check engine light FORD F250 1997 User Guide

266 [MC07900(FM)05/96]
quarter page art:0021609-AEngine oil dipstick (5.8L engine)
[MC07910(FM)05/96]
quarter page art:0021601-A
Engine oil dipstick (7.5L engine)
*
[MC08000(FM)01/96]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QT.º line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in FULL, engine
damage or high oil consumption may occur
and some oil must be removed from the
engine.
*
[MC08100(FM)01/96]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
*
[MC08200(FM)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[MC08300(FM)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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268 [MC09000(F )04/96]If the above conditions do not apply, change
the engine oil and oil filter every 6 months or
5,000 miles (8,000 km), whichever comes first.
*
[MC09100(FM)02/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
[MC09200(F )04/96]
NOTE: Refer to thePower Stroke Diesel Engine
Owner's Guide Supplementfor oil
viscosity, filter application and oil and
filter change intervals.
%*
[MC09300(FM)04/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
*
[MC09400(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC09500(FM)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
*
[MC09600(FM)01/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC09625(FM)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level
indicator in the master cylinder which lights the
BRAKE warning light on the instrument panel
when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[MC09650(FM)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
*
[MC09675(FM)01/96]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You
can do this by looking at the fluid level in the
plastic brake fluid reservoir on the master
cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
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280
%*
[MC18300(FM)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC18350(FM)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
*
[MC18400(FM)01/96]
To check the level of your power steering fluid:
*
[MC18450(FM)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC18500(FM)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC18550(F )01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[MC18650(FM)01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[MC18700(FM)01/96]
one third page art:0021016-B
Power steering dipstick
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303
*
[MC39175(FM)01/96]
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.
*
[MC39200(F )01/96]
RWARNING
On vehicles without original equipment
floor covering or insulation, do not let
passengers ride in your truck in a manner
that allows contact between skin and the
metal floor.
*
[MC39225(FM)01/96]
If other than Ford or Motorcraft or Ford
authorized remanufactured parts are used for
maintenance, replacement, or for the service of
components affecting emissions control, the
owner should be assured that such parts are
warranted by their manufacturer to be
equivalent to genuine Ford Motor Company
parts in performance and durability. Please
consult your warranty information booklet for
complete warranty information.
*
[MC39250(F )01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[MC39275(FM)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
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Index 367
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 16
Accessory position on the ignition . . . 67±68
Accessory power source, power
point outlet.............. 66
Additives, engine oil.......... 264
Air bag supplemental restraint system,
and child safety seats......... 122
Air cleaner filter
location............... 261
specifications............. 317
Alarm, activating remote personal..... 90
Alcohol, in fuel............. 297
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 27
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 274
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 145
see also Brake............ 145
warning light.............. 16
warninig light............. 15
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 338
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 335
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............. 27
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 63
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive . . 151, 155
fluid, adding............. 284
fluid, checking............ 283
fluid, refill capacities......... 318
fluid, specification.......... 324
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Index 373
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)...... 42
Emergencies, roadside
battery acid spills.........250, 287
fuel................. 297
jump-starting............. 249
towing................ 254
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 149
Emission control system......... 302
catalytic converter.......... 302
emissions warranty....... 4,302, 304
Engine
check engine warning light....... 17
diesel................. 7
does not start............ 223
fuel injected engine, starting....137, 139
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 223
preparing to start.........137±138
refill capacities............ 318
service points............ 261
starting............... 139
starting after a collision........ 223
storing your vehicle........330±331
Engine block heater........... 142
Engine coolant............. 274
checking and adding......... 274
disposal...........268, 277, 284
preparing for storage......... 331
proper solution......268, 276±277, 284
recovery reservoir........261, 275
refill capacities............ 318
specifications...........277, 324
temperature gauge........... 21
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 21
description............... 21
mechanical............... 21
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374 Index
Engine fan............... 258
Engine knocking............. 296
Engine oil............... 264
changing oil and oil filter.....265, 267
checking and adding......... 265
dipstick............... 265
disposal...........268, 277, 284
engine oil pressure gauge........ 19
filter, specifications.......... 317
refill capacities............ 318
specifications...........264, 324
synthetic oil...........264±265
ªbreak-inº oils............. 9
viscosity............... 264
Entry system
illuminated............... 92
remote................. 89
Exhaust fumes............. 143
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Fan, engine fan, avoiding injury..... 258
Federal Communications Commission.... 55
Federal Highway Administration
Regulation............... 8
Flashers, hazard.............. 74
Flashing the lights............. 72
Flat tire................. 236
Fluid refill capacities........... 318
Foglamps................. 86
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 337
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 338
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 4
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 344
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Index 379
K
Keys
key in ignition chime.......... 69
positions of the ignition......... 67
removing from the ignition....... 69
stuck in lock position........67±68
L
Lamps
cargo lamps.............. 64
checking............... 307
combination cargo and brakelamp.... 65
courtesy lamps............. 64
daytime running light system...... 63
dome lamps.............. 64
flashing the lamps........... 72
fog lamps............... 86
hazard flashers............. 74
headlamps............... 62
high beams.............. 72
high-mount brakelamp........ 310
illuminated entry system........ 92
instrument panel, dimming....... 64
interior lamps........... 62,64
map lamps............... 66
replacing bulbs............ 307
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal) . . . 71
Lap belts................ 114
Lights, warning and indicator
anti-lock brakes (ABS).......... 16
brake................. 15
charging system............ 18
check engine.............. 17
engine oil pressure........... 19
four-wheel drive........... 166
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380 Index
Lights, warning and indicator (continued)
hazard warning light.......... 74
high beam............... 20
oil pressure............... 19
overdrive off............. 153
rear ABS................ 16
safety belt............... 17
service engine soon........... 17
testing the warning lights....... 138
turn signal indicator........... 71
Load limits............... 175
GAWR................ 175
GVWR................ 175
trailer towing............. 178
Locking hubs
lever operated with automatic..... 167
lever operated with manual...... 170
Lubricant specifications......... 324
Lug nuts................ 240
standard............... 243
tightening sequence......240, 247±248
Lumbar support, seats.......... 106
Lumbar support pad........... 106
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
and Record booklet)........... 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 257
Manual transmission
clutch..............158, 270
driving................ 158
fluid, checking and adding....... 285
fluid capacities............ 318
lubricant specifications......... 324
shifting gears............. 159
shift speeds.............. 161
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