1996 FORD F250 maintenance

3
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[IN01600( ALL)04/95]
Finding Information in This Guide
[IN01700( ALL)04/95]
After you have read this guide once, you will
probably return to it when you have a specific
question or need additional information. To help
you find specific information quickly, you can
use the table of contents or the index.
*
[IN01800(BEF )05/95]
TheQuick Indexat the end of the book
provides a page number following each item
which indicates where detailed information can
be found.
*
[IN02000( ALL)05/95]
This guide has atable of contentsat the
beginning of the book to show chapter titles.
*
[IN02100( ALL)04/95]
To use theIndex, turn to the back of the book
and search in the alphabetical listing for the
word that best describes the information you
need. If the word you chose is not listed, think
of other related words and look them up. We
have designed the Index so that you can find
information under a technical term.
%*
[IN02200( ALL)04/95]
Canadian Owners Ð French Version
*
[IN02300( ALL)05/95]
French Owner Guides can be obtained from your
dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box
1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.
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[IN02400( ALL)04/95]
Your Maintenance Schedule and
Record Booklet
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[IN02500( ALL)03/95]
TheMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet lists
the services that are most important for keeping
your vehicle in good condition. A record log is
also provided to help you keep track of all
services performed.
File:ltinf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:20:54 1996
ProCarManuals.com

6rear edge of the driver's door. You can
determine whether the ambulance manufacturer
followed Ford's recommendations by directly
contacting that manufacturer.NOTE: Ford
Ambulance Preparation Packageis only
available on certain 7.3L Diesel Econoline and
F-Series vehicles.
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[IN05050( EF )02/89]
NOTICE TO OWNERS OF
DIESEL-POWERED VEHICLES
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[IN05070( EF )04/89]
Read the7.3L Diesel Engine Owner's Guide
Supplementfor information regarding correct
operation and maintenance of your
diesel-powered light truck.
%
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[IN05100( ALL)05/95]
Your Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
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[IN05200( ALL)05/95]
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the
same as the warranty number that appears on
your owner card. You should include this
number any time you write to Ford Motor
Company about your vehicle.
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[IN05300(BEF )05/95]
The Vehicle Identification Number is attached to
your vehicle in the following places:
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[IN05350( EF )05/90]
Complete Ford Built Vehicles
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[IN05400(BEF )05/95]
q
on the metal tag attached to the top of the
instrument panel on the driver's side Ð you
can see the tag by looking through the
windshield from outside your vehicle.
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[IN05450(BEF )10/89]
one inch art:0010558-A
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN/Serial Number)
File:ltinf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:20:54 1996
ProCarManuals.com

22
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[SR09800(BEF )05/95]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions will
affect the performance of the safety belts
and increase the risk of personal injury.
%
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[SR09900(BEF )05/95]
Safety Belt Maintenance
[SR10000(BEF )02/95]
Check your safety belt system periodically to
make sure that it works properly and isn't
damaged. If the webbing shows any wear, nicks
or cuts, have it examined by a qualified
technician to determine if replacement is
necessary. Always have your safety belt system
checked after a collision by a qualified
technician.
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[SR10200(BEF )05/95]
All safety belt assemblies, including retractors,
buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies
(slide bar) (if so equipped), child safety seat
tether bracket assemblies (if so equipped), and
attaching hardware, should be inspected after
any collision. Ford recommends that all safety
belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a
collision be replaced. However, if the collision
was minor and a qualified technician finds that
the belts do not show damage and continue to
operate properly, they do not need to be
replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use
during a collision should also be inspected and
replaced if either damage or improper operation
is noted.
%*
[SR10210(BEF )05/95]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
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[SR10220(BEF )05/95]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap
solution that is recommended for cleaning
upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the
belt webbing because this may weaken it.
File:ltsrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:26:26 1996
ProCarManuals.com

26
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[SR12200(BEF )05/95]
The air bag system uses a readiness light and a
tone to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When
you turn the ignition to the ON position, this
light will illuminate for approximately six (6)
seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the
system is operating normally.NOTE:
Maintenance of the air bag system is not
required.
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[SR12300(BEF )05/95]
A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following: the readiness light will
either flash or stay lit, or it will not light, or a
group of five beeps will be heard.
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[SR12360(BEF )04/95]
RWARNING
If any of these things happen, even
intermittently, have the air bag system
serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately.
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[SR12400(BEF )03/95]
Tone generator
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[SR12500(BEF )03/95]
The air bag readiness light indicates the air bag
system condition. However, a series of five sets
of five beeps will be heard only if the readiness
light does not work and there is a problem with
the air bag system. This also means that the Air
Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is in
need of service. The tone pattern will repeat
(five sets of five beeps) periodically until the
problem and light are repaired. Unless serviced,
the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System may
not function properly in the event of a collision.
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[SR12600(BEF )05/95]
RWARNING
Do not attempt to service, repair, or
modify the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System or its fuses. See your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
File:ltsrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:26:26 1996
ProCarManuals.com

