1997 FORD F150 Owners Manual

engine oil dipstick (4.2L and
4.6L/5.4L engines shown).
²4.2L engine
²4.6L/5.4L engine
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
minimum line, add engine oil as
necessary. If the oil level is below
the MIN line, add engine oil as
necessary. If the oil level is above
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
162

the 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.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil.
2. If the oil level is below the MIN
line, then add engine oil.
3. Remove the yellow oil filler cap.
4. Use a funnel to add oil through
the opening.
Make sure you use a certified
engine oil of the preferred
viscosity.
5. Recheck the oil level. Make sure
that the oil level is not above the
MAX line on the dipstick.
Continuous contact with
usedmotor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
f12_adding_oil
f12_brake_fluid
Maintenance and care
163

BRAKE FLUID
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.
If you use a brake fluid
that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your
brakes.
MAX
MIN
com_checking-adding_fluid.01
Maintenance and care
164

Do not let the reservoir for
the master cylinder run
dry. This may cause the brakes
to fail.
CHECKING AND ADDING
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
During normal operation, the fluid
level in the clutch reservoir will
slowly rise. If the fluid level drops,
maintain the fluid level at the step
in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
designed to meet Ford
specifications. Refer toCapacities
and specifications.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the FULL line.
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f12_washer_fluid
Maintenance and care
165

CHECKING AND ADDING
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
1. Lift the washer fluid reservoir
cover.
2. Add washer fluid intil the level
reaches the FULL line.
Use only fluid that meets Ford
Specifications. Refer toCapacities
and specifications.
The addition of a bug shield to the
front of the vehicle may adversely
affect the washer system from
delivering fluid to the windshield.
Devices such as bug shields are
not recommended.
Windshield washer fluid
contains methanol and it is
poisonous. Follow all instructions
on the bottle of washer fluid.
What you should know about
washer fluid
In freezing weather [temperatures
below 0ÉC (32ÉF)], use washer
fluid containing a small amount of
antifreeze, such as methanol. State
or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) may
restrict the use of methanol, a
common type of antifreeze.
Use a non-methanol antifreeze in
freezing weather only if the fluid
does not damage the paint finish,
wiper blades and washer system.
WASHER FLUID
ONLY
f12_wysk_washer_fluid
f12_coolant
Maintenance and care
166

CHECKING AND ADDING
ENGINE COOLANT
Adding engine coolant
Do not put engine coolant
in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
If sprayed on the windshield,
engine coolant could make it
difficult to see through the
windshield.
When the engine is cool, add a
50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and water to the engine coolant
recovery reservoir ± DO NOT ADD
DIRECTLY TO THE RADIATOR.
Add straight water only in an
emergency, but you should replace
it with a 50/50 mixture of coolant
and distilled water as soon as
possible.
Check the coolant level in the
coolant recovery reservoir the next
few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough of a 50/50
mixture of coolant and water to
bring the liquid level to the fill line
on the reservoir.
Never remove the coolant
recovery cap while the
engine is running or hot.
COOLANT FILL
LEVEL
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167

If you must remove the coolant
recovery cap, follow these steps to
avoid personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn
the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a
thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn cap counterclockwise to the
first stop.
3. Step back while the pressure
releases.
4. When you are sure that all the
pressure has been released, use
the cloth to press the cap down,
turn it counterclockwise and
remove it.
Use Ford Premium Cooling System
Fluid E2FZ-19549±AA (in Canada,
Motorcraft CXC-8±B) or an
equivalent premium engine coolant
that meets Ford Specification
ESE-M97B44±A. Ford Premium
Engine Coolant is an optimized
formula that will protect all metals
and rubber elastomers used in
Ford cooling systems for 4 years or
80,000 km (50,000 miles).
Do not use alcohol or methanol
antifreeze or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. Do not use
supplemental coolant additives in
your vehicle. These additives may
harm your engine cooling system.
The use of an improper coolant
may void the warranty of your
vehicle's engine cooling system.
f12_recycled_coolant
Maintenance and care
168

Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends
that Ford and Lincoln-Mercury
dealers use recycled engine
coolant produced by
Ford-approved processes. Not all
coolant recycling processes
produce coolant which meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44±A, and
use of such coolant may harm
engine and cooling system
components.
Always dispose of used
automotive fluids in a responsible
manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for
recycling and disposing of
automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your
vehicle's cooling system can hold,
refer toRefill capacitiesin the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
Have your dealer check the engine
cooling system for leaks if you
have to add more than a liter
(quart) of engine coolant per
month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold
climates [less than 36ÉC (34ÉF)], it
may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
Refer to the chart on the coolant
container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle is
such that the coolant will not
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f12_winter_climate
Maintenance and care
169