charging FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual

18 [IS05400(F )04/96]NOTE: If your light truck is equipped with
dual fuel tanks, the ªCHECK ENGINEº
light may come on if fuel is restricted
to the engine or if the fuel flow is
momentarily disrupted because of an
empty fuel tank before you switched to
the auxiliary fuel tank. This condition
is normal and the light should go off
after full fuel flow is restored.
%*
[IS05900(FM)01/96]
Charging System Light
*
[IS06000(FM)04/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
[IS06100(FM)04/96]
one inch art:0020777-A
Charging system light
*
[IS06200(FM)03/96]
This light illuminates every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[IS06300(FM)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
%*
[IS07100(FM)05/96]
Battery Voltage Gauge (Voltmeter)
*
[IS07200(FM)04/96]
This gauge shows you the battery voltage when
the ignition key is in the ON position.
*
[IS07300(FM)01/96]
If you are running electrical accessories (when
the engine is off, or idling at a low speed), the
pointer may move toward the lower end of the
normal band. If it stays outside the normal band
area, have your vehicle's electrical system
checked as soon as it is safely possible.
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19
*
[IS07400(FM)04/96]
If the battery is operating under cold weather
conditions, the pointer may indicate in the upper
range of the NORMAL band while the battery is
charging. If you are running electrical accessories
with the engine off or idling at a low speed, or
the battery is not fully charged, the pointer may
move toward the lower end of the NORMAL
band.
*
[IS07500(FM)04/96]
If it stays outside the NORMAL band, have your
vehicle's electrical system checked as soon as it
is safely possible.
*
[IS07600(F )03/96]
quarter page art:0020052-D
Battery voltage gauge
%*
[IS07800(FM)04/96]
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
*
[IS07900(FM)01/96]
This gauge indicates the engine's oil pressure,
not the oil level. However, if your engine's oil
level is low, it could affect the oil pressure. With
the engine running, the pointer should move
into the NORMAL band. If the pointer drops
below the NORMAL band while the engine is
running, you have lost oil pressure and
continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
*
[IS08000(FM)05/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[IS08100(FM)04/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[IS08200(FM)04/96]
2. Shut off the engine immediately or severe
engine damage could result.
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250
*
[ER19450(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
*
[ER19500(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
%*
[ER19550(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.
%*
[ER19600(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[ER19650(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.
*
[ER19700(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not push-start your vehicle. You could
damage the catalytic converter. For further
information, seeJumper Cablesin the
Index.
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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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368 Index
Axle
lubricant specifications......... 324
refill capacities............ 318
traction lok.............. 220
B
Backing up............... 154
Basic vehicle warranty........... 4
Battery................. 285
acid, treating emergencies . . . 250, 286±287
battery saver.............. 93
charging system warning light...... 18
disconnecting............. 253
how to service............ 285
jumping a disabled battery....... 249
maintenance-free........... 285
proper disposal, recycling....... 286
replacement, specifications....... 317
servicing............... 285
voltage gauge.............. 18
when storing your vehicle....... 332
Brake fluid............... 268
brake warning light........... 15
checking and adding......... 268
description.............. 268
specifications...........269, 324
Brakelamp............... 310
bulb replacement........... 310
high-mount brakelamp........ 310
Brakes................. 145
adjustment.............. 145
anti-lock............... 145
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............. 16
applying the brakes.......... 148
brake warning light........... 15
fluid, checking and adding....... 268
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Index 369
Brakes (continued)
fluid, refill capacities.......268, 318
fluid, specifications........269, 324
front disc.............. 145
if brakes do not grip well.....147±148
master cylinder............ 268
new brake linings............ 9
noise................ 145
parking............... 149
power braking............ 145
rear anti-lock............. 146
servicing............... 268
stopping distances........148, 218
when storing your vehicle....... 332
Brake-shift interlock.........140, 154
Break-in period.............. 9
Brights (high beams)........... 20
Bulbs, replacing............. 307
halogen............... 308
headlamps.............. 308
high-mount brakelamp........ 310
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 344
Canada, warranty information....... 4
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 318
Carbon monoxide in exhaust....... 143
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)........ 122
Cassette tape player (see Electronic
sound system)........... 42,47
Catalytic converter........... 302
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . . 35
Chains, tires.............. 292
Changing a tire............. 236
Charging system gauge.......... 18
Charging system warning light....... 18
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376 Index
Fuel filler door...........293±294
override, manual........... 294
remote release............ 293
Fuel filter, specifications......... 317
Fuel gauge................ 21
Fuel pump shut-off switch
engine does not start......... 223
starting after a collision........ 223
Fuel tank selector switch, dual tanks.... 62
Fuse panels, instrument panel....226, 234
Fuses
charts................ 234
checking and replacing......225, 234
circuit breakers............ 235
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap).......... 293
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy) . . . 295, 300
Gasohol................ 297
Gasoline (see Fuel)............ 293
Gauges, Mechanical
battery voltage gauge.......... 18
charging system gauge......... 18
engine coolant temperature gauge.... 21
engine oil pressure gauge........ 19
fuel gauge............... 21
odometer................ 24
speedometer.............. 23
tachometer............... 24
trip odometer.............. 24
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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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