1997 FORD F250 warning

274
%*
[MC11700(FM)01/96]
Engine Coolant
[MC11750(FM)01/96]
Checking the engine coolant
*
[MC11800(FM)05/96]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine
from overheating in the summer and from
freezing in the winter. Check the level of the
engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply
look at the engine coolant recovery reservoir
located in the engine compartment. To locate
this reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's
engine underEngine typesin this chapter.
*
[MC11850(FM)05/96]
If the engine coolant has not been checked for a
long period of time the engine coolant reservoir
may eventually empty. If the engine coolant
reservoir empties, check the engine coolant level
in the radiator. Read the following warnings
before removing the radiator cap. If it is
necessary to fill the radiator, refer to theEngine
Coolant Refill Procedurein this chapter for
instructions.
*
[MC11950(FM)01/96]
Adding engine coolant
[MC12000(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020354-A
Adding engine coolant
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

275 % [MC12150(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020360-C
Adding engine coolant
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[MC12300(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC12350(FM)01/96]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
*
[MC12400(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap
while the engine is running or hot.
[MC12450(FM)04/96]
RWARNING
Follow these steps to minimize risk of
personal injury.
*
[MC12500(FM)05/96]
1. Before you remove the radiator cap, turn the
engine off and let it cool. Even when the
engine is cool, be careful when you remove
the radiator cap.
*
[MC12550(FM)05/96]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to the first stop.
*
[MC12600(FM)05/96]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[MC12650(FM)01/96]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press, turn,
and remove cap.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

283 %
*
[MC21850(FM)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
[MC21875(FM)01/96]
Transmission fluid should be checked at least
twice a year.
*
[MC21900(FM)01/96]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20
miles (30 km) of driving. However, if necessary,
you can check the fluid level without having to
drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal
operating temperature if outside temperatures
are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[MC21950(FM)01/96]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic during hot weather, or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow the fluid to cool before checking.
*
[MC22000(FM)05/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and move the transmission gearshift
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage. Securely latch
the transmission gearshift in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
[MC22050(F )04/96]
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with the 4x4 option
must have the 4x4 shift selector in any
position other than neutral.
*
[MC22100(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the
fluid level is below the bottom hole on
the dipstick and outside temperatures are
above50ÊF (10ÊC).
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

286
*
[MC23300(FM)01/96]
The Low-Maintenance Battery has removable
vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and
for adding water, if necessary. The electrolyte
level should be checked at least every 24 months
or 24,000 miles (40,000 km) in temperatures up
to 90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore often in temperatures
above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the electrolyte level in
each cell up to the level indicator. Do not
overfill.
*
[MC23350(FM)01/96]
If the level gets low, you can add tap water to
the battery, provided the water isn't hard or
doesn't have a high mineral or alkali content.
However, if possible you should refill the battery
with distilled water. If the battery needs water
quite often, have the charging system checked
for a possible malfunction.
%*
[MC23400(FM)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC23450(FM)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[MC23500(FM)01/96]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
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[MC23750(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Batteries normally produce explosive gases
which can cause personal injury. Do not
allow flames, sparks or lit tobacco to come
near the battery. Always cover your face
and protect your eyes and also provide
ventilation.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

287 %
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[MC23800(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[MC23850(FM)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[MC23900(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
%
*
[MC24900(FM)01/96]
Tires
%*
[MC25400(FM)03/96]
Checking Tire Pressure
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[MC25410(FM)02/96]
q
Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
*
[MC25420(FM)02/96]
q
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold,
after the vehicle has been parked for at least
one hour or has been driven less than 3 miles
(5 km).
*
[MC25430(FM)03/96]
q
Adjust tire pressure to recommended
specifications found on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[MC25500(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

289 %
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[MC26850(FM)01/96]
Replacing the Tires
*
[MC26900(FM)01/96]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (2 mm) of tread left.
*
[MC26950(FM)01/96]
quarter page art:0060006-A
Wear band
*
[MC27000(FM)02/96]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly,
you may need to replace them before a wear
band appears across the entire tread.
*
[MC27100(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix
radial, bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use
only the tire sizes that are listed on the
tire pressure decal. Make sure that all tires
are the same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire
combinations recommended on the decal.
If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and
safely.
*
[MC27350(FM)01/96]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicle's original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

291
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[MC27430(FM)01/96]
Traction A B C
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[MC27440(FM)01/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
*
[MC27460(FM)01/96]
Temperature A B C
[MC27470(FM)03/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature
grade for this is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

292
*
[MC27480(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
%*
[MC28000(F )01/96]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[MC28050(F )03/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[MC28100(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[MC28150(F )01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[MC28200(F )01/96]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
*
[MC28250(F )01/96]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC28300(F )01/96]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com