check engine FORD F250 2001 Owner's Manual

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
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Checking and adding transfer case fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft Part Numbers.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.

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6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less
effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
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Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2.
Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the “Service Engine Soon/Check Engine” indicator comes on and stays
on after you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly
installed. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap
properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
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•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
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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.
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 yourWarranty Guidefor 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.
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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.
BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
•Headlamps
•High-mount brakelamp
•Brakelamps
•Turn signals
•License plate lamp
•Tail lamps
•Back-up lamps
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they can be replaced immediately with
new ones. If a bulb is removed for an extended period of time,
contaminants may enter the lamp housings and affect lamp performance.
Replacing headlamp bulbs (aerodynamic)
1. Make sure that the headlamp control is in the OFF position.
2. Open the hood.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb by pulling rearward.
4. Remove bulb retainer ring by
turning it counterclockwise, then
slide the ring off the plastic base.
5. Without turning, carefully pull
bulb out of headlamp assembly.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................80
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........................107
and child safety seats ............109
description ..............................107
disposal ....................................111
driver air bag ..........................109
indicator light ...................11, 111
operation .................................109
passenger air bag ...................109
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................112
Air cleaner filter .......217–218, 249
Air conditioning ..........................29
Ambulance packages ....................4
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................206
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................131–132
Audio system (see Radio) ...35, 56
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................137
fluid, adding ............................214
fluid, checking ........................214
fluid, refill capacities ..............249
fluid, specification ..................256
Auxiliary power point ...........29, 83
Axle
lubricant specifications ..253, 256
refill capacities ........................249
traction lok ..............................134
B
Battery .......................................219acid, treating emergencies .....219
charging system
warning light .............................13
jumping a disabled battery ....191
maintenance-free ....................219
replacement, specifications ...249
servicing ..................................219
voltage gauge ............................19
Belt minder ...............................103
Brakes ........................................131
anti-lock ...........................131–132
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........13, 132
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....204
fluid, refill capacities ..............249
fluid, specifications .........253, 256
lubricant specifications ..253, 256
parking ....................................133
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................26
shift interlock ..........................136
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....249
Certification Label ....................261
Child safety restraints ..............117
child safety belts ....................117
Child safety seats ......................118
attaching with tether straps ..122
in front seat ............................119
in rear seat ..............................119
tether anchorage hardware ...122
Cleaning your vehicle ...............243
engine compartment ..............246
exterior ............................244–245
exterior lamps .........................246
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instrument cluster lens ..........247
instrument panel ....................247
interior .....................................247
plastic parts ............................246
safety belts ..............................248
washing ....................................244
waxing .....................................244
wheels ......................................245
wiper blades ............................247
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............29
Clock ..........................38, 45, 55, 69
Clutch
fluid ..........................................205
operation while driving ..........139
recommended shift speeds ....141
Compass, electronic ....................21
calibration .................................23
set zone adjustment .................22
Console ........................................83
Controls
power seat .................................90
Coolant
checking and adding ..............206
refill capacities ................210, 249
specifications ..................253, 256
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................72
Customer Assistance ................167
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................270
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................263
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................269
Getting roadside assistance ...167
Getting the service you
need .........................................263Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................275
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................265
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................269
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................25
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................214
engine oil .................................201
Doors
door ajar warning .....................14
lubricant specifications ..........253
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................219
Driving under special
conditions ..........................152–153
mud ..........................................152
sand .........................................152
snow and ice ...........................153
through water .................152, 156
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................191
Emission control system ..........235
Engine ........................................256
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................246
coolant .....................................206
diesel ...........................................3
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fail-safe coolant ......................211
idle speed control ...................219
lubrication
specifications ..................253, 256
refill capacities ........................249
service points ..........................200
starting after a collision .........168
Engine block heater .................129
Engine oil ..................................201
checking and adding ..............201
dipstick ....................................201
filter, specifications ........203, 249
recommendations ...................203
refill capacities ........................249
specifications ..................253, 256
Exhaust fumes ..........................129
F
Fail safe cooling ........................211
Fluid capacities .........................249
Foglamps .....................................26
Four-Wheel Drive
vehicles ................................13, 145
control trac ...............................27
description ..............................149
driving off road .......................151
electronic shift ..........27, 145, 149
indicator light ...................14, 146
lever operated shift ................147
manual locking hubs ..............146
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................135
Fuel ............................................227
calculating fuel economy .......232
cap ...........................................231
capacity ...................................249
choosing the right fuel ...........229comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................235
detergent in fuel .....................230
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................227, 231–232
filter, specifications ........231, 249
fuel pump shut-off switch .....168
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........232
low fuel warning light ..............10
octane rating ...................229, 256
quality ......................................230
running out of fuel .................230
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................227
Fuses ..................................170–171
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............231
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................232
Gauges .........................................16
battery voltage gauge ...............19
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................17
engine oil pressure gauge ........19
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................18
speedometer .............................17
tachometer ................................18
trip odometer ............................18
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................154
calculating ...............................156
definition .................................154
driving with a heavy load ......154
location ....................................154
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................154
Index
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