1996 FORD F150 coolant level

75
*
[LG11100( ALL)01/95]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[LG11201( ALL)03/95]
This gauge tells you the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indicator will not be accurate.
*
[LG11301( ALL)02/95]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the Normal band as the engine coolant warms
up. It is acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate
within the Normal band under normal driving
conditions. Under certain driving conditions,
such as heavy stop and go traffic or driving up
hills in hot weather, the pointer may indicate at
the top of the Normal band.
*
[LG11401( ALL)05/95]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the NORMAL band, the engine coolant is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
*
[LG11501( ALL)01/95]
If your engine coolant overheats:
*
[LG11601( ALL)03/95]
1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely
possible.
*
[LG11701( ALL)03/95]
2. Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe
engine damage could result.
*
[LG11801( ALL)05/95]
3. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE
COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL
THE ENGINE IS COOL.
*
[LG11901( ALL)04/95]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine Coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[LG12200( ALL)03/95]
For instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine coolantin the Index. If
you do not follow these instructions, you or
others could be injured.
File:ltlgf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:22:28 1996

324
*
[SV16700( EF )06/93]
If your vehicle is over 8500 GVWR and the
above conditions do not apply, change the
engine oil and oil filter every 6 months or 5,000
miles (8,000 km), whichever comes first.
*
[SV16800( ALL)04/95]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for additional information.
*
[SV16900( EF )03/94]
NOTE: Refer to thePower Stroke Diesel Engine
Owner's Guide Supplementfor oil
viscosity, filter application and oil and
filter change intervals.
%*
[SV17250( ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
*
[SV17275( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV17280( ALL)05/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
*
[SV17300( ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
*
[SV17400( ALL)02/95]
Checking the engine coolant
*
[SV17700( ALL)10/89]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine
from overheating in the summer and from
freezing in the winter. Check the level of the
engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply
look at the engine coolant recovery reservoir
located in the engine compartment. To locate
this reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's
engine underEngine typesin this chapter.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996

325
*
[SV17750( ALL)03/95]
If the engine coolant has not been checked for a
long period of time the engine coolant reservoir
may eventually empty. If the engine coolant
reservoir empties, check the engine coolant level
in the radiator. Read the following warnings
before removing the radiator cap. If it is
necessary to fill the radiator, refer to theEngine
Coolant Refill Procedurein this chapter for
instructions.
*
[SV17950(BEF )01/95]
Adding engine coolant
*
[SV18000(B F )07/94]
quarter page art:0020354-A
Adding engine coolant
*
[SV18150(B F )05/90]
quarter page art:0020360-C
Adding engine coolant
*
[SV18400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18420( ALL)05/95]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996

326
*
[SV18500( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap
while the engine is running or hot.
*
[SV18600( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Follow these steps to minimize risk of
personal injury.
*
[SV18700( ALL)03/95]
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool. Even when the engine is
cool, be careful when you remove the
radiator cap.
*
[SV18800( ALL)03/95]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to the first stop.
*
[SV18900( ALL)03/95]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[SV19000( ALL)04/95]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press, turn,
and remove cap.
*
[SV19100( ALL)03/95]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
*
[SV19500( ALL)01/93]
Freezing Protection
*
[SV19600( ALL)03/91]
The factory-installed solution of Ford Premium
Cooling System Fluid and water will protect
your vehicle tos35ÊF (s37ÊC).Check the freeze
protection rating of the engine coolant at least
once a year, just before winter.
*
[SV19701( ALL)02/95]
Add engine coolant only to the recovery
reservoir.If the coolant level is low, add to the
reservoir a 50/50 mixture of water and the type
of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may
add water by itself only in an emergency, but
you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture as
soon as possible.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996

328
*
[SV20001( ALL)01/95]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid or an
equivalent engine coolant that meets Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Do not use alcohol
or methanol antifreeze and do not use engine
coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. If you do not use the proper coolant,
the aluminum radiator on your vehicle will
corrode.
*
[SV20100( ALL)01/95]
Leave the engine coolant in all year. Make sure
that the coolant will not freeze at the
temperature level in which you drive during
winter months. Keep a mixture of engine coolant
in your engine that has a protection rating of at
least-34ÊF (-37ÊC), orwhatever protection rating
is appropriate for the climate in which you live.
*
[SV20125( ALL)03/95]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicle's coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
*
[SV20151( ALL)01/95]
You may add water by itself only in an
emergency, but you should replace it with a
50/50 or appropriate mixture as soon as
possible.
*
[SV20200( ALL)01/95]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add a quart
(liter) of engine coolant more than once a month.
%*
[SV20500( ALL)11/94]
Checking hoses
*
[SV20600( ALL)10/89]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for
deterioration, leaks and loose clamps before
adding or replacing engine coolant. Make
whatever repairs or replacements that are
necessary using Motorcraft parts or their
equivalents.
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Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996

330
*
[SV22100( ALL)10/89]
3. Start and idle the engine until the thermostat
opens and the radiator upper hose becomes
warm.
*
[SV22200( ALL)05/95]
4. Shut off the engine and allow the engine to
cool. Cover the radiator cap with a thick
cloth and cautiously remove it. Step back
while the pressure releases.
*
[SV22500( ALL)10/89]
5. Finally, check the radiator and add more
engine coolant if needed, following the
procedures noted above. Reinstall the
radiator cap securely, when finished.
*
[SV22525( ALL)05/90]
6. If more engine coolant is necessary, fill the
overflow reservoir to the appropriate level
marked on the bottle.
*
[SV22700(BEF )03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and
Wipers
*
[SV22800(BEF )03/95]
Washer Fluid
*
[SV22900(BEF )01/95]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for
the windshield washer fluid is located in the
engine compartment.
*
[SV23200(BEF )03/95]
Adding washer fluid
*
[SV23300(BEF )05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996

351
*
[SV37200( ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
*
[SV37400(BEF )01/89]
quarter page art:0020381-A
Brake master cylinder
*
[SV37600( ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37700( ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
*
[SV37800( ALL)03/95]
To check the level of your power steering fluid:
*
[SV37900( ALL)02/95]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV38000( ALL)01/95]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[SV38100(BEF )05/95]
3. Turn the engine off.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996