FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual

282
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[MC21300(FM)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
[MC21360(F )05/96]
Your vehicle does not use up transmisison fluid.
However it is recommended that you check the
transmission fluid at least twice a year. If the
transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
[MC21450(F )05/96]
NOTE: For E4OD transmissions, there is no
30,000 mile (48,000 km) sheduled
transmission fluid change requirement.
[MC21490(F )05/96]
Severe Operating Conditions
[MC21500(FM)01/96]
Transmission fluid, filter and seal assembly
should be changed every 21,000 miles
(34,000 km) only under any of the following
conditions.
[MC21550(FM)01/96]
q
Extended periods of high speed driving
during hot weather at/or above+90ÊF
(+30ÊC).
[MC21600(FM)01/96]
q
Towing a trailer for distances over 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) per trip.
[MC21650(FM)01/96]
q
Accumulating 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or more
per month.
[MC21700(FM)01/96]
q
Continuous operation and/or extensive idling
(a delivery service as an example).
*
[MC21750(FM)04/96]
q
Operating in severe dust conditions.
[MC21800(FM)01/96]
NOTE: Use of a transmission fluid other than
specified could result in transmission
malfunction and/or failure. Refer to
ªAdding automatic transmission fluidº,
ªRefill capacitiesº and ªlubricant
specificationsº for further information.
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283 %
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[MC21850(FM)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
[MC21875(FM)01/96]
Transmission fluid should be checked at least
twice a year.
*
[MC21900(FM)01/96]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20
miles (30 km) of driving. However, if necessary,
you can check the fluid level without having to
drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal
operating temperature if outside temperatures
are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[MC21950(FM)01/96]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic during hot weather, or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow the fluid to cool before checking.
*
[MC22000(FM)05/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and move the transmission gearshift
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage. Securely latch
the transmission gearshift in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
[MC22050(F )04/96]
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with the 4x4 option
must have the 4x4 shift selector in any
position other than neutral.
*
[MC22100(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the
fluid level is below the bottom hole on
the dipstick and outside temperatures are
above50ÊF (10ÊC).
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284
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[MC22150(FM)01/96]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out
and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
*
[MC22200(FM)01/96]
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperature, the fluid level should be within the
crosshatched area on the dipstick. When the
vehicle has not been driven, and outside
temperature is above50ÊF (10ÊC), thefluid level
should be between the holes on the dipstick.
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[MC22250(FM)01/96]
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
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[MC22300(FM)01/96]
The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick.
Before adding any fluid, be sure that the
correct type will be used.
*
[MC22350(FM)01/96]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level to the correct
area on the dipstick. If an overfill occurs, excess
fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
%*
[MC22400(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.
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285 [MC22450(FM)03/96]
one third page art:0020946-A
Automatic transmission dipstick
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[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.
%
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[MC23200(FM)01/96]
Battery
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[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
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[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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287 %
*
[MC23800(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[MC23850(FM)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[MC23900(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
%
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[MC24900(FM)01/96]
Tires
%*
[MC25400(FM)03/96]
Checking Tire Pressure
*
[MC25410(FM)02/96]
q
Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
*
[MC25420(FM)02/96]
q
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold,
after the vehicle has been parked for at least
one hour or has been driven less than 3 miles
(5 km).
*
[MC25430(FM)03/96]
q
Adjust tire pressure to recommended
specifications found on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[MC25500(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
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288 %
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[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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289 %
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[MC26850(FM)01/96]
Replacing the Tires
*
[MC26900(FM)01/96]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (2 mm) of tread left.
*
[MC26950(FM)01/96]
quarter page art:0060006-A
Wear band
*
[MC27000(FM)02/96]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly,
you may need to replace them before a wear
band appears across the entire tread.
*
[MC27100(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix
radial, bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use
only the tire sizes that are listed on the
tire pressure decal. Make sure that all tires
are the same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire
combinations recommended on the decal.
If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and
safely.
*
[MC27350(FM)01/96]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicle's original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
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290 %
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[MC27360(FM)01/96]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[MC27370(FM)01/96]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their
Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded
into the tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has
set.
*
[MC27380(FM)01/96]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic
tires for use on passenger cars. They do not
apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires
with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49
Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
[MC27390(FM)03/96]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire
quality grades:The U.S. Department of
transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly
as the government has written it.
%*
[MC27410(FM)01/96]
Treadwear
*
[MC27420(FM)01/96]
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
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291
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[MC27430(FM)01/96]
Traction A B C
*
[MC27440(FM)01/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
*
[MC27460(FM)01/96]
Temperature A B C
[MC27470(FM)03/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature
grade for this is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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