FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual

292
*
[MC27480(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
%*
[MC28000(F )01/96]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[MC28050(F )03/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[MC28100(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[MC28150(F )01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[MC28200(F )01/96]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
*
[MC28250(F )01/96]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC28300(F )01/96]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
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293
*
[MC28350(F )01/96]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC28400(F )01/96]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
*
[MC28450(F )01/96]
q
Make sure your suspension insulation and
bumpers are not missing or worn to avoid
damage to your vehicle.
%
*
[MC29600(FM)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[MC29900(F )05/96]
one third page art:0020351-E
Fuel filler door
[MC30000(F )05/96]
one third page art:0020753-B
Fuel filler door
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294 %
*
[MC30100(F )01/96]
Opening the Fuel Filler Door
*
[MC30200(F )01/96]
To open the fuel filler door of your vehicle, just
insert your finger in the divot and pull the door
open all the way.
%*
[MC30400(FM)01/96]
Removing the fuel cap
*
[MC30500(FM)01/96]
The proper instructions for removing the fuel
cap are as follows:
*
[MC30600(FM)01/96]
q
Unscrew the fuel cap by exerting pressure on
the plastic lock bar and rotating the fuel cap
counterclockwise.
*
[MC30700(FM)01/96]
q
Turn the fuel cap 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn until a
hissing sound is heard. When the hissing
sound stops, continue rotating
counterclockwise to remove the fuel cap.
*
[MC30800(FM)01/96]
q
Make sure that you follow the above fuel cap
removal instructions and use caution. Such
caution will minimize the possibility of fuel
spraying during removal of the fuel cap.
*
[MC30900(FM)03/96]
To replace and secure the fuel cap, place it in
position and rotate it clockwise until it clicks
(ratchets). Doing so will not damage or break
the fuel cap. The ratcheting mechanism allows
the fuel cap to be sealed without overtightening.
*
[MC31000(FM)01/96]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft or equivalent part.
%*
[MC31100(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can damage the
fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision.
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295
*
[MC31200(FM)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
*
[MC31300(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
*
[MC31400(F )01/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal
condition. It may be caused by:
*
[MC31500(F )01/96]
q
Too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions.
The service stations sometimes sell winter
grade fuel in the summer.
*
[MC31600(F )01/96]
q
Pulling a heavy load on hot days, or at high
altitudes.
*
[MC31700(F )01/96]
q
Extended periods of idling with the engine
RPM increased above the normal idle range.
*
[MC31800(F )01/96]
q
Parking vehicle in full sunlight for extended
periods on extremely hot days.
%*
[MC32000(FM)01/96]
Choosing the Right Fuel
[MC32100(F )04/96]
NOTE: Read the7.3L Diesel Engine Owner
Guide Supplementfor information
regarding correct fuel requirements for
your diesel-powered vehicle.
*
[MC32200(FM)03/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. Using leaded fuel
is prohibited by federal law and could damage
your vehicle. The damage may not be covered
by your warranty.
*
[MC32250(FM)04/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel
containing manganese-based additives such as
MMT. Additionally, vehicles certified to
California emission standards (indicated on the
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296underhood Vehicle Emissions Control
Information label) are designed to operate on
California reformulated gasolines. If California
reformulated gasoline is not available when you
refuel, your vehicle can be operated on
non-California fuels. However, even though your
engine will perform adequately on other
gasolines, the performance of the emission
control devices and systems may be adversely
affected. Repair of damage caused by using a
fuel that your vehicle was not designed for may
not be covered by your warranty.
%*
[MC32400(FM)04/96]
Octane recommendation
*
[MC32500(FM)03/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular
unleaded gasoline with an (R+M)/2 octane
rating of 87. We do not recommend gasolines
labeled ªregularº in high altitude areas that are
sold with octane ratings of 86 or even less.
*
[MC32600(FM)01/96]
one inch art:0060001-C
Typical octane rating label
%*
[MC32800(FM)03/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane rated fuel, see your dealer
or a qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
%*
[MC32900(FM)04/96]
Fuel quality
*
[MC33000(FM)03/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems, try a different brand of fuel.
If the condition persists, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
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297
*
[MC33050(FM)04/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline
specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of
your vehicle. We recommend the use of
gasolines that meet the AAMA specification if
they are available.
*
[MC33100(FM)04/96]
It should not be necessary to add any
aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you
continue to use a high-quality fuel.
%*
[MC34000(FM)04/96]
Gasolines for clean air
*
[MC34100(FM)04/96]
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve
air quality, including reformulated gasolines, that
contain oxygenates such as a maximum of 10%
ethanol or 15% MTBE. There should be no more
than 5% methanol with co-solvents and additives
to protect the fuel system.
%*
[MC34400(FM)01/96]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive
Fuels
*
[MC34500(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury
or death if misused or mishandled.
