light FORD F250 1996 Owners Manual

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[PI02300( ALL)05/95]
Table of ContentsIntroductory Information............................... 1
Safety Restraints............................................ 11
Starting Your F-Series.................................. 49
Warning Lights and Gauges....................... 63
Instrument Panel Controls.......................... 79
Steering Column Controls.......................... 95
Features.......................................................... 109
Electronic Sound Systems......................... 139
Driving Your F-Series................................ 169
Roadside Emergencies................................ 253
Customer Assistance................................... 281
Reporting Safety Defects........................ 288
Accessories.................................................... 293
Servicing Your F-Series............................. 301
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5
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[IN04600( EF )06/92]
Special Notices
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[IN04750( F )11/89]
NOTICE TO OWNERS OF
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES
*
[IN04800( F )11/89]
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or an accident. Be sure to read the
Additional Special Driving Instructions for
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle Operators, in this book
and the special supplement included with
four-wheel drive vehicles entitled4-Wheeling with
Ford.
*
[IN04820( EF )02/89]
NOTICE TO OWNERS OF
LIGHT TRUCK AMBULANCE
CONVERSIONS
*
[IN04900( EF )03/91]
If your light truck is equipped with theFord
Ambulance Preparation Package, it can be
utilized as an ambulance. Ford urges ambulance
manufacturers to follow the recommendations of
theFord Incomplete Vehicle Manual,Ford
Truck Body Builder's Layout Book, and the
QVM Guidelinesas well as pertinent
supplements. For further information, please call
the Light Truck Body Builders Advisory Service
on 1-800-635-5560.
*
[IN05000( EF )12/91]
Use of your Ford light truck as an ambulance,
without theFord Ambulance Preparation
Packagevoids the Ford New Vehicle Limited
Warranty and may void the Emissions
Warranties. In addition, ambulance usage
without the preparation package could cause
high underbody temperatures, overpressurized
fuel, and a risk of spraying fuel which could
lead to fires. If your light truck is equipped with
theFord Ambulance Preparation Packageit will
say so on its information decal. The decal is
located on the driver's side door pillar or on the
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6rear edge of the driver's door. You can
determine whether the ambulance manufacturer
followed Ford's recommendations by directly
contacting that manufacturer.NOTE: Ford
Ambulance Preparation Packageis only
available on certain 7.3L Diesel Econoline and
F-Series vehicles.
*
[IN05050( EF )02/89]
NOTICE TO OWNERS OF
DIESEL-POWERED VEHICLES
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[IN05070( EF )04/89]
Read the7.3L Diesel Engine Owner's Guide
Supplementfor information regarding correct
operation and maintenance of your
diesel-powered light truck.
%
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[IN05100( ALL)05/95]
Your Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
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[IN05200( ALL)05/95]
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the
same as the warranty number that appears on
your owner card. You should include this
number any time you write to Ford Motor
Company about your vehicle.
*
[IN05300(BEF )05/95]
The Vehicle Identification Number is attached to
your vehicle in the following places:
*
[IN05350( EF )05/90]
Complete Ford Built Vehicles
*
[IN05400(BEF )05/95]
q
on the metal tag attached to the top of the
instrument panel on the driver's side Ð you
can see the tag by looking through the
windshield from outside your vehicle.
*
[IN05450(BEF )10/89]
one inch art:0010558-A
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN/Serial Number)
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9 %
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[IN06800(BEF )01/95]
q
Use only the type of engine oil that Ford
recommends.SeeEngine oil recommendations
in the Index. Do not use special ªbreak-inº
oils.
%
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[IN07100(BEF )04/95]
Cleaning the Outside of Your
Vehicle
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[IN07200(BEF )04/95]
Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle
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[IN07300(BEF )04/95]
Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the
underside, with a mild detergent.
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[IN07400(BEF )04/95]
DO NOT:
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[IN07500(BEF )04/95]
q
Wash your vehicle with hot water
*
[IN07600(BEF )04/95]
q
Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct
sunlight
*
[IN07700(BEF )04/95]
q
Wash your vehicle while the body is hot
*
[IN07800(BEF )05/95]
Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage
the paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your
vehicle as often as necessary to keep it clean.
*
[IN07900(BEF )05/95]
Take similar precautions if your vehicle is
exposed to chemical industrial fallout.
*
[IN08000(BEF )04/95]
Paint damage resulting from fallout is not
related to a defect in paint materials or
workmanship and therefore is not covered by
warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual
improvement in customer satisfaction is a high
priority. For this reason, Ford has authorized
their dealers to repair, at no charge to the
owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by
environmental fallout within 12 months or 12,000
miles (20,000 km) of purchase, whichever comes
first. Customers may be required to bring their
vehicle in for inspection by a Ford
representative.
