1997 FORD F250 battery

258vibration, or other indication that your vehicle
may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced
promptly.
%
*
[MC01200(FM)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
*
[MC01300(FM)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
*
[MC01400(FM)01/96]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[MC01500(FM)01/96]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[MC01600(FM)01/96]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[MC01700(FM)01/96]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[MC01800(FM)01/96]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
File:11ltmcf.ex
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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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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
*
[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.
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Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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287 %
*
[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
*
[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
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306 [MC39750(FM)04/96]Maintenance
[MC39775(FM)04/96]
Instructions for maintenance and service of the
noise control system have been included in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet and in
the ªGeneral Maintenance Checklist.º To aid the
noise control system throughout the life of the
vehicle, Ford Motor Company recommends that
this vehicle should be operated according to the
Owner's Guide. When installing replacement
parts, use caution not to violate the tampering
act as described above. Use the Maintenance
Record Log to list any inspections and services
performed on the vehicle.
%*
[MC39800(FM)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC39825(FM)04/96]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies that
additional city and highway driving is necessary
to complete the check of the OBD II system.
[MC39830(FM)05/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes
city and highway driving as described below:
[MC39835(FM)05/96]
At least 20 minutes driving in stop and go, city
type traffic with at least four idle periods.
[MC39840(FM)05/96]
At least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway
or highway.
[MC39845(FM)05/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the
engine must be warmed up and at operating
temperature. Once started, the vehicle must not
be turned off during these driving modes.
File:11ltmcf.ex
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332 %
*
[CS02920(FM)01/96]
Battery
*
[CS02930(FM)01/96]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[CS02940(FM)01/96]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
%*
[CS02950(FM)01/96]
Brakes
*
[CS02960(FM)01/96]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[CS02970(FM)01/96]
Tires
*
[CS02980(FM)03/96]
q
Maintain recommended air pressures.
*
[CS02990(FM)01/96]
Miscellaneous
*
[CS03000(FM)01/96]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[CS03010(FM)01/96]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts to prevent
corrosion.
File:12ltcsf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:53:05 1996
ProCarManuals.com

335
Customer Assistance
[HS00200(FM)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210(FM)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first.
To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto
Club in the United States or Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada), contact
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Additional
Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00215(FM)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220(FM)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225(FM)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230(FM)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235(FM)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240(FM)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
File:14lthsf.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:26:19 1996
ProCarManuals.com

368 Index
Axle
lubricant specifications......... 324
refill capacities............ 318
traction lok.............. 220
B
Backing up............... 154
Basic vehicle warranty........... 4
Battery................. 285
acid, treating emergencies . . . 250, 286±287
battery saver.............. 93
charging system warning light...... 18
disconnecting............. 253
how to service............ 285
jumping a disabled battery....... 249
maintenance-free........... 285
proper disposal, recycling....... 286
replacement, specifications....... 317
servicing............... 285
voltage gauge.............. 18
when storing your vehicle....... 332
Brake fluid............... 268
brake warning light........... 15
checking and adding......... 268
description.............. 268
specifications...........269, 324
Brakelamp............... 310
bulb replacement........... 310
high-mount brakelamp........ 310
Brakes................. 145
adjustment.............. 145
anti-lock............... 145
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............. 16
applying the brakes.......... 148
brake warning light........... 15
fluid, checking and adding....... 268
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com