maintenance FORD F250 1998 User Guide

²Do not work on a vehicle with
the engine running in an
enclosed space, unless you are
sure you have enough
ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open
flames and other lit material
away from the battery and all
fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the
engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained in
Batteryin this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in 1 (First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Maintenance and care
153
ProCarManuals.com

Working with the engine on
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine
with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in 1 (First).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle
and release the auxiliary latch that
is located under the front center of
the hood. Lift the hood until the
lift cylinders hold it open.
BRAKE
HOOD
Maintenance and care
154
ProCarManuals.com

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN
THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.2L engine
1. Battery
2. Engine oil filler
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (if
equipped)
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Engine coolant recovery
reservoir
7. Air filter assembly
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Transmission fluid dipstick
(automatic transmission only)
10. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
67
1245
8910
3
Maintenance and care
155
ProCarManuals.com

4.6L/5.4L engines
1. Battery
2. Automatic transmission fluid
dipstick
3. Engine oil filler
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (if
equipped)
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Air filter assembly
9. Engine coolant recovery
reservoir
10. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you
fuel your vehicle.
109
1234657
8
Maintenance and care
156
ProCarManuals.com

1. Make sure the vehicle is on level
ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a
few minutes for the oil to drain
into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator
(dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert
the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the
MIN and MAX marks, the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT
ADD OIL.
MIN MAX
Maintenance and care
157
ProCarManuals.com

²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise
the level within the MIN-MAX
range.
²Oil levels above the MAX mark
may cause engine damage. Some
oil must be removed from the
engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and
ensure it is fully seated.
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you
fuel your vehicle.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level
ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a
few minutes for the oil to drain
into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
Maintenance and care
158
ProCarManuals.com

5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator
(dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert
the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the
MIN and MAX marks, the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT
ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise
the level within the MIN-MAX
range.
²Oil levels above the MAX mark
may cause engine damage. Some
MIN MAX
Maintenance and care
159
ProCarManuals.com

oil must be removed from the
engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and
ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For
instructions, refer toChecking the
engine oilin this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within
the normal range, add only
certified engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through
the oil filler cap. Remove the filler
cap and use a funnel to pour oil in
the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make sure
the oil level is not above the MAX
mark on the dipstick.
Engine oil recommendations
Look for this certification mark.
Ford oil specification is
WSS-M2C153-G.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified
for gasoline engines by the
American Petroleum Institute.
Do not use supplemental engine oil
additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary
Maintenance and care
160
ProCarManuals.com

and could, under certain
conditions, lead to engine damage
which is not covered by your
warranty.
Changing the engine oil and
filter
Change your engine oil and filter
according to the following mileage
and time requirements, whichever
occurs first:
²Normal Schedule ± 8,000 km
(5,000 miles) or six months.
²Severe Duty Schedule - 5,000
km (3,000 miles) or three
months. Severe duty operation
would include extensive idling,
trailer towing, driving in severe
dust and police, taxi or delivery
service.
Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed
for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter
is used that does not meet Ford
material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock
may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine
application.
Maintenance and care
161
ProCarManuals.com

BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake
fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed at least once
each year:
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid
until the level reaches MAX. Do
not fill above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford
specifications. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid
that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your
brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for
the master cylinder run
dry. This may cause the brakes
to fail.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
162
ProCarManuals.com