1996 FORD F250 Owners Manual

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
ProCarManuals.com

331
*
[SV23600(B F )02/92]
quarter page art:0020360-C
Adding windshield washer fluid
%*
[SV23850(BEF )01/95]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOC's) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
*
[SV23900(BEF )10/89]
If you choose to use a windshield washing
solution that must be mixed, follow the
manufacturer's mixing instructions. Improperly
mixed solutions may freeze unexpectedly.
[SV24000(BEF )04/95]
NOTE: The addition of shields to the front of
the vehicle, as used to deflect bugs,
may also adversely affect the washer
system from delivering fluid to the
windshield. Devices such as bug
shields are not recommended to be
added to your new Ford product.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996
ProCarManuals.com

332 %
*
[SV24500(BEF )03/95]
Wiper Blades
*
[SV24600(BEF )03/95]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Such substances as tree
sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness
of wiper blades.
*
[SV24700(BEF )03/95]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do
not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents to clean your wiper blades. These will
damage your blades.
*
[SV24800(BEF )02/95]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply
turn the ignition switch to ACC and turn your
wipers on. Wait for them to reach a vertical
position and turn the ignition to OFF. Do not
move the wipers manually. Moving the wipers
manually may damage them.
*
[SV24900(BEF )03/01]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[SV25000(BEF )03/95]
If the wiper blades still do not work properly
after you clean them, you may need to replace
the wiper blade assembly or the blade element.
When replacing the wiper blade assembly, blade
refill, or wiper arm always use a Motorcraft part
or equivalent. To replace the blades, follow the
instructions that come with them.
*
[SV25200( ALL)03/95]
Tires
*
[SV25300( ALL)03/95]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel
tank. If one tire looks lower than the others,
check the pressure in all of them. Always follow
these precautions:
*
[SV25400( ALL)04/95]
q
Keep your tires inflated to the pressures that
are recommended.(SeeChecking the pressure
of the tireslater in this chapter.)
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996
ProCarManuals.com

333
*
[SV25500(BEF )02/95]
q
Stay within the recommended load limits (see
Load limitsin the Index).
*
[SV25600( ALL)02/95]
q
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly
distributed.
*
[SV25700( ALL)10/89]
q
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[SV25800( ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires
may fail or go flat.
*
[SV25875( ALL)05/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[SV25900( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
*
[SV26000( ALL)03/95]
Checking the pressure of the tires
*
[SV26100( ALL)11/89]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all
your vehicle's tires, including the spare. Use an
accurate tire pressure gauge. Check the tire
pressure when tires are cold, that is, after the
vehicle has been parked for at least one hour or
has been driven less than 3 miles (5 km). You
can find the proper cold pressure on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
*
[SV26150( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
*
[SV26200( ALL)02/95]
Tire inspection and maintenance
*
[SV26300( ALL)02/95]
Inspect the tire treads, and remove stones, nails,
glass or other objects that may be wedged in the
tread grooves. Check for holes or cuts that may
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996
ProCarManuals.com

334permit air to leak from the tire, and make the
necessary repairs.
*
[SV26400( ALL)10/89]
Inspect the tire side walls for cuts, bruises and
other damage. If you suspect internal damage to
the tire, have it demounted and checked. You
may need to repair or replace it.
*
[SV26410( ALL)11/89]
Wheel inspection and maintenance
*
[SV26420( ALL)11/89]
Check for damage that would affect the runout
of the wheels. Wobble or shimmy will eventually
damage the wheel bearings.
*
[SV26430( ALL)06/93]
Front wheel bearings require periodic repacking
and adjustment as specified in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet. Loose or worn front
wheel bearings tend to let the vehicle wander or
shimmy, and can eventually cause excessive tire
wear.
[SV26435( ALL)05/95]
Whenever a wheel is removed and then
re-installed, always remove any corrosion that
may be present on the mounting surface of the
wheel and/or the surface of the hub, drum or
rotor that contacts the wheel.
*
[SV26440( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Installing wheels without good
metal-to-metal contact at the wheel
mounting surface can cause the wheel lug
nuts to loosen and could allow the wheel
to come off while the vehicle is in motion.
*
[SV26445( EFM)05/90]
Also retighten at 500 miles (800 km) after
any wheel change or any time the lug
nuts are loosened.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

336
*
[SV26800(BEF )06/93]
half page art:0020364-A
Tire rotation pattern
*
[SV26900(BEF )10/89]
After each rotation, adjust individual tire
pressure as specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. Tighten wheel lug nuts to the
required torque specification and retighten again
after 500 miles (800 km).
*
[SV27000(BEF )10/94]
If your vehicle has aluminum wheels, you may
demount the full size, non-temporary spare
tire (if so equipped) and remount on an
aluminum wheel to rotate the spare tire into
your vehicle's rotation pattern.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996
ProCarManuals.com

337 %
*
[SV27300( ALL)04/95]
Replacing the Tires
*
[SV27400( ALL)01/95]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (1.59 mm) of tread left.
*
[SV27500( ALL)10/89]
quarter page art:0060006-A
Wear band
*
[SV27600( ALL)01/95]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly,
you may need to replace them before a wear
band appears across the entire tread. Some spots
wear more heavily than others.
*
[SV27700( ALL)03/90]
Your wheels and tires are match-mounted for
improved ride. Before you begin to repair a tire,
mark the wheel and tire so that they are
properly aligned when remounted. This will
ensure that the tires will continue to give you
the same ride level.
*
[SV27851( ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix
radial, bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use
only the tire sizes that are listed on the
tire pressure decal. Make sure that all tires
are the same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire
combinations recommended on the decal.
If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and
safely.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996
ProCarManuals.com