1997 FORD F250 maintenance

286
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[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
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[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
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[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.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

288 %
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[MC26150(FM)01/96]
Tire Rotation
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[MC26200(FM)01/96]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires
perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly
and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the
following diagram.
*
[MC26500(F )12/95]
For tire rotation intervals, see theMaintenance
Schedule. If you notice that the tires wear
unevenly, have them checked.
[MC26525(FM)03/96]
NOTE: Do not rotate the dual rear tires.
*
[MC26600(F )01/96]
half page art:0020364-A
Tire rotation pattern
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

301 %
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[MC37400(F )01/96]
Comparisons With Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and Transport
Canada (TC) Fuel Economy Estimates
[MC37600(F )04/96]
NOTE: There are no EPA fuel economy
estimates for vehicles over 8500 lbs.
(3,855 kg) GVW.
%*
[MC37700(FM)01/96]
Improving Fuel Economy
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[MC37800(FM)01/96]
Fuel economy is affected by a number of
variables which can reduce efficiency. You can
improve fuel economy by understanding these
variables and minimizing their effect.
*
[MC37900(FM)01/96]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[MC38000(FM)01/96]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
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[MC38100(FM)01/96]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
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[MC38200(FM)01/96]
q
Sudden stops
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[MC38300(FM)01/96]
q
Excessive speed
*
[MC38400(FM)01/96]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[MC38500(FM)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC38600(FM)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
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[MC38700(FM)01/96]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[MC38900(F )01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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302
%*
[MC38925(FM)01/96]
Emission Control System
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[MC38950(F )01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[MC38975(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
*
[MC39000(F )01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[MC39075(FM)01/96]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
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[MC39100(FM)01/96]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
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[MC39125(FM)02/96]
q
Have the services listed in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet performed according to the
specified schedule. The scheduled
maintenance services are required because
they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
*
[MC39150(FM)01/96]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emissions control devices or systems in
your new Ford Motor Company vehicle or
engine may be performed at your expense by
any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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.
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[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.
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[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

304
*
[MC39300(FM)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC39325(FM)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[MC39350(FM)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
[MC39375(F )04/96]
NOTE: All current model year vehicles are
certified to the same year emissions
standards except certain vehicles
equipped with engines built prior to
January 1 of the model year which may
be certified to prior year emissions
standards. In either case, the
maintenance schedules contained in the
back of this Owner Guide must be
used to maintain your engine.
% [MC39400(FM)04/96]
Noise emissions warranty, prohibited
tampering acts
[MC39425(FM)04/96]
On January 1, 1978, Federal regulations became
effective governing the noise emissions on trucks
with a GVWR of over 10,000 lbs (4,536 kgs). The
following statements concerning prohibited
tampering acts and the noise warranty are found
in theWarranty Information Booklet, and are
applicable to completed F-Series chassis cabs
whose GVWR is over 10,000 lbs (4,536 kgs).
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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305 [MC39475(FM)04/96]
Do not tamper with the noise control
system
[MC39500(FM)04/96]
Federal law prohibits the following acts:
[MC39525(FM)04/96]
1. The removal or dismantlement, (by any
person unless for maintenance, repair or
replacement purposes) of any device or
design element incorporated into any new
vehicle to control noise output, prior to its
sale or delivery to the consumer, or while it
is being used, or
[MC39550(FM)04/96]
2. Using your vehicle after a device or design
element has been removed or dismantled, by
any person.
[MC39575(FM)04/96]
The following are some of the acts that are
considered tampering:
[MC39600(FM)04/96]
q
Removing the hood blanket, fender apron
absorbers, fender apron barriers, underbody
noise shields or material constructed to
absorb noise output.
[MC39650(FM)04/96]
q
Removing or dismantling the engine speed
governor, so that the engine's speed exceeds
the manufacturer's specifications.
[MC39675(FM)04/96]
q
Removing the air duct, air intake choke or
silencer, air cleaner and/or air cleaner
element.
[MC39700(FM)04/96]
q
Removing or dismantling any of the exhaust
system components including the catalyst
inlet pipe, muffler, outlet pipe, resonator or
diffuser.
[MC39725(FM)04/96]
q
Removing the fan shroud. Removing or
dismantling the fan clutch so that it no longer
functions properly.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com