1997 FORD E SERIES Owners Manual

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
COMPONENTS
1. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
2. Engine oil filler
3. Automatic transmission fluid
dipstick
4. Air cleaner
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake master cylinder
8. Engine coolant recovery
reservoir
9. Battery
91234
5
6
7
8
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CHECKING AND ADDING
ENGINE OIL
Use WSS-M2C153±F motor oil
CERTIFIED FOR GASOLINE
ENGINES by the American
Petroleum Institute.
Engine oils with an SAE 5W-30
viscosity and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute
certification mark are preferred for
your vehicle. They provide the best
engine performance, fuel economy
and engine protection for all
climates down to ±25ÉC (-15ÉF).
Do not use:
²ªnon-detergentº oils
²oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD,
SE, SF or SG
²additional engine oil additives,
oil treatments or engine
treatments
Additional engine oil additives, oil
treatments or engine treatments
are never needed and could, under
certain conditions, lead to engine
damage which is not covered by
your Ford warranty.
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 ªService Guideº.
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Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you
fuel your vehicle.
To check the oil:
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level
ground. If the engine is warm, turn
the engine off and wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain into
the oil pan.
2. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
4. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil dipstick.
4.2L/4.6L engines
ADDFULL
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131

5.4L/6.8L engines
5. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert
the dipstick fully, then remove it
again. The oil level should be in
the range shown on the dipstick.
6. If the oil level is below the ADD
or MIN line, add engine oil as
necessary. If the oil level is beyond
the FULL or MAX line, engine
damage or high oil consumption
may occur and some oil must be
removed from the engine by a
service technician.
7. Put the dipstick back in and
ensure it is fully seated.
MIN MIN
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Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For
instructions, refer toChecking the
engine oilin this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within
the normal range, add only
certified engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through
the oil filler cap. Remove the filler
cap and use a funnel to pour oil in
the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make sure
the oil level is not above the full
mark on the dipstick.
Continuous contact with
usedmotor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
Changing the engine oil and
filter
Change your engine oil and filter
according to the following
kilometers (mileage) and time
requirements, whichever occurs
first:
²Normal Schedule ± 8,000 km
(5,000 miles) or six months.
²Severe Duty Schedule ± 5,000
km (3,000 miles) or three
months. Severe duty operation
would include extensive idling,
trailer towing, driving in severe
dust and police, taxi or delivery
service.
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Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed
for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter
is used that does not meet Ford
material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock
may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine
application.
CHECKING AND ADDING
BRAKE FLUID
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed at least once
each year:
²Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
²Visually inspect the fluid level.
²If necessary, add brake fluid
until the level reaches MAX. Do
not fill above this line.
²Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford
specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
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If you use a brake fluid
that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your
brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for
the master cylinder run
dry. This may cause the brakes
to fail.
WASHER FLUID
Use specially formulated
windshield washer fluid rather
than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain
additives that dissolve road grime.
Washer fluids containing an
appropriate antifreeze such as
methanol should be used in
freezing weather (temperatures
below 0ÉC [32ÉF]). State or local
regulations on volatile organic
compounds may restrict the use of
methanol, a common type of
antifreeze. Use a non-methanol
antifreeze to provide cold weather
protection only if the fluid does
not damage the paint finish, wiper
blades or washer system.
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Adding washer fluid
The vehicle's windshield washer
reservoir is located on the
passenger side of the engine
compartment. If fluid needs to be
added to the reservoir:
²Lift the windshield reservoir
cover.
²Add enough washer fluid to fill
the reservoir.
CHECKING AND ADDING
ENGINE COOLANT
Check the level of the coolant in
the reservoir at least once a
month. Be sure to read and
understandPrecautions when
servicing your vehiclein this
chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been
checked for a long period of time,
the engine coolant reservoir may
eventually empty. If this occurs,
add engine coolant to the coolant
reservoir. For more information on
engine coolant maintenance, refer
toAdding engine coolantin this
chapter.
MAX FILL
MIN FILL
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