1997 FORD F250 check engine light

257
Maintenance and Care
%*[MC00200(FM)01/96]Service Made Easy
*[MC00300(F )01/96]Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*[MC00400(F )01/96]1. When we can, we design parts that do notneed to be serviced.
*[MC00500(F )01/96]2. We want to make servicing your vehicle aseasy as possible. To help you:
*[MC00600(F )01/96]qWe highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
*[MC00700(F )03/96]qWhen possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
*[MC00800(F )02/96]qWe give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in the Maintenance Schedule booklet.
*[MC00900(FM)01/96]This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*[MC01000(FM)01/96]If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check your Warranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see the Customer Assistance chapter of this
Owner Guide.
*[MC01100(FM)02/96]Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet be performed for
the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in the Owner Maintenance
Checklist , be alert for any unusual noise,
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265 [MC06600(F )04/96]
For vehicles with 7.5L engine
[MC06800(FM)01/96]
Engine oils with anSAE 10W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle which provide the
best engine protection for all climates down to
S5ÊF (S20ÊC). SAE5W-30 engine oils may also
be used down toS15ÊF (S25ÊC).
%*
[MC06900(FM)03/96]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
%*
[MC07000(FM)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC07100(FM)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[MC07200(FM)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC07300(FM)01/96]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[MC07400(F )01/96]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
*
[MC07600(FM)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[MC07700(FM)01/96]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[MC07800(FM)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
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Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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266 [MC07900(FM)05/96]
quarter page art:0021609-AEngine oil dipstick (5.8L engine)
[MC07910(FM)05/96]
quarter page art:0021601-A
Engine oil dipstick (7.5L engine)
*
[MC08000(FM)01/96]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QT.º line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in FULL, engine
damage or high oil consumption may occur
and some oil must be removed from the
engine.
*
[MC08100(FM)01/96]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
*
[MC08200(FM)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[MC08300(FM)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

268 [MC09000(F )04/96]If the above conditions do not apply, change
the engine oil and oil filter every 6 months or
5,000 miles (8,000 km), whichever comes first.
*
[MC09100(FM)02/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
[MC09200(F )04/96]
NOTE: Refer to thePower Stroke Diesel Engine
Owner's Guide Supplementfor oil
viscosity, filter application and oil and
filter change intervals.
%*
[MC09300(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.
*
[MC09400(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC09500(FM)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
*
[MC09600(FM)01/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC09625(FM)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level
indicator in the master cylinder which lights the
BRAKE warning light on the instrument panel
when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[MC09650(FM)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
*
[MC09675(FM)01/96]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You
can do this by looking at the fluid level in the
plastic brake fluid reservoir on the master
cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
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Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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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
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303
*
[MC39175(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.
*
[MC39200(F )01/96]
RWARNING
On vehicles without original equipment
floor covering or insulation, do not let
passengers ride in your truck in a manner
that allows contact between skin and the
metal floor.
*
[MC39225(FM)01/96]
If other than Ford or Motorcraft or Ford
authorized remanufactured parts are used for
maintenance, replacement, or for the service of
components affecting emissions control, the
owner should be assured that such parts are
warranted by their manufacturer to be
equivalent to genuine Ford Motor Company
parts in performance and durability. Please
consult your warranty information booklet for
complete warranty information.
*
[MC39250(F )01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[MC39275(FM)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

Index 367
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 16
Accessory position on the ignition . . . 67±68
Accessory power source, power
point outlet.............. 66
Additives, engine oil.......... 264
Air bag supplemental restraint system,
and child safety seats......... 122
Air cleaner filter
location............... 261
specifications............. 317
Alarm, activating remote personal..... 90
Alcohol, in fuel............. 297
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 27
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 274
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 145
see also Brake............ 145
warning light.............. 16
warninig light............. 15
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 338
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 335
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............. 27
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 63
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive . . 151, 155
fluid, adding............. 284
fluid, checking............ 283
fluid, refill capacities......... 318
fluid, specification.......... 324
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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