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![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 278
*
[MC13250(FM)04/96]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicles coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
[MC13300(FM)04/96]
You may add water by itself FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 278
*
[MC13250(FM)04/96]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicles coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
[MC13300(FM)04/96]
You may add water by itself](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-276.png)
278
*
[MC13250(FM)04/96]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicle's coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
[MC13300(FM)04/96]
You may add water by itself only in an
emergency, but you should replace it with a
50/50 or appropriate mixture as soon as
possible.
*
[MC13350(FM)04/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add a quart
(liter) of engine coolant more than once a month.
[MC13400(FM)01/96]
Checking hoses
*
[MC13450(FM)01/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for
deterioration, leaks and loose clamps before
adding or replacing engine coolant. Make
whatever repairs or replacements that are
necessary using Motorcraft parts or their
equivalents.
[MC13500(FM)01/96]
Engine coolant drain and flush
*
[MC13550(FM)05/96]
To drain your vehicle's engine coolant:
*
[MC13600(FM)01/96]
1. Turn off the engine and let it cool. Fully
depressurize the engine cooling system by
covering the radiator cap with a thick cloth
and turning it slowly counterclockwise to the
first stop. Step back while the pressure
releases.
*
[MC13650(FM)01/96]
2. Remove the cap.
*
[MC13750(FM)01/96]
3. Attach a small hose to the drain tube at the
bottom of the radiator.
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![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 279
*
[MC13800(FM)01/96]
4. Let the engine coolant drain into a suitable
container. Disconnect the lower radiator hose
at the radiator connector and drain any
remaining engine coolant into a container FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 279
*
[MC13800(FM)01/96]
4. Let the engine coolant drain into a suitable
container. Disconnect the lower radiator hose
at the radiator connector and drain any
remaining engine coolant into a container](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-277.png)
279
*
[MC13800(FM)01/96]
4. Let the engine coolant drain into a suitable
container. Disconnect the lower radiator hose
at the radiator connector and drain any
remaining engine coolant into a container.
*
[MC13850(FM)01/96]
5. Reconnect the lower radiator hose and close
the radiator drain cock.
[MC13900(FM)04/96]
Proper procedures for flushing the cooling
system can be found in theTruck Service Manual.
[MC13950(FM)01/96]
Engine coolant refill procedure
*
[MC14000(FM)01/96]
After you have drained the engine cooling
system:
*
[MC14050(FM)01/96]
1. Fill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of the
specified engine coolant concentrate and
water. Allow several minutes for trapped air
to escape (bubble out) and for engine coolant
to flow through the radiator.
*
[MC14100(FM)01/96]
2. Replace the radiator cap to its fully installed
position, then back off to the first stop. This
will prevent high pressure from building up
in the cooling system during this part of the
fill procedure.
*
[MC14150(FM)01/96]
3. Start and idle the engine until the thermostat
opens and the radiator upper hose becomes
warm.
*
[MC14200(FM)01/96]
4. Shut off the engine and allow the engine to
cool. Cover the radiator cap with a thick
cloth and cautiously remove it. Step back
while the pressure releases.
*
[MC14250(FM)01/96]
5. Finally, check the radiator and add more
engine coolant if needed, following the
procedures noted above. Reinstall the
radiator cap securely, when finished.
*
[MC14300(FM)01/96]
6. If more engine coolant is necessary, fill the
overflow reservoir to the appropriate level
marked on the bottle.
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![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 l FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 l](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-278.png)
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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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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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
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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
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376 Index
Fuel filler door...........293±294
override, manual........... 294
remote release............ 293
Fuel filter, specifications......... 317
Fuel gauge................ 21
Fuel pump shut-off switch
engine does not start......... 223
starting after a collision........ 223
Fuel tank selector switch, dual tanks.... 62
Fuse panels, instrument panel....226, 234
Fuses
charts................ 234
checking and replacing......225, 234
circuit breakers............ 235
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap).......... 293
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy) . . . 295, 300
Gasohol................ 297
Gasoline (see Fuel)............ 293
Gauges, Mechanical
battery voltage gauge.......... 18
charging system gauge......... 18
engine coolant temperature gauge.... 21
engine oil pressure gauge........ 19
fuel gauge............... 21
odometer................ 24
speedometer.............. 23
tachometer............... 24
trip odometer.............. 24
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