1996 FORD F250 warning light

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[PI02300( ALL)05/95]
Table of ContentsIntroductory Information............................... 1
Safety Restraints............................................ 11
Starting Your F-Series.................................. 49
Warning Lights and Gauges....................... 63
Instrument Panel Controls.......................... 79
Steering Column Controls.......................... 95
Features.......................................................... 109
Electronic Sound Systems......................... 139
Driving Your F-Series................................ 169
Roadside Emergencies................................ 253
Customer Assistance................................... 281
Reporting Safety Defects........................ 288
Accessories.................................................... 293
Servicing Your F-Series............................. 301
File:ltpif.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:22:45 1996
ProCarManuals.com

11
Safety Restraints
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[SR00500(BEF )04/95]
Important Safety Belt Information
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[SR00600(BEF )03/95]
The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada the law requires their use.
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[SR00700(BEF )01/95]
Safety belts provide best restraint when:
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[SR00800(BEF )01/95]
q
the seatback is upright
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[SR00900(BEF )01/95]
q
the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)
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[SR01000(BEF )01/95]
q
the lap belt is snug and low on the hips
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[SR01100(BEF )01/95]
q
the shoulder belt is snug against the chest
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[SR01200(BEF )01/95]
q
the knees are straight forward
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[SR02000(BEF )05/95]
To help you remember to fasten your safety belt,
a warning light may come on and a chime may
sound. SeeSafety Belt Warning Light and Chimein
theWarning Lights and Gaugeschapter.
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[SR02100(BEF )01/95]
See the following sections in this chapter for
directions on how to properly use these safety
belts. Also seeSafety Restraints for Childrenin this
chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.
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[SR02200(BEF )05/95]
RWARNING
Make sure that you and your passengers
wear safety belts. Always drive and ride
with your seatback upright and the lap
belt snug and low across the hips.
File:ltsrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:26:26 1996
ProCarManuals.com

25 %
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[SR11800(BEF )01/95]
How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint
System Operates
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[SR11900(BEF )10/94]
The air bag supplemental restraint system has
two main parts. One part is the air bag system
with the driver air bag and inflator located in
the center of the steering wheel. The second part
is the electrical system, which has impact
sensors, and a diagnostic module, and backup
power supply. The diagnostic module monitors
its own internal circuits and the supplemental air
bag electrical system readiness, including the
impact sensors, the system wiring, the air bag
system readiness light, air bag power, and the
air bag ignitor.
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[SR12050(B F )03/93]
half page art:0021011-A
The location of the air bag and warning label
File:ltsrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:26:26 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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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

49
Starting Your F-Series
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[ST01700( ALL)03/95]
Ignition
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[ST01800( ALL)01/95]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
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[ST02000( ALL)05/90]
quarter page art:0020004-B
The positions of the key in the ignition lock cylinder.
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[ST02200( ALL)03/95]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
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[ST02300( ALL)03/95]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
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[ST02400( ALL)03/95]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transmission gearshift lever.
[ST02500(B F )05/95]
LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
gearshift if your vehicle's gearshift is on the
column.
File:ltstf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:26:52 1996
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[ST05900(BEF )03/95]
Testing the Warning Lights
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[ST06015(BEF )03/95]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to theWarning
Lights and Gaugeschapter.
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[ST06025(BEF )03/95]
If your Brake Warning Light does light up with
the key in the ON position, you may not have
fully released the parking brake or the brake
fluid may be low.
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Starting Your Engine
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To start your engine:
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1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
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[ST06425( ALL)03/95]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
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[ST06451(BEF )03/95]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
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[ST06475( ALL)02/95]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
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[ST06501( ALL)02/95]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
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[ST06510( ALL)04/95]
For a cold engine:
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[ST06515( ALL)04/95]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
File:ltstf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:26:52 1996
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[ST07300(BEF )05/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
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[ST07350( ALL)05/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
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[ST07400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
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[ST07450( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
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[ST07500(BEF )03/95]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
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[ST07600(BEF )03/95]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
(Standard in Canada)
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[ST07700(BEF )03/95]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
File:ltstf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:26:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com

61
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[ST08330( ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
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[ST08340( ALL)03/95]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving your vehicle.
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[ST08350(BEF )03/95]
quarter page art:0020107-A
Reset button for fuel pump shut-off switch
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[ST09300( ALL)02/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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[ST09400( ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
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[ST09500( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding
Against Exhaust Fumesin this chapter for
more instructions.
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[ST09600( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
File:ltstf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:26:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com