check oil FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 1997, Model line: F250, Model: FORD F250 1997Pages: 377, PDF Size: 3.92 MB
Page 21 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 19
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[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 elec FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 19
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[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 elec](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-20.png)
19
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[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.
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[IS07600(F )03/96]
quarter page art:0020052-D
Battery voltage gauge
%*
[IS07800(FM)04/96]
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
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[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.
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[IS08000(FM)05/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
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[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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Page 22 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 20
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[IS08300(FM)01/96]
3. Check the engines oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine
oil. Refer toEngine oilin the Index. If you
do not follow these instructions, you or
o FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 20
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[IS08300(FM)01/96]
3. Check the engines oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine
oil. Refer toEngine oilin the Index. If you
do not follow these instructions, you or
o](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-21.png)
20
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[IS08300(FM)01/96]
3. Check the engine's oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine
oil. Refer toEngine oilin the Index. If you
do not follow these instructions, you or
others could be injured. To assure an
accurate reading, your vehicle should be on
level ground.
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[IS08400(FM)01/96]
4. If the level is low, add only as much oil as
necessary before you start the engine again.
Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if
the pointer is below the NORMAL band,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your
nearest dealer for further service actions.
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[IS08500(F )03/96]
quarter page art:0020057-D
Engine oil pressure gauge
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[IS08700(FM)03/96]
High Beam Light
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[IS08800(FM)01/96]
This light comes on when the headlamps are
turned on high beam or when you flash the
lights.
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[IS08900(FM)03/96]
one inch art:0020537-B
High beam indicator light
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Page 264 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 d FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 d](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-263.png)
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.
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[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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Page 265 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 266 [MC07900(FM)05/96]
quarter page art:0021609-AEngine oil dipstick (5.8L engine)
[MC07910(FM)05/96]
quarter page art:0021601-A
Engine oil dipstick (7.5L engine)
*
[MC08000(FM)01/96]
6. Carefully, pu FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 266 [MC07900(FM)05/96]
quarter page art:0021609-AEngine oil dipstick (5.8L engine)
[MC07910(FM)05/96]
quarter page art:0021601-A
Engine oil dipstick (7.5L engine)
*
[MC08000(FM)01/96]
6. Carefully, pu](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-264.png)
266 [MC07900(FM)05/96]
quarter page art:0021609-AEngine oil dipstick (5.8L engine)
[MC07910(FM)05/96]
quarter page art:0021601-A
Engine oil dipstick (7.5L engine)
*
[MC08000(FM)01/96]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QT.º line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in FULL, engine
damage or high oil consumption may occur
and some oil must be removed from the
engine.
*
[MC08100(FM)01/96]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
*
[MC08200(FM)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
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[MC08300(FM)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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Page 267 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 theMaint FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 theMaint](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-266.png)
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.
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[MC09400(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
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[MC09500(FM)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
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[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.
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[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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Page 286 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 287 %
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[MC23800(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[MC23850(FM)02/96]
If the acid touches someones skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 287 %
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[MC23800(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[MC23850(FM)02/96]
If the acid touches someones skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-285.png)
287 %
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[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).
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[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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Page 302 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 303
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[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 sta FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 sta](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-301.png)
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.
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Page 356 of 377

Index 367
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 16
Accessory position on the ignition . . . 67±68
Accessory power source, power
point outlet.............. 66
Additives, engine oil.......... 264
Air bag supplemental restraint system,
and child safety seats......... 122
Air cleaner filter
location............... 261
specifications............. 317
Alarm, activating remote personal..... 90
Alcohol, in fuel............. 297
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 27
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 274
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 145
see also Brake............ 145
warning light.............. 16
warninig light............. 15
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 338
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 335
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............. 27
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 63
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive . . 151, 155
fluid, adding............. 284
fluid, checking............ 283
fluid, refill capacities......... 318
fluid, specification.......... 324
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Page 363 of 377

374 Index
Engine fan............... 258
Engine knocking............. 296
Engine oil............... 264
changing oil and oil filter.....265, 267
checking and adding......... 265
dipstick............... 265
disposal...........268, 277, 284
engine oil pressure gauge........ 19
filter, specifications.......... 317
refill capacities............ 318
specifications...........264, 324
synthetic oil...........264±265
ªbreak-inº oils............. 9
viscosity............... 264
Entry system
illuminated............... 92
remote................. 89
Exhaust fumes............. 143
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Fan, engine fan, avoiding injury..... 258
Federal Communications Commission.... 55
Federal Highway Administration
Regulation............... 8
Flashers, hazard.............. 74
Flashing the lights............. 72
Flat tire................. 236
Fluid refill capacities........... 318
Foglamps................. 86
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 337
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 338
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 4
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 344
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Page 365 of 377

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
File:ltixf.ex
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