1997 FORD E SERIES checking oil

engine is overheating. Switch off
the ignition and let it cool. Refer to
Checking and adding engine
coolantin theMaintenance and
carechapter.
Engine oil pressure gauge
This shows the engine oil pressure
in the system. Sufficient pressure
exists as long as the needle
remains in the normal range.
If the gauge indicates constantly
low pressure at normal engine
speed, refer toChecking and
adding engine oilin the
Maintenance and carechapter. If
the gauge indicates a low pressure
and the engine oil level is correct,
switch off the engine immediately
and have your vehicle checked at
your dealership or by a qualified
technician.
Charging system gauge
If the pointer moves and stays
outside of the normal range, have
the vehicle's electrical system
checked as soon as safely possible.
Odometer
Registers the total kilometers
(mileage) of the vehicle.
H
L
18
8
20 km/h
406080
10 0
12 0
14 0
16 0
com_oil_pressure.03
com_voltage.01
com_odometer.01 com_trip_odometer.01
Instrumentation
13

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.
eco_checking_engine_oil
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

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.
com_oil_and_filter_change.01
Maintenance and care
133

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.
com_checking-adding_fluid.01
Maintenance and care
134

Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................52
and child safety seats ..............54
description ................................52
disposal ......................................58
indicator light ...........................57
passenger air bag .....................55
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system) .............................17
Battery .......................................144
servicing ..................................145
Brakes
adjustment ................................80
anti-lock .....................................80
fluid, checking and adding ....134
parking ......................................80
Brake-shift interlock ...................85
Break-in period .............................4
Bulbs, replacing ........................165
headlamps ...............................166
specifications ..........................167
Cleaning your vehicle ...............168
engine compartment ..............170
fabric ........................................172
instrument panel ....................172
plastic parts ............................171
safety belts ..............................172
tail lamps .................................171
washing ....................................168
waxing .....................................169
wheels ......................................170
Climate control system ..............17
Controls
steering column ........................23
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
proper solution .......................137
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................144
Driving under special
conditionsheavy load .................................86
Emission control system ..........162
emissions warranty .................163
Engine ........................................178
check engine temperature
warning, message center .......129
Engine block heater ...................77
Engine coolant
checking and adding ..............136
checking hoses .......................138
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter .......133
specifications ..........................130
Entry system
illumination ...............................36
Exhaust fumes ............................78
Fail safe cooling ........................139
Flashing the lights ......................27
Fuel ............................................157
calculating fuel economy .......161
improving fuel economy ..........99
octane rating ...........................160
quality ......................................160
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................157
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......100
Fuse panels
instrument panel ....................104
power distribution box ...........108
Fuses ..........................................102
Gauges, Mechanical ....................11
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................12
engine oil pressure gauge ........13
fuel gauge ..................................12
Gearshift ......................................24
Hazard flashers ....................27,100
Headlamps
turning on and off ....................15
Hood ..........................................128
Index
183

Idle
relearning ................................145
Ignition .........................................23
Inspection
maintenance testing ...............164
Jump-starting your vehicle 120,122
attaching cables ......................121
disconnecting cables ..............122
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................30
courtesy lamps ..........................31
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................9
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............8
brake ............................................8
charging system ..........................9
check engine ...............................8
door ajar ....................................10
engine oil pressure ...................10
high beam .................................10
safety belt ...................................9
Load limits
trailer towing ............................89
Lubricant specifications ...........175
Odometer .....................................13
Overdrive .....................................24
Parking brake
operation ..............................81,82
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....174
Power features
door locks ..................................32
mirrors .......................................31
Power point electrical outlet .....17
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....140
Refill capacities for fluids ........174
Relays .................................102,111
Remote entry system .................34
locking/unlocking doors ...........34
panic alarm ...............................35
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................36replacing the batteries .............35
Reporting safety defects ..........183
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts .........49
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................47
extension assembly ..................50
for children ...............................58
lap and shoulder belts .............45
maintenance ..............................51
proper use .................................43
warning light and chime ..........51
Safety seats for children
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .......................61,62,66
Seats ............................................37
adjusting the seat, manual .......37
adjusting the seat, power ........38
bench seat .................................39
lumbar support .........................39
quick release rear captain's
chair ...........................................41
Servicing your vehicle ..............124
precautions when servicing ...124
Special notice ................................2
ambulance conversions ..............2
diesel-powered vehicles .............3
Speed control ..............................28
accelerating ...............................29
resetting ....................................29
resuming a set speed ...............30
turning off .................................28
Speedometer ...............................12
Starting your vehicle ..................73
preparing to start your
vehicle .......................................74
starting a warm engine ............77
Steering, power ...........................82
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................26
Tires ...........................................153
changing ...........................112,114
Index
184