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[IN08100(BEF )04/95]
Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits
and protect the finish.
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11
Safety Restraints
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[SR00500(BEF )04/95]
Important Safety Belt Information
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[SR00600(BEF )03/95]
The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada the law requires their use.
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[SR00700(BEF )01/95]
Safety belts provide best restraint when:
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[SR00800(BEF )01/95]
q
the seatback is upright
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[SR00900(BEF )01/95]
q
the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)
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[SR01000(BEF )01/95]
q
the lap belt is snug and low on the hips
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[SR01100(BEF )01/95]
q
the shoulder belt is snug against the chest
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[SR01200(BEF )01/95]
q
the knees are straight forward
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[SR02000(BEF )05/95]
To help you remember to fasten your safety belt,
a warning light may come on and a chime may
sound. SeeSafety Belt Warning Light and Chimein
theWarning Lights and Gaugeschapter.
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[SR02100(BEF )01/95]
See the following sections in this chapter for
directions on how to properly use these safety
belts. Also seeSafety Restraints for Childrenin this
chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.
%*
[SR02200(BEF )05/95]
RWARNING
Make sure that you and your passengers
wear safety belts. Always drive and ride
with your seatback upright and the lap
belt snug and low across the hips.
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25 %
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[SR11800(BEF )01/95]
How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint
System Operates
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[SR11900(BEF )10/94]
The air bag supplemental restraint system has
two main parts. One part is the air bag system
with the driver air bag and inflator located in
the center of the steering wheel. The second part
is the electrical system, which has impact
sensors, and a diagnostic module, and backup
power supply. The diagnostic module monitors
its own internal circuits and the supplemental air
bag electrical system readiness, including the
impact sensors, the system wiring, the air bag
system readiness light, air bag power, and the
air bag ignitor.
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[SR12050(B F )03/93]
half page art:0021011-A
The location of the air bag and warning label
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26
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[SR12200(BEF )05/95]
The air bag system uses a readiness light and a
tone to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When
you turn the ignition to the ON position, this
light will illuminate for approximately six (6)
seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the
system is operating normally.NOTE:
Maintenance of the air bag system is not
required.
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[SR12300(BEF )05/95]
A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following: the readiness light will
either flash or stay lit, or it will not light, or a
group of five beeps will be heard.
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[SR12360(BEF )04/95]
RWARNING
If any of these things happen, even
intermittently, have the air bag system
serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately.
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[SR12400(BEF )03/95]
Tone generator
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[SR12500(BEF )03/95]
The air bag readiness light indicates the air bag
system condition. However, a series of five sets
of five beeps will be heard only if the readiness
light does not work and there is a problem with
the air bag system. This also means that the Air
Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is in
need of service. The tone pattern will repeat
(five sets of five beeps) periodically until the
problem and light are repaired. Unless serviced,
the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System may
not function properly in the event of a collision.
*
[SR12600(BEF )05/95]
RWARNING
Do not attempt to service, repair, or
modify the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System or its fuses. See your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
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49
Starting Your F-Series
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[ST01700( ALL)03/95]
Ignition
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[ST01800( ALL)01/95]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
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[ST02000( ALL)05/90]
quarter page art:0020004-B
The positions of the key in the ignition lock cylinder.
*
[ST02200( ALL)03/95]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
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[ST02300( ALL)03/95]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
*
[ST02400( ALL)03/95]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transmission gearshift lever.
[ST02500(B F )05/95]
LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
gearshift if your vehicle's gearshift is on the
column.
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55
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[ST05900(BEF )03/95]
Testing the Warning Lights
*
[ST06015(BEF )03/95]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to theWarning
Lights and Gaugeschapter.
*
[ST06025(BEF )03/95]
If your Brake Warning Light does light up with
the key in the ON position, you may not have
fully released the parking brake or the brake
fluid may be low.
%*
[ST06200( ALL)02/95]
Starting Your Engine
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[ST06300( ALL)02/95]
To start your engine:
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[ST06400( ALL)05/95]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
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[ST06425( ALL)03/95]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
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[ST06451(BEF )03/95]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
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[ST06475( ALL)02/95]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
*
[ST06501( ALL)02/95]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
%*
[ST06510( ALL)04/95]
For a cold engine:
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[ST06515( ALL)04/95]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
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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.
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[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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