1997 FORD E SERIES engine

The cooling fan is
automatic and may come
on at any time. Always
disconnect the negative terminal
of the battery before working
near the fan.
²If you must work with the
engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving
parts. Take precautions with
long hair.
²Do not work on a vehicle with
the engine running in an
enclosed space, unless you are
sure you have enough
ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open
flames and other lit material
away from the battery and all
fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the
engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained in
Batteryin this chapter.
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Maintenance and care
125

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
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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
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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

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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Maintenance and care
129

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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Maintenance and care
130

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

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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Maintenance and care
132