check engine FORD F250 1997 Owner's Manual

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.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

274
%*
[MC11700(FM)01/96]
Engine Coolant
[MC11750(FM)01/96]
Checking the engine coolant
*
[MC11800(FM)05/96]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine
from overheating in the summer and from
freezing in the winter. Check the level of the
engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply
look at the engine coolant recovery reservoir
located in the engine compartment. To locate
this reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's
engine underEngine typesin this chapter.
*
[MC11850(FM)05/96]
If the engine coolant has not been checked for a
long period of time the engine coolant reservoir
may eventually empty. If the engine coolant
reservoir empties, check the engine coolant level
in the radiator. Read the following warnings
before removing the radiator cap. If it is
necessary to fill the radiator, refer to theEngine
Coolant Refill Procedurein this chapter for
instructions.
*
[MC11950(FM)01/96]
Adding engine coolant
[MC12000(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020354-A
Adding engine coolant
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

276
*
[MC12700(FM)05/96]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
%*
[MC12750(FM)01/96]
Freezing Protection
[MC12800(FM)04/96]
The factory-installed solution of Ford Premium
Cooling System Fluid and water will protect
your vehicle toS35ÊF (S37ÊC).Check the freeze
protection rating of the engine coolant at least
once a year, just before winter.
*
[MC12850(FM)04/96]
Add engine coolant only to the coolant
reservoir.If the coolant level is low, add to the
reservoir a 50/50 mixture of water and the type
of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may
add water by itself only in an emergency, but
you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture as
soon as possible. Check the engine coolant again
the next few times you drive your vehicle.
*
[MC12900(FM)01/96]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an
optimized formula that will protect all metals
and rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for
four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use
supplemental coolant additives in your gasoline
powered vehicle. These additives may harm
your engine cooling system. Follow the
recommended service interval for changing your
engine coolant.
*
[MC12950(FM)01/96]
NOTE: When you change or add engine
coolant, it is important to maintain
your engine coolant concentration
between 40%(-11ÊF [-24ÊC]) and 60%
(-62ÊF [-52ÊC]),depending on your local
climate conditions. Below 40% you will
lose freeze protection and above 60%
your engine may overheat on a warm
day.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

278
*
[MC13250(FM)04/96]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicle's coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
[MC13300(FM)04/96]
You may add water by itself only in an
emergency, but you should replace it with a
50/50 or appropriate mixture as soon as
possible.
*
[MC13350(FM)04/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add a quart
(liter) of engine coolant more than once a month.
[MC13400(FM)01/96]
Checking hoses
*
[MC13450(FM)01/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for
deterioration, leaks and loose clamps before
adding or replacing engine coolant. Make
whatever repairs or replacements that are
necessary using Motorcraft parts or their
equivalents.
[MC13500(FM)01/96]
Engine coolant drain and flush
*
[MC13550(FM)05/96]
To drain your vehicle's engine coolant:
*
[MC13600(FM)01/96]
1. Turn off the engine and let it cool. Fully
depressurize the engine cooling system by
covering the radiator cap with a thick cloth
and turning it slowly counterclockwise to the
first stop. Step back while the pressure
releases.
*
[MC13650(FM)01/96]
2. Remove the cap.
*
[MC13750(FM)01/96]
3. Attach a small hose to the drain tube at the
bottom of the radiator.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

279
*
[MC13800(FM)01/96]
4. Let the engine coolant drain into a suitable
container. Disconnect the lower radiator hose
at the radiator connector and drain any
remaining engine coolant into a container.
*
[MC13850(FM)01/96]
5. Reconnect the lower radiator hose and close
the radiator drain cock.
[MC13900(FM)04/96]
Proper procedures for flushing the cooling
system can be found in theTruck Service Manual.
[MC13950(FM)01/96]
Engine coolant refill procedure
*
[MC14000(FM)01/96]
After you have drained the engine cooling
system:
*
[MC14050(FM)01/96]
1. Fill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of the
specified engine coolant concentrate and
water. Allow several minutes for trapped air
to escape (bubble out) and for engine coolant
to flow through the radiator.
*
[MC14100(FM)01/96]
2. Replace the radiator cap to its fully installed
position, then back off to the first stop. This
will prevent high pressure from building up
in the cooling system during this part of the
fill procedure.
*
[MC14150(FM)01/96]
3. Start and idle the engine until the thermostat
opens and the radiator upper hose becomes
warm.
*
[MC14200(FM)01/96]
4. Shut off the engine and allow the engine to
cool. Cover the radiator cap with a thick
cloth and cautiously remove it. Step back
while the pressure releases.
*
[MC14250(FM)01/96]
5. Finally, check the radiator and add more
engine coolant if needed, following the
procedures noted above. Reinstall the
radiator cap securely, when finished.
*
[MC14300(FM)01/96]
6. If more engine coolant is necessary, fill the
overflow reservoir to the appropriate level
marked on the bottle.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

281
*
[MC18800(F )01/96]
quarter page art:0020386-B
Power steering reservoir
*
[MC19050(FM)01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
*
[MC19060(FM)03/96]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
*
[MC19070(FM)03/96]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
[MC19100(F )05/96]
Use only MERCONHAutomatic Transmission
Fluid.
*
[MC19250(FM)01/96]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[MC19400(FM)01/96]
NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel of your
vehicle with the engine off. It could
force power steering fluid out from the
reservoir cap or in extreme cases, it
could unseat the cap.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

283 %
*
[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).
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

306 [MC39750(FM)04/96]Maintenance
[MC39775(FM)04/96]
Instructions for maintenance and service of the
noise control system have been included in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet and in
the ªGeneral Maintenance Checklist.º To aid the
noise control system throughout the life of the
vehicle, Ford Motor Company recommends that
this vehicle should be operated according to the
Owner's Guide. When installing replacement
parts, use caution not to violate the tampering
act as described above. Use the Maintenance
Record Log to list any inspections and services
performed on the vehicle.
%*
[MC39800(FM)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC39825(FM)04/96]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies that
additional city and highway driving is necessary
to complete the check of the OBD II system.
[MC39830(FM)05/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes
city and highway driving as described below:
[MC39835(FM)05/96]
At least 20 minutes driving in stop and go, city
type traffic with at least four idle periods.
[MC39840(FM)05/96]
At least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway
or highway.
[MC39845(FM)05/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the
engine must be warmed up and at operating
temperature. Once started, the vehicle must not
be turned off during these driving modes.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com