check engine FORD F250 2005 Owner's Manual

Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehiclescheduled 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
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] 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
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
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Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
engine/Service engine soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
engine/Service engine soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight should turn off. (A
driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
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 yourCheck engine/Service engine
soonlight is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight 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
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engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20° – 80° F (-7°
– 25° C):
1. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows in
the FULL COLD range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
2. If the fluid level is low. Add fluid to bring fluid level up to be between
the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
3. Start the engine.
4. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several times.
5. Turn the engine off.
6. Recheck the fluid level on the dipstick. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
7. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
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1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor 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 20 miles [30 km]). 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 20 miles (30 km) 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.
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If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Automatic transmission fluid filter (if equipped)
The TorqShift automatic
transmission is equipped with a
serviceable external fluid filter
mounted on the frame rail. Refer to
theScheduled Maintenance Guide
for service intervals.
To replace the transmission filter:
1. Shut off the engine.
2. Unscrew filter housing.
3. Replace filter with a new authorized Motorcraft filter element. Refer to
theMotorcraft part numberschart in this chapter.
4. Reinstall housing and check transmission fluid level using procedure in
this section.
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1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
Transmission/Transaxle code designations
You can find a transmission/transaxle code on the vehicle certification
label. The following table tells you which transmission or transaxle each
code represents.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................59
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................107–108
and child safety seats ............109
description ..............................108
disposal ....................................111
driver air bag ..........................110
indicator light .........................111
operation .................................110
passenger air bag ...................110
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................112
Air cleaner filter ...............280, 282
Air conditioning ..........................36
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................257
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................183–184
Audio system
(see Radio) ................20, 22, 25, 28
Automatic transmission ............187
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................188
fluid, adding ............................275
fluid, checking ........................275
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specification ..................289
Auxiliary power point .................57
Axle
lubricant specifications ..286, 289
refill capacities ........................283
traction lok ..............................186
B
Battery .......................................255acid, treating emergencies .....255
jumping a disabled battery ....224
maintenance-free ....................255
replacement, specifications ...282
servicing ..................................255
BeltMinder .................................103
Brakes ........................................183
anti-lock ...........................183–184
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................183
fluid, checking and adding ....274
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specifications .........286, 289
lubricant specifications ..286, 289
parking ....................................184
shift interlock ..........................187
trailer .......................................171
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................45
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....283
Cassette tape player .......20, 22, 25
Cell phone use ............................66
Certification Label ....................296
Child safety restraints ..............117
child safety belts ....................117
Child safety seats ......................119
attaching with tether straps ..123
in front seat ............................121
in rear seat ..............................121
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............241
instrument panel ....................243
interior .....................................244
interior trim ............................243
plastic parts ............................242
safety belts ..............................244
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washing ....................................240
waxing .....................................240
wheels ......................................241
wiper blades ............................243
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............36
Clutch
fluid ..........................................274
operation while driving ..........191
recommended shift speeds ....191
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................70
Console ........................................66
overhead ....................................56
Controls
steering column ........................65
Coolant
checking and adding ..............257
refill capacities ................261, 283
specifications ..................286, 289
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................62
Customer Assistance ................213
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................246
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................237
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............238
Getting roadside assistance ...213
Getting the service you
need .........................................231
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................238
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................234
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................236D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................40
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................275
engine oil .................................251
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........286
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................279
Driving under special
conditions ..................190, 203, 207
sand .........................................205
snow and ice ...........................208
through water .................206, 209
E
Electronic message center ...66, 68
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................224
Emergency Flashers .................214
Emission control system ..........271
Engine ........................................289
cleaning ...................................241
coolant .....................................257
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe coolant ......................262
idle speed control ...................255
lubrication specifications ......286,
289
refill capacities ........................283
service points ..................249–250
starting after a collision .........214
Engine block heater .................182
Engine oil ..................................251
checking and adding ..............251
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Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................243
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................41
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......224
K
Keyless entry system .................85
Keys
positions of the ignition .........178
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................39
daytime running light ...............40
fog lamps ...................................40
headlamps .................................39
headlamps, flash to pass ..........41
instrument panel, dimming .....41
interior lamps ...........................45
replacing bulbs ...... 45–46, 48–49,
51–53
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................44
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........183
speed control ............................64
Load limits .................................160
Loading instructions .................167
Locks
childproof ..................................80
Lubricant specifications ...286, 289
Lug nuts ....................................148
Lumbar support, seats ...............94M
Manual transmission .................191
fluid capacities ........................283
lubricant specifications ..........289
reverse .....................................192
Message center ...............66, 68–69
english/metric button ...............73
system check button ................72
warning messages .....................74
Mirrors ...................................55, 59
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................59
fold away ...................................61
heated ........................................60
side view mirrors (power) .......59
signal .........................................60
Moon roof ....................................56
Motorcraft parts ................267, 282
O
Octane rating ............................266
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................251
Overdrive .....................................55
P
Parking brake ............................184
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....282
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................62
Power adjustable foot pedals .....62
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................221
Power door locks ........................79
Power mirrors .............................59
Power point .................................57
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