![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 276
*
[MC12700(FM)05/96]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
%*
[MC12750(FM)01/96]
Freezing Protection
[MC12800(FM)04/96]
The fac FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 276
*
[MC12700(FM)05/96]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
%*
[MC12750(FM)01/96]
Freezing Protection
[MC12800(FM)04/96]
The fac](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-274.png)
276
*
[MC12700(FM)05/96]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
%*
[MC12750(FM)01/96]
Freezing Protection
[MC12800(FM)04/96]
The factory-installed solution of Ford Premium
Cooling System Fluid and water will protect
your vehicle toS35ÊF (S37ÊC).Check the freeze
protection rating of the engine coolant at least
once a year, just before winter.
*
[MC12850(FM)04/96]
Add engine coolant only to the coolant
reservoir.If the coolant level is low, add to the
reservoir a 50/50 mixture of water and the type
of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may
add water by itself only in an emergency, but
you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture as
soon as possible. Check the engine coolant again
the next few times you drive your vehicle.
*
[MC12900(FM)01/96]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an
optimized formula that will protect all metals
and rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for
four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use
supplemental coolant additives in your gasoline
powered vehicle. These additives may harm
your engine cooling system. Follow the
recommended service interval for changing your
engine coolant.
*
[MC12950(FM)01/96]
NOTE: When you change or add engine
coolant, it is important to maintain
your engine coolant concentration
between 40%(-11ÊF [-24ÊC]) and 60%
(-62ÊF [-52ÊC]),depending on your local
climate conditions. Below 40% you will
lose freeze protection and above 60%
your engine may overheat on a warm
day.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 277 % [MC13000(FM)04/96]
NOTE: Do not use an engine coolant that does
not meet all 14 requirements of Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A. The use
of an improper coolant may void your
warranty for the eng FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 277 % [MC13000(FM)04/96]
NOTE: Do not use an engine coolant that does
not meet all 14 requirements of Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A. The use
of an improper coolant may void your
warranty for the eng](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-275.png)
277 % [MC13000(FM)04/96]
NOTE: Do not use an engine coolant that does
not meet all 14 requirements of Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A. The use
of an improper coolant may void your
warranty for the engine cooling system.
Use only a premium nationally
recognized brand name engine coolant.
*
[MC13050(FM)04/96]
Ford Motor Company expressly authorizes the
Ford Rotunda engine coolant recycling process
and chemicals. If you choose to use recycled
coolant, use only Ford Rotunda recycled engine
coolant or an equivalent recycled engine coolant
that is certified by the supplier to meet Ford
specification ESE-M97B44-A.
%*
[MC13100(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.
%*
[MC13150(FM)01/96]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid or an
equivalent engine coolant that meets Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Do not use alcohol
or methanol antifreeze and do not use engine
coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. If you do not use the proper coolant,
the aluminum radiator on your vehicle will
corrode.
*
[MC13200(FM)01/96]
Leave the engine coolant in all year. Make sure
that the coolant will not freeze at the
temperature level in which you drive during
winter months. Keep a mixture of engine coolant
in your engine that has a protection rating of at
least-34ÊF (-37ÊC), orwhatever protection rating
is appropriate for the climate in which you live.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com
![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.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com
![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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![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 281
*
[MC18800(F )01/96]
quarter page art:0020386-B
Power steering reservoir
*
[MC19050(FM)01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, un FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 281
*
[MC18800(F )01/96]
quarter page art:0020386-B
Power steering reservoir
*
[MC19050(FM)01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, un](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-279.png)
281
*
[MC18800(F )01/96]
quarter page art:0020386-B
Power steering reservoir
*
[MC19050(FM)01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
*
[MC19060(FM)03/96]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
*
[MC19070(FM)03/96]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
[MC19100(F )05/96]
Use only MERCONHAutomatic Transmission
Fluid.
*
[MC19250(FM)01/96]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[MC19400(FM)01/96]
NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel of your
vehicle with the engine off. It could
force power steering fluid out from the
reservoir cap or in extreme cases, it
could unseat the cap.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 282
%*
[MC21300(FM)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
[MC21360(F )05/96]
Your vehicle does not use up transmisison fluid.
However it is recommended that you check the
transmission fluid at least twic FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 282
%*
[MC21300(FM)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
[MC21360(F )05/96]
Your vehicle does not use up transmisison fluid.
However it is recommended that you check the
transmission fluid at least twic](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-280.png)
282
%*
[MC21300(FM)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
[MC21360(F )05/96]
Your vehicle does not use up transmisison fluid.
However it is recommended that you check the
transmission fluid at least twice a year. If the
transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
[MC21450(F )05/96]
NOTE: For E4OD transmissions, there is no
30,000 mile (48,000 km) sheduled
transmission fluid change requirement.
[MC21490(F )05/96]
Severe Operating Conditions
[MC21500(FM)01/96]
Transmission fluid, filter and seal assembly
should be changed every 21,000 miles
(34,000 km) only under any of the following
conditions.
[MC21550(FM)01/96]
q
Extended periods of high speed driving
during hot weather at/or above+90ÊF
(+30ÊC).
[MC21600(FM)01/96]
q
Towing a trailer for distances over 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) per trip.
[MC21650(FM)01/96]
q
Accumulating 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or more
per month.
[MC21700(FM)01/96]
q
Continuous operation and/or extensive idling
(a delivery service as an example).
*
[MC21750(FM)04/96]
q
Operating in severe dust conditions.
[MC21800(FM)01/96]
NOTE: Use of a transmission fluid other than
specified could result in transmission
malfunction and/or failure. Refer to
ªAdding automatic transmission fluidº,
ªRefill capacitiesº and ªlubricant
specificationsº for further information.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 t FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 t](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-281.png)
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
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 284
*
[MC22150(FM)01/96]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out
and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipsti FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 284
*
[MC22150(FM)01/96]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out
and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipsti](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-282.png)
284
*
[MC22150(FM)01/96]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out
and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
*
[MC22200(FM)01/96]
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperature, the fluid level should be within the
crosshatched area on the dipstick. When the
vehicle has not been driven, and outside
temperature is above50ÊF (10ÊC), thefluid level
should be between the holes on the dipstick.
%*
[MC22250(FM)01/96]
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[MC22300(FM)01/96]
The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick.
Before adding any fluid, be sure that the
correct type will be used.
*
[MC22350(FM)01/96]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level to the correct
area on the dipstick. If an overfill occurs, excess
fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
%*
[MC22400(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.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com