[DR23250( ALL)11/89]
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems ªlowº, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
*
[DR23300( ALL)02/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes annoyingly loud or increases
significantly in frequency of occurrence, return
the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
*
[DR23400(BEF )11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[DR23500(BEF )07/92]
If Brakes Pull
*
[DR23600(BEF )07/92]
q
Check tire pressure
*
[DR23700(BEF )07/92]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[DR23800(BEF )05/95]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles
(800 km), make 10 moderately fast stops from
40 mph (65 km/h) and then perform the
self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly
seat new brake linings and pads.
*
[DR24000( ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR24100( ALL)11/89]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
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Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
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211
*
[DR27801( ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
*
[DR27820( ALL)07/94]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is
submerged in water, their fluids should
be checked and changed, if necessary.
*
[DR27825( ALL)03/93]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
*
[DR27850( ALL)11/89]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[DR27901(B F )05/90]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD LOW, when the
vehicle gets stuck and try to drive away.
*
[DR27950( ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may rock it out of the spot. Shift
in a steady rhythm between forward and reverse
gears. Allow the transmission to fully engage,
then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock
the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This
may overheat the engine and transmission,
causing damage to both. In addition, other
vehicle systems and components may also be
damaged.
*
[DR27975( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(56 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
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