198movement of front-wheel drive components
while operating in two-wheel drive.
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[DR18230(B F )03/91]
To shift from 4x4 to 4x4 LOW RANGE:
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[DR18290(B F )06/92]
Stop the vehicle and place the automatic
transmission in NEUTRAL or depress the clutch
on vehicles with a manual transmission. Push
the LOW RANGE button on the instrument
panel to shift the transfer case from 4x4 to 4x4
LOW RANGE. Both the 4x4 and LOW RANGE
lights are now lit.
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[DR18300(B F )08/94]
NOTE: The vehicle must already be in 4x4
before pushing the Low Range Button.
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[DR18320(B F )03/91]
To shift from 4x4 LOW RANGE to 4x4:
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[DR18380(B F )06/94]
Stop the vehicle and place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on vehicles with a manual transmission.
Push the LOW RANGE button on the instrument
panel to shift the transfer case from 4x4 LOW
RANGE to 4x4.
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[DR19200(B F )01/89]
Driving Off Road with 4-Wheel
Drive
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[DR19300(B F )11/89]
Most vehicles with four-wheel drive are
especially equipped for driving on sand, snow,
mud, or rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat different from
conventional vehicles, both off and on the road.
The driving tips below will help you learn to
use four-wheel drive.
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[DR19400(B F )10/94]
q
Do not use 4WD LOW on dry, hard-surfaced
roads.
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[DR19600(B F )11/89]
q
Special maintenance procedures are necessary
after operating with drive components in
water.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com

245 %
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[DR38540( ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
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[DR38700( ALL)03/94]
If your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
4-Speed Automatic (E4OD or 4R70W)
transmission, operate in Overdrive. Refer to the
automatic transmission operation earlier in this
chapter.
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[DR38800( ALL)10/94]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1
(Low).
[DR38810(B F )05/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
5-speed transmission, operate in 4th gear.
Overdrive (5th) gear should not be used when
towing.
[DR38811(B F )05/95]
If additional braking is needed when descending
a steep grade with a trailer, downshift the
transmission into 3rd gear.
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[DR38925( ALL)01/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
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[DR38950( ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
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[DR39000( ALL)01/93]
Trailer towing tips
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[DR39100( ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
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[DR39200( ALL)05/90]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com

250
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[DR41700( F )01/93]
q
If necessary, add weight to the rear of the
vehicle or bed to obtain the above and to
comply with U.S. Federal Hydraulic Brake
Requirements, when aftermarket equipment is
added.
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[DR41801( F )01/93]
q
The Front Axle Accessory Reserve Capacity
and the Total Accessory Reserve Capacity
listed on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label will help you to determine if the
addition of a snowplow will overload the
vehicle. The total of the weights of all
aftermarket accessories added to your vehicle,
plus the weight of the snowplow, must not
exceed the Total Accessory Reserve Capacity.
Additionally, the portion of these weights
distributed to the front axles must not exceed
the Front Axle Accessory Reserve Capacity.
*
[DR41900( F )01/93]
q
The weight of the snowplow and related
equipment should be properly matched to the
load capacity of your vehicle. The weight of
the installed equipment must not load the
vehicle beyond the GAWR and GVWR listed
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[DR41950( F )01/93]
q
Permanently attached plow equipment should
not exceed 270 lbs. (122 kg). The weight of all
installed aftermarket equipment should not
exceed 680 lbs. (308 kg).
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[DR42000( F )01/93]
Equip your vehicle with lights that conform to
Federal and local regulations for snowplowing.
See your dealer for the correct type of wiring.
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[DR42100( F )01/93]
Do not plow snow until your vehicle has been
driven 500 miles (800 km). Maintain the vehicle
and snowplow equipment in accordance with
their respective manufacturer's recommendations.
Refer to the notes under Scheduled Maintenance
Services when plowing snow for extended
periods.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com

274 [RE23615(BEF )02/95]8. Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. (Make
sure jack is securely fastened so it doesn't
rattle when you drive.) The carrier is
designed to hold the temporary spare which
comes with your vehicle. The stowage of a
full size tire in the spare tire carrier may
damage the tire or the vehicle. The flat full
size tire should be stowed securely in the
vehicle until it can be repaired.
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[RE23700(BEF )01/95]
9. Unblock the wheels.
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[RE24100( EFM)06/93]
On vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels
retighten the wheel lug nuts to the specified
torque at 100 miles (160 km), and again at 500
miles (800 km) of new vehicle operation and at
the intervals specified in theMaintenance Schedule
and Recordbooklet.
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[RE24200( ALL)10/89]
Also retighten to the specified torque at 500
miles (800 km) of operation after any wheel
change or any time the lug nuts are loosened.
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[RE24301( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Failure to retighten wheel lug nuts at
mileages specified could allow wheels to
come off while the vehicle is in motion.
File:ltref.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:24:41 1996
ProCarManuals.com