1997 FORD F250 coolant temperature

21 %
*
[IS09000(F )03/96]
ªHeadlamps Onº Alert Chime
[IS09100(F )04/96]
This chime will sound if you open the door
while the headlamps or parklamps are on.
%*
[IS09200(FM)03/96]
Fuel Gauge
*
[IS09300(FM)01/96]
The fuel gauge displays approximately how
much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the
ignition switch is ON.
*
[IS09500(FM)01/96]
The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly when
the vehicle is in motion.
*
[IS09600(FM)01/96]
With ignition switch OFF, the fuel gauge
indicator may drift from the ignition switch ON
position.
[IS09700(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020691-C
Fuel gauge
%*
[IS09900(FM)03/96]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[IS10000(FM)01/96]
This gauge tells you the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indicator will not be accurate.
*
[IS10100(FM)01/96]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the Normal band as the engine coolant warms
up. It is acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate
within the Normal band under normal driving
conditions. Under certain driving conditions,
such as heavy stop and go traffic or driving up
hills in hot weather, the pointer may move to
the top of the Normal band.
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
ProCarManuals.com

22
*
[IS10200(FM)04/96]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the NORMAL band, the engine is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
*
[IS10300(FM)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
*
[IS10400(FM)03/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely
possible.
*
[IS10500(FM)03/96]
2. Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe
engine damage could result.
*
[IS10600(FM)03/96]
3. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE
COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL
THE ENGINE IS COOL.
*
[IS10700(FM)03/96]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine Coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[IS10800(FM)01/96]
For instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine coolantin the Index. If
you do not follow these instructions, you or
others could be injured.
[IS10900(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020535-D
Engine coolant temperature gauge
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
ProCarManuals.com

142normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
*
[TO05600(FM)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[TO05700(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[TO05800(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[TO05900(F )01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[TO06000(F )01/96]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[TO06100(F )01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[TO06200(F )01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
File:08lttof.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:44:45 1996
ProCarManuals.com

272
*
[MC11050(F )01/96]
Adding washer fluid
*
[MC11100(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
[MC11150(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020360-C
Adding windshield washer fluid
%*
[MC11300(F )02/96]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
*
[MC11350(F )01/96]
If you choose to use a windshield washing
solution that must be mixed, follow the
manufacturer's mixing instructions. Improperly
mixed solutions may freeze unexpectedly.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

277 % [MC13000(FM)04/96]
NOTE: Do not use an engine coolant that does
not meet all 14 requirements of Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A. The use
of an improper coolant may void your
warranty for the engine cooling system.
Use only a premium nationally
recognized brand name engine coolant.
*
[MC13050(FM)04/96]
Ford Motor Company expressly authorizes the
Ford Rotunda engine coolant recycling process
and chemicals. If you choose to use recycled
coolant, use only Ford Rotunda recycled engine
coolant or an equivalent recycled engine coolant
that is certified by the supplier to meet Ford
specification ESE-M97B44-A.
%*
[MC13100(FM)04/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
%*
[MC13150(FM)01/96]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid or an
equivalent engine coolant that meets Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Do not use alcohol
or methanol antifreeze and do not use engine
coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. If you do not use the proper coolant,
the aluminum radiator on your vehicle will
corrode.
*
[MC13200(FM)01/96]
Leave the engine coolant in all year. Make sure
that the coolant will not freeze at the
temperature level in which you drive during
winter months. Keep a mixture of engine coolant
in your engine that has a protection rating of at
least-34ÊF (-37ÊC), orwhatever protection rating
is appropriate for the climate in which you live.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

280
%*
[MC18300(FM)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC18350(FM)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
*
[MC18400(FM)01/96]
To check the level of your power steering fluid:
*
[MC18450(FM)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC18500(FM)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC18550(F )01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[MC18650(FM)01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[MC18700(FM)01/96]
one third page art:0021016-B
Power steering dipstick
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

Index 371
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
upholstery and interior trim...... 314
washing.............312±313
waxing............... 313
wheels................ 315
Climate control system.......... 57
Clock.............. 34,48,52
Clutch................. 158
adjusting............... 270
fluid................. 270
fluid reservoir..........268, 270
operation while driving........ 158
recommended shift speeds....... 161
shifting the gears........... 159
specifications............. 324
Cold engine starting........... 139
Combination lap and shoulder belts . 107, 111
Compact disc player (see Electronic
sound system)........... 28,35
Compact disc radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 28
Console, description............ 87
Controls
mirrors.............. 79,81
power seat.............. 105
Convenience kit in cargo area...... 237
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 274
checking and adding......... 274
preparing for storage......... 331
proper solution............ 276
refill capacities............ 318
specifications...........277, 324
temperature gauge........... 21
warnings............... 274
Cooling fan............... 258
Crankcase emission filter......... 317
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com

Index 373
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)...... 42
Emergencies, roadside
battery acid spills.........250, 287
fuel................. 297
jump-starting............. 249
towing................ 254
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 149
Emission control system......... 302
catalytic converter.......... 302
emissions warranty....... 4,302, 304
Engine
check engine warning light....... 17
diesel................. 7
does not start............ 223
fuel injected engine, starting....137, 139
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 223
preparing to start.........137±138
refill capacities............ 318
service points............ 261
starting............... 139
starting after a collision........ 223
storing your vehicle........330±331
Engine block heater........... 142
Engine coolant............. 274
checking and adding......... 274
disposal...........268, 277, 284
preparing for storage......... 331
proper solution......268, 276±277, 284
recovery reservoir........261, 275
refill capacities............ 318
specifications...........277, 324
temperature gauge........... 21
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 21
description............... 21
mechanical............... 21
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com