1997 FORD E SERIES ECU

Continue until the lift mechanism
ªclicks.º
4. Check that the tire is tightly
seated under the vehicle by
pushing against tire. Retighten as
necessary.
5. Replace the access cover,
anti-theft bracket and thumb
screw. Use finger pressure only to
secure the thumb screw.
Make sure the spare tire
and jacking equipment are
stowed and secured in the
proper storage location.
Never run the engine with
one wheel off the ground.
Preparing to change the tire
1. Make sure your vehicle will not
move or roll.
²Put the gearshift in P (Park)
DPRN 21
eco_preparing_tire_change
Roadside emergencies
114

Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
DPRN 21
com_working_on.01
Maintenance and care
126

Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent
your vehicle from moving
unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine
with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
DPRN 21
eco_opening_hood
Maintenance and care
127

OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom left corner of the
instrument panel.
2. While applying downward
pressure on the hood, push the
hood latch handle located just left
of the center of the hood.
3. Lift the hood.
After closing the hood, try to lift it
to be sure that it is closed
securely.
Lubricate the hood latch every six
months to ensure proper
operation.
eco_engine_compartments
Maintenance and care
128

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
Maintenance and care
131

Using snow tires and chains
Snow tires must be the
same size and grade as the
tires you currently have on your
vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have
allÐweather treads to provide
traction in rain and snow. However,
in some climates, using snow tires
and chains may be necessary. Ford
offers tire cables as a Ford
approved accessory and
recommends use of these or their
equivalents. See your dealer or
qualified service technician for
more information on tire cables for
your vehicle. Follow these
guidelines when using snow tires
and chains:
²Install chains securely, verifying
that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Install the chains on the rear
tires only.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the
chains rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If this does not work,
remove the chains to prevent
vehicle damage.
²Avoid overloading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire chains when
they are no longer needed. Do
not use chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and
bumpers will help prevent
vehicle damage. Do not remove
Maintenance and care
156