1996 FORD F150 check engine light

204
*
[DR23250( ALL)11/89]
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems ªlowº, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
*
[DR23300( ALL)02/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes annoyingly loud or increases
significantly in frequency of occurrence, return
the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
*
[DR23400(BEF )11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[DR23500(BEF )07/92]
If Brakes Pull
*
[DR23600(BEF )07/92]
q
Check tire pressure
*
[DR23700(BEF )07/92]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[DR23800(BEF )05/95]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles
(800 km), make 10 moderately fast stops from
40 mph (65 km/h) and then perform the
self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly
seat new brake linings and pads.
*
[DR24000( ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR24100( ALL)11/89]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

211
*
[DR27801( ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
*
[DR27820( ALL)07/94]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is
submerged in water, their fluids should
be checked and changed, if necessary.
*
[DR27825( ALL)03/93]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
*
[DR27850( ALL)11/89]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[DR27901(B F )05/90]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD LOW, when the
vehicle gets stuck and try to drive away.
*
[DR27950( ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may rock it out of the spot. Shift
in a steady rhythm between forward and reverse
gears. Allow the transmission to fully engage,
then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock
the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This
may overheat the engine and transmission,
causing damage to both. In addition, other
vehicle systems and components may also be
damaged.
*
[DR27975( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(56 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

246
*
[DR39300( ALL)11/89]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[DR39400( ALL)11/89]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[DR39500( ALL)05/95]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
*
[DR39600( ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
*
[DR39725(B F )03/95]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (Park) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
function selector knob to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
*
[DR39900( ALL)05/90]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as
follows:
*
[DR40000( ALL)11/89]
q
Apply the foot service brakes and hold.
*
[DR40100( ALL)11/89]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
*
[DR40200( ALL)11/89]
q
With the chocks in place, release the foot
service brakes, making sure the chocks are
holding.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

255
*
[RE01400( ALL)04/95]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[RE01500( ALL)03/95]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
*
[RE01600( ALL)02/95]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles.
Turning on the fan helps protect the
electrical system from voltage surges. Turn
off all other switches and lights in both
vehicles to prevent possible damage to either
vehicle's electrical systems.
%*
[RE01700( ALL)05/95]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[RE01800( ALL)03/95]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect either jumper cable
to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you
use the same cable for both positive
terminals.) Most jumper cables have a red
cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and
the black for the negative ones.
*
[RE01900( ALL)04/95]
2. Connect the other end of the first cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
*
[RE02000( ALL)05/95]
3. Connect one end of the second cable to the
negative (-) terminal of the booster battery
Ð NOT to the discharged battery.
File:ltref.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:24:41 1996

301
Servicing Your F-Series
%*
[SV00300( ALL)03/95]
Service Made Easy
*
[SV00400(BEF )01/95]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[SV00500(BEF )01/95]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
*
[SV00600(BEF )01/95]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
*
[SV00700(BEF )01/95]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
*
[SV00800(BEF )01/95]
q
When possible, we design parts Ð such as
the headlamp bulbs Ð that can be replaced
without tools.
*
[SV00900(BEF )05/94]
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet.
*
[SV01000( ALL)01/95]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*
[SV01100( ALL)02/95]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
*
[SV01300( ALL)03/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996

321
*
[SV13730( EF )01/93]
For vehicles with 4.9L, 5.0L or 7.5L engines
[SV13740( ALL)04/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 10W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle which provide the
best engine protection for all climates down to
-5ÊF (-20ÊC). SAE5W-30 engine oils may also be
used down to-15ÊF (-25ÊC).
[SV13745( ALL)02/95]
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.
*
[SV13775( ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800( ALL)03/95]
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.
*
[SV13900( ALL)03/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000( ALL)02/95]
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.
*
[SV14050(B F )03/95]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
*
[SV14100( ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[SV14200( ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[SV14300( ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996

322
*
[SV14400( ALL)05/94]
quarter page art:0010364-D
Engine oil dipstick
*
[SV14500( ALL)02/95]
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.
*
[SV14600( ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
*
[SV14800( ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[SV15000( ALL)03/95]
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.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996

335
*
[SV26450(BEF )03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[SV26460(BEF )03/95]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor traction.
*
[SV26470(BEF )05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
%*
[SV26500( ALL)02/95]
Tire Rotation
*
[SV26600( ALL)03/95]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires
perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly
and last longer, rotate them at the mileage
shown in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet which came with your vehicle.
*
[SV26625( F )03/93]
For F-250 (over 8500 GVWR [3,855 kg]), F-350
and Super Duty vehicles, rotate the tires at 5,000
miles (8,000 km), then at 15,000 miles
(24,000 km), and then every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) thereafter.
*
[SV26660( EF )03/94]
If your light truck has dual rear wheels, you can
rotate the front tires side to side without
disturbing the rear tires.
*
[SV26700(BEF )07/92]
Rotate the tires according to the following
diagram. If you notice that the tires wear
unevenly, have them checked. If your light truck
has a temporary spare tire, do not include it in
the tire rotation pattern.
*
[SV26750(BEF )03/90]
In situations where the tires differ from front to
rear (snow/traction), simply rotate using a side
to side pattern.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996