1997 FORD F150 parking brake

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.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission
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.
²Manual transmission
1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in 1 (First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
²Automatic transmission
com_working_off.02
com_working_on.02
Maintenance and care
155

1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine
with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
²Manual transmission
1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in 1 (First).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
f12_opening_hood
Maintenance and care
156

Oil filters
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 that you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine
application.
Checking engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you
fuel your vehicle.
Check the engine oil level more
frequently if the vehicle is carrying
a heavy load, towing a trailer,
idling for extended periods (like
police, taxi or shuttle service
vehicles) or driven at high speeds
for extended periods of time.
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 latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or
1 (First) (manual transmission).
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
4. Locate and carefully remove the
f12_checking_oil
Maintenance and care
161

1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow sufficient time
for each gear to engage.
3. Latch the gearshift lever in P
(Park), set the parking brake and
leave the engine running.
4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it
clean with a clean, dry rag.
5. Install the dipstick.
6. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level.
²For 4R70W transmissions, the
fluid level should be within the
crosshatched area, or if the
vehicle has not been driven,
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
Maintenance and care
175

FluidFord part name
or equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Brake fluid and
clutch fluidHigh
Performance
DOT 3 brake
fluidC6AZ-19542-AB ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Engine coolantPremium engine
coolantE2FZ-19549-AA
or BESE-M97B44-A
Engine oilSuper Premium
Motorcraft Motor
Oil 5W30XO-5W30-BSP
or QSPWSS-M2C153-F
Grease; body
hinges, latches
and seat tracks.Multi-Purpose
GreaseD0AZ-19584-AA
or
D7AZ-19584-AAESB-M1C93-A
or
ESB-M1C106-B
Grease;
transmission
/steering/parking
brake linkages
and pivots.
Brake and
clutch pedal
shaft.Premium
Long-Life
GreaseXG-1-C ESA-M1C75-B
Parking brake
cableSpeedometer
cable lubricantE6TZ-19581-A ESF-M1C60-A
Power steering
fluid, transfer
case fluid and
transmission
fluid (manual
and automatic)Motorcraft
MERCONT
Multi-purpose
AT FXT-2-BDX or
QDXMERCONT
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
windshield
washer
concentrateC9AZ-19550-AC
or BCESR-M17P5-A
Capacities and specifications
216