Page 247 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 248 % [ER16600(FM)04/96]
quarter page art:0020319-CLug nut tightening sequence
*
[ER16700(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Never use wheels or lug nuts different
than the original equipment as this could
damage the FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 248 % [ER16600(FM)04/96]
quarter page art:0020319-CLug nut tightening sequence
*
[ER16700(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Never use wheels or lug nuts different
than the original equipment as this could
damage the](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-246.png)
248 % [ER16600(FM)04/96]
quarter page art:0020319-CLug nut tightening sequence
*
[ER16700(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Never use wheels or lug nuts different
than the original equipment as this could
damage the wheel or mounting system.
This damage could allow the wheels to
come off while the vehicle is being
driven.
*
[ER16900(F )01/96]
7. Replace any wheel covers, ornaments, or hub
caps that your vehicle has. Make sure that
they are screwed or snapped into place.
[ER17100(F )01/96]
8. Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. (Make
sure jack is securely fastened so it doesn't
rattle when you drive.) The carrier is
designed to hold the temporary spare which
comes with your vehicle. The stowage of a
full size tire in the spare tire carrier may
damage the tire or the vehicle. The flat full
size tire should be stowed securely in the
vehicle until it can be repaired.
*
[ER17400(F )03/96]
9. Unblock the wheels.
[ER17700(F )04/96]
On vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels
retighten the wheel lug nuts to the specified
torque at 100 miles (160 km), and again at 500
miles (800 km) of new vehicle operation and at
the intervals specified in theMaintenance Schedule
and Recordbooklet.
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Page 253 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 254
*
[ER22700(FM)02/96]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER22800(FM)02/96]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[ER22900(FM)02 FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 254
*
[ER22700(FM)02/96]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER22800(FM)02/96]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[ER22900(FM)02](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-252.png)
254
*
[ER22700(FM)02/96]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER22800(FM)02/96]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[ER22900(FM)02/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while
to let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions.
Drive it around for a while with all electrical
accessories turned off to let the battery recharge.
Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all
drive modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to
use a battery charger to fully recharge the
battery.
*
[ER23000(FM)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
%
*
[ER23100(FM)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
[ER23350(F )03/96]
The recommended method to tow your vehicle
is with flatbed or wheel lift equipment.
However, slingbelt towing is acceptable.On
vehicles equipped with an air dam,the towbar
will deform the rubber air dam.
*
[ER23500(FM)01/96]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator
what kind of vehicle you have. A towing
manual is available from Ford Motor Company
for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for
the proper hook-up and towing procedures for
your vehicle.
*
[ER23550(F )05/96]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to the
bumper when you tow your vehicle. This
could damage the bumper and cause an
accident.
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Page 256 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 b FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 b](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-255.png)
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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Page 263 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 264
%*
[MC05750(FM)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC05775(FM)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Pet FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 264
%*
[MC05750(FM)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC05775(FM)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Pet](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-262.png)
264
%*
[MC05750(FM)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC05775(FM)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
[MC05800(FM)04/96]
one third page art:0060020-D
The API Certification Mark
*
[MC05900(FM)01/96]
Neveruse:
*
[MC06000(FM)01/96]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[MC06100(FM)02/96]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[MC06200(FM)01/96]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
[MC06300(F )05/96]
For vehicles with 5.8L engines
%*
[MC06400(F )03/96]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[MC06500(F )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.
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Page 264 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 d FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 d](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-263.png)
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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![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 theMaint FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 theMaint](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-266.png)
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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Page 270 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 271
%*
[MC10700(FM)01/96]
Driveline Universal Joint and Slip
Yoke
*
[MC10750(F )03/96]
The universal joints that come standard with
your vehicle do not require lubrication. If your
original equipment FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 271
%*
[MC10700(FM)01/96]
Driveline Universal Joint and Slip
Yoke
*
[MC10750(F )03/96]
The universal joints that come standard with
your vehicle do not require lubrication. If your
original equipment](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-269.png)
271
%*
[MC10700(FM)01/96]
Driveline Universal Joint and Slip
Yoke
*
[MC10750(F )03/96]
The universal joints that come standard with
your vehicle do not require lubrication. If your
original equipment universal joints are replaced
with universal joints equipped with grease
fittings, lubrication will be necessary at the
intervals shown in theMaintenance Schedule
booklet.
*
[MC10850(F )01/96]
Your vehicle may be equipped with a constant
velocity or double cardan joint at the transfer
case end of the driveshaft. The front driveshaft
double cardan joint may be fitted with a flush
type grease fitting that requires an adapter to
permit proper lubrication. Lubricate the drive
joint according to the intervals shown in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet.
[MC10875(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020379-A
Double cardan joint
%*
[MC10900(F )02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
%*
[MC10950(F )03/96]
Washer Fluid
*
[MC11000(F )02/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for
the windshield washer fluid is located in the
engine compartment.
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Page 284 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 285 [MC22450(FM)03/96]
one third page art:0020946-A
Automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[MC22650(F )01/96]
Manual Transmission and
Transfer Case Fluid
[MC22700(F )01/96]
Checking the fluid
*
[MC22750(F FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 285 [MC22450(FM)03/96]
one third page art:0020946-A
Automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[MC22650(F )01/96]
Manual Transmission and
Transfer Case Fluid
[MC22700(F )01/96]
Checking the fluid
*
[MC22750(F](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-283.png)
285 [MC22450(FM)03/96]
one third page art:0020946-A
Automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[MC22650(F )01/96]
Manual Transmission and
Transfer Case Fluid
[MC22700(F )01/96]
Checking the fluid
*
[MC22750(F )01/96]
Clean the filler plug on the side of the case.
Remove the filler plug. The fluid level should be
up to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
*
[MC22800(F )01/96]
If additional fluid is required:
[MC22850(F )01/96]
1. Add enough fluid through the filler plug
hole to bring the level up to the bottom of
the hole. Use only fluid certified to meet
Ford Motor Company lubricant specification
as listed underA Quick Reference for Refill
Capacities and Motorcraft Parts, later in this
section.
*
[MC22900(F )01/96]
2. Replace the filler plug in its original
position, making sure it is fully seated.
%
*
[MC23200(FM)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC23250(FM)01/96]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. When the original
equipment battery is replaced under warranty, it
may be replaced by a Motorcraft
Low-Maintenance Battery.
File:11ltmcf.ex
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