maintenance FORD F250 1997 User Guide

257
Maintenance and Care
%*[MC00200(FM)01/96]Service Made Easy
*[MC00300(F )01/96]Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*[MC00400(F )01/96]1. When we can, we design parts that do notneed to be serviced.
*[MC00500(F )01/96]2. We want to make servicing your vehicle aseasy as possible. To help you:
*[MC00600(F )01/96]qWe highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
*[MC00700(F )03/96]qWhen possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
*[MC00800(F )02/96]qWe give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in the Maintenance Schedule booklet.
*[MC00900(FM)01/96]This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*[MC01000(FM)01/96]If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check your Warranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see the Customer Assistance chapter of this
Owner Guide.
*[MC01100(FM)02/96]Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet be performed for
the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in the Owner Maintenance
Checklist , be alert for any unusual noise,
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264
%*
[MC05750(FM)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC05775(FM)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
[MC05800(FM)04/96]
one third page art:0060020-D
The API Certification Mark
*
[MC05900(FM)01/96]
Neveruse:
*
[MC06000(FM)01/96]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[MC06100(FM)02/96]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[MC06200(FM)01/96]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
[MC06300(F )05/96]
For vehicles with 5.8L engines
%*
[MC06400(F )03/96]
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).
%*
[MC06500(F )03/96]
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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265 [MC06600(F )04/96]
For vehicles with 7.5L engine
[MC06800(FM)01/96]
Engine oils with anSAE 10W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle which provide the
best engine protection for all climates down to
S5ÊF (S20ÊC). SAE5W-30 engine oils may also
be used down toS15ÊF (S25ÊC).
%*
[MC06900(FM)03/96]
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.
%*
[MC07000(FM)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC07100(FM)01/96]
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.
%*
[MC07200(FM)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC07300(FM)01/96]
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.
*
[MC07400(F )01/96]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
*
[MC07600(FM)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[MC07700(FM)01/96]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[MC07800(FM)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
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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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271
%*
[MC10700(FM)01/96]
Driveline Universal Joint and Slip
Yoke
*
[MC10750(F )03/96]
The universal joints that come standard with
your vehicle do not require lubrication. If your
original equipment universal joints are replaced
with universal joints equipped with grease
fittings, lubrication will be necessary at the
intervals shown in theMaintenance Schedule
booklet.
*
[MC10850(F )01/96]
Your vehicle may be equipped with a constant
velocity or double cardan joint at the transfer
case end of the driveshaft. The front driveshaft
double cardan joint may be fitted with a flush
type grease fitting that requires an adapter to
permit proper lubrication. Lubricate the drive
joint according to the intervals shown in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet.
[MC10875(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020379-A
Double cardan joint
%*
[MC10900(F )02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
%*
[MC10950(F )03/96]
Washer Fluid
*
[MC11000(F )02/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for
the windshield washer fluid is located in the
engine compartment.
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285 [MC22450(FM)03/96]
one third page art:0020946-A
Automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[MC22650(F )01/96]
Manual Transmission and
Transfer Case Fluid
[MC22700(F )01/96]
Checking the fluid
*
[MC22750(F )01/96]
Clean the filler plug on the side of the case.
Remove the filler plug. The fluid level should be
up to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
*
[MC22800(F )01/96]
If additional fluid is required:
[MC22850(F )01/96]
1. Add enough fluid through the filler plug
hole to bring the level up to the bottom of
the hole. Use only fluid certified to meet
Ford Motor Company lubricant specification
as listed underA Quick Reference for Refill
Capacities and Motorcraft Parts, later in this
section.
*
[MC22900(F )01/96]
2. Replace the filler plug in its original
position, making sure it is fully seated.
%
*
[MC23200(FM)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC23250(FM)01/96]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. When the original
equipment battery is replaced under warranty, it
may be replaced by a Motorcraft
Low-Maintenance Battery.
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286
*
[MC23300(FM)01/96]
The Low-Maintenance Battery has removable
vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and
for adding water, if necessary. The electrolyte
level should be checked at least every 24 months
or 24,000 miles (40,000 km) in temperatures up
to 90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore often in temperatures
above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the electrolyte level in
each cell up to the level indicator. Do not
overfill.
*
[MC23350(FM)01/96]
If the level gets low, you can add tap water to
the battery, provided the water isn't hard or
doesn't have a high mineral or alkali content.
However, if possible you should refill the battery
with distilled water. If the battery needs water
quite often, have the charging system checked
for a possible malfunction.
%*
[MC23400(FM)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC23450(FM)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[MC23500(FM)01/96]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
*
[MC23750(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Batteries normally produce explosive gases
which can cause personal injury. Do not
allow flames, sparks or lit tobacco to come
near the battery. Always cover your face
and protect your eyes and also provide
ventilation.
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288 %
*
[MC26150(FM)01/96]
Tire Rotation
*
[MC26200(FM)01/96]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires
perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly
and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the
following diagram.
*
[MC26500(F )12/95]
For tire rotation intervals, see theMaintenance
Schedule. If you notice that the tires wear
unevenly, have them checked.
[MC26525(FM)03/96]
NOTE: Do not rotate the dual rear tires.
*
[MC26600(F )01/96]
half page art:0020364-A
Tire rotation pattern
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301 %
*
[MC37400(F )01/96]
Comparisons With Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and Transport
Canada (TC) Fuel Economy Estimates
[MC37600(F )04/96]
NOTE: There are no EPA fuel economy
estimates for vehicles over 8500 lbs.
(3,855 kg) GVW.
%*
[MC37700(FM)01/96]
Improving Fuel Economy
*
[MC37800(FM)01/96]
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.
*
[MC37900(FM)01/96]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[MC38000(FM)01/96]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[MC38100(FM)01/96]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[MC38200(FM)01/96]
q
Sudden stops
*
[MC38300(FM)01/96]
q
Excessive speed
*
[MC38400(FM)01/96]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[MC38500(FM)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC38600(FM)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[MC38700(FM)01/96]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[MC38900(F )01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
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302
%*
[MC38925(FM)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC38950(F )01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[MC38975(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
*
[MC39000(F )01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[MC39075(FM)01/96]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC39100(FM)01/96]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[MC39125(FM)02/96]
q
Have the services listed in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet performed according to the
specified schedule. The scheduled
maintenance services are required because
they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
*
[MC39150(FM)01/96]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emissions control devices or systems in
your new Ford Motor Company vehicle or
engine may be performed at your expense by
any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
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