*
[MC34600(FM)01/96]
Gasoline and other automotive fuels are
extremely flammable. Turn your vehicle off and
do not smoke while refueling your vehicle. Keep
sparks and other sources of ignition away from
fuels.
*
[MC34700(FM)01/96]
Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal if
swallowed. Further, gasoline may be blended
with methanol. Even small amounts of methanol
can cause blindness and possibly death when
swallowed. Therefore, never attempt to siphon
any fuel by mouth.
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298 [MC34800(FM)04/96]If any fuel is swallowed, call a physician or
poison control center immediately. Do not delay
calling a physician merely because no adverse
effects are noticed at first; the toxic effects of a
gasoline-methanol blend, including blindness,
may not become apparent for many hours.If
gasoline is swallowed, do not induce vomiting.
If a gasoline-methanol blend is swallowed,
induce vomiting under the direction of a
physician or poison control center.
*
[MC34900(FM)01/96]
Gasoline and gasoline-methanol blends may
contain small amounts of carcinogens, such as
benzene. Long-term exposure to unleaded
gasoline vapors has caused cancer in laboratory
animals. Further, excessive inhalation of fuel
vapors can cause headache, dizziness, nausea,
loss of coordination, and other symptoms which
could interfere with your ability to safely
operate your vehicle. To the extent possible,
avoid breathing vapors while refueling. If fuel
vapors are inhaled in excessive quantities, move
the victim to fresh air and seek medical
attention.
*
[MC35000(FM)01/96]
Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through
the skin. When refueling, be careful not to
splash fuel on yourself or your clothing. If fuel
is splashed on the skin, promptly remove
contaminated clothing and wash the skin
thoroughly with soap and water.
*
[MC35100(FM)01/96]
Fuels can cause severe eye irritation and possibly
eye damage. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with large
amounts of water for 15 minutes, and seek
medical attention.
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299
*
[MC35200(FM)01/96]
If you are taking the medication ªAntabuseº or
other forms of disulfiram for the treatment of
alcoholism, vapor or skin contact with a
gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same
kind of adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic
beverage. In sensitive individuals, serious
personal injury or sickness could result. Consult
a physician promptly if you experience an
adverse reaction.
*
[MC35300(FM)02/96]
Filling the fuel tank
*
[MC35400(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure
in an overfilled tank may cause leakage
and lead to fuel spray and fire.
*
[MC35500(FM)01/96]
To fill the fuel tank properly:
*
[MC35600(FM)01/96]
NOTE: Extinguish all lit cigarettes, other
smoking materials, and any open
flames before fueling your vehicle.
*
[MC35700(FM)01/96]
1. Remove the fuel cap by following the
instructions above underRemoving the Fuel
Capin this chapter. Proceed to add fuel to
the tank only if your vehicle is on level
ground.
*
[MC35800(FM)01/96]
2. Make sure that you pump unleaded fuel and
put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe.
*
[MC35900(FM)01/96]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it off immediately.
The fuel may dull or soften the paint
if you do not wash it off.
%*
[MC36000(FM)03/96]
3. Replace the fuel cap completely when you
are finished. Turn it clockwise 1/4 turn until
it is tight. It will click when it is fully
tightened.
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300 %
*
[MC36100(FM)01/96]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[MC36200(FM)01/96]
If your vehicle runs out of fuel, try to stop on
level ground away from traffic. Add at least two
gallons (8 liters) of fuel to start your vehicle
again. If your vehicle is not on level ground,
you may need as much as five gallons (20 liters)
of fuel to start it.
*
[MC36300(FM)01/96]
You may need to crank the engine several times
before the fuel system starts to pump fuel from
the tank to the engine.
%*
[MC36400(FM)03/96]
Fuel Economy
*
[MC36500(FM)01/96]
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of
your vehicle and can be calculated as Miles Per
Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per 100 Kilometers
(L/100K).
*
[MC36600(FM)01/96]
Do not calculate fuel economy during your
vehicle's break-in period. This would not be an
accurate estimate of how much fuel your vehicle
will normally use.
*
[MC36700(FM)01/96]
To calculate fuel economy:
*
[MC36800(FM)01/96]
1. Fill the tank completely and record the
initial odometer reading.
*
[MC36900(FM)01/96]
2. Every time you buy fuel record the
amount (in gallons or liters) purchased.
*
[MC37000(FM)01/96]
3. After at least three to five tankfuls, fill the
fuel tank and record the final odometer
reading.
*
[MC37100(FM)01/96]
4. Use these equations to calculate your fuel
economy.
*
[MC37200(FM)01/96]
q
English: MPG = (total miles)/(gallons used).
*
[MC37300(FM)01/96]
q
Metric: L/100K = (liters used) x 100/(total
kilometers)
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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.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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