1997 FORD F150 checking oil

Engine coolant temperature
Illuminates briefly when the
ignition key is turned to On (light
from optional cluster shown).
Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the engine and check the engine
coolant temperature level as soon
as possible. Refer toChecking
and adding engine coolantand
What you should know about
fail-safe coolingin the
Maintenance and caresection.
Oil pressure
Illuminates briefly when the
ignition key is turned to On (light
from base cluster shown).
Illuminates when the oil pressure
is low. Stop the engine and check
the engine oil level as soon as
possible. Refer toChecking and
adding engine oilin the
Maintenance and caresection.
Door ajar
Illuminates when the ignition
switch is in the ON or START
position and any door is open.
Charging system
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
DOOR
AJAR
f12_oil_pressure
com_door-ajar.02
com_charging_system.01
com_brake_system.01
Instrumentation
9

Voltage gauge
If the pointer moves and stays
outside of the normal range, it
indicates that the battery is not
being charged. Have the vehicle's
electrical system checked by your
dealer as soon as possible.
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 theMaintenance
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
dealer.
Odometer
Registers the total kilometers
(mileage) of the vehicle.
818818
LHLH
MPH
50
4080
120
140
18 0
4060100
20 km/h
0010
000005
MPH 1050
3070
4080
120
140
18 0
40
20
0
10090 60
8060100
20 km/h
0010
0
00
00
00
00
05
5
f12_oil_pressure
f12_odometer f12_trip_odometer
Instrumentation
16

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