charging FORD F250 2000 Owners Manual

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON
position. If the light remains on,
continues to flash or fails to
illuminate, have the system serviced
immediately. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is
disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning
light also remains illuminated with the parking brake released.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or both of the
indicators stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
turn signal bulb. Refer toExterior bulbsin theMaintenance and care
chapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Four wheel drive low (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the START
position. Illuminates when
four-wheel drive low is engaged. If
the light continues to flash have the system serviced.
ABS
LOW
RANGE
Instrumentation
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However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Maintenance and care
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Illumination of the “Service Engine Soon” light, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system
is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your “Warranty Guide” for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your “Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon” light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the “Check Engine/Service Engine Soon” light on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
Maintenance and care
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Accessory delay ..........................63
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................88
and child safety seats ..............89
description ................................88
disposal ......................................92
driver air bag ............................90
indicator light ......................13,91
operation ...................................90
passenger air bag .....................90
passenger
deactivation switch ...................92
Air cleaner filter ................193,222
Air conditioning ..........................27
Ambulance packages ....................4
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................182
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................110,111
Audio system (see Radio) .........32
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................115
fluid, adding ............................189
fluid, checking ........................189
fluid, refill capacities ..............222
fluid, specification ..................227
Auxiliary power point .................27
Axle
lubricant specifications ...225,227
refill capacities ........................222
traction lok ..............................112
Battery .......................................194
acid, treating emergencies .....194
charging system
warning light .............................14
jumping a disabled battery ....166
maintenance-free ....................194
replacement, specifications ...222
servicing ..................................194
voltage gauge ............................19
Belt minder .................................84Brakes ........................................109
anti-lock .....................109,110,111
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ......................14,110
brake warning light ..................13
fluid, checking and adding ....179
fluid, refill capacities ..............222
fluid, specifications ..........225,227
lubricant specifications ...225,227
parking ....................................111
shift interlock ..........................114
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....222
Certification Label ....................232
Child safety restraints ................97
child safety belts ......................97
Child safety seats ........................98
attaching with tether straps ..102
in front seat ..............................99
in rear seat ................................99
tether anchorage hardware ...102
Cleaning your vehicle ...............217
engine compartment ..............219
exterior ....................................219
exterior lamps .........................220
instrument panel ....................220
instrument panel lens ............220
interior .....................................221
plastic parts ............................219
safety belts ..............................221
washing ....................................218
waxing .....................................218
wheels ......................................219
wiper blades ............................220
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............27
Clock ..................................36,42,52
Clutch
fluid ..........................................181
operation while driving ..........117
recommended shift speeds ....119
Compass, electronic ....................22
Index
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replacing
bulbs ............212,213,214,215,216
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................56
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................13
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....14,110
brake ..........................................13
charging system ........................14
check coolant ............................15
cruise indicator .........................15
door ajar ....................................15
engine oil pressure ...................15
high beam .................................14
low fuel ......................................10
safety belt .................................13
service engine soon .............10,11
turn signal indicator .................14
Load limits .................................132
GAWR ......................................132
GVWR ......................................132
trailer towing ..........................132
Loading instructions .................134
Locks
childproof ..................................64
Lubricant specifications ....225,227
Lumbar support, seats ...............75
Manual transmission .................117
fluid capacities ........................222
lubricant specifications ..........227
reverse .....................................121
Message center ...........................20
english/metric button ...............20
menu button .............................20
Mirrors .........................................66
fold away ...................................65
heated ........................................65
side view mirrors (power) .......64
Motorcraft parts .................206,222
Octane rating ............................204
Odometer .....................................18
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................176Overdrive .....................................61
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................68
Parking brake ............................111
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....222
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................152
Power door locks ........................63
Power steering ..........................112
fluid, checking and adding ....188
fluid, refill capacity ................222
fluid, specifications ..........225,227
Preparing to
drive your vehicle .....................113
Radio ............................................32
Relays ........................................147
Remote entry system ............67,68
illuminated entry ......................69
locking/unlocking doors ...........67
panic alarm ...............................68
replacement/additional
transmitters ..........................70,71
replacing the batteries .............68
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ...........16,75,77,78,79,81
Safety defects, reporting ..........246
Safety restraints ......75,77,78,79,81
belt minder ...............................84
cleaning the safety belts ...87,221
extension assembly ..................83
for adults .........................77,78,79
for children ..........................96,97
lap belt ......................................82
warning light
and chime ...................13,16,83,84
Safety seats for children ............98
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............75
Seats ............................................72
child safety seats ......................98
cleaning ...................................221
Servicing your vehicle ..............172
Index
250
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