1997 FORD F250 Owners Manual

290 %
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[MC27360(FM)01/96]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
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[MC27370(FM)01/96]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their
Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded
into the tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has
set.
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[MC27380(FM)01/96]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic
tires for use on passenger cars. They do not
apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires
with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49
Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
[MC27390(FM)03/96]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire
quality grades:The U.S. Department of
transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly
as the government has written it.
%*
[MC27410(FM)01/96]
Treadwear
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[MC27420(FM)01/96]
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
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291
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[MC27430(FM)01/96]
Traction A B C
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[MC27440(FM)01/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
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[MC27460(FM)01/96]
Temperature A B C
[MC27470(FM)03/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature
grade for this is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
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292
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[MC27480(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
%*
[MC28000(F )01/96]
Snow Tires and Chains
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[MC28050(F )03/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
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[MC28100(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
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[MC28150(F )01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
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[MC28200(F )01/96]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
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[MC28250(F )01/96]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
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[MC28300(F )01/96]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
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293
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[MC28350(F )01/96]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
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[MC28400(F )01/96]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
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[MC28450(F )01/96]
q
Make sure your suspension insulation and
bumpers are not missing or worn to avoid
damage to your vehicle.
%
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[MC29600(FM)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[MC29900(F )05/96]
one third page art:0020351-E
Fuel filler door
[MC30000(F )05/96]
one third page art:0020753-B
Fuel filler door
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294 %
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[MC30100(F )01/96]
Opening the Fuel Filler Door
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[MC30200(F )01/96]
To open the fuel filler door of your vehicle, just
insert your finger in the divot and pull the door
open all the way.
%*
[MC30400(FM)01/96]
Removing the fuel cap
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[MC30500(FM)01/96]
The proper instructions for removing the fuel
cap are as follows:
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[MC30600(FM)01/96]
q
Unscrew the fuel cap by exerting pressure on
the plastic lock bar and rotating the fuel cap
counterclockwise.
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[MC30700(FM)01/96]
q
Turn the fuel cap 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn until a
hissing sound is heard. When the hissing
sound stops, continue rotating
counterclockwise to remove the fuel cap.
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[MC30800(FM)01/96]
q
Make sure that you follow the above fuel cap
removal instructions and use caution. Such
caution will minimize the possibility of fuel
spraying during removal of the fuel cap.
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[MC30900(FM)03/96]
To replace and secure the fuel cap, place it in
position and rotate it clockwise until it clicks
(ratchets). Doing so will not damage or break
the fuel cap. The ratcheting mechanism allows
the fuel cap to be sealed without overtightening.
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[MC31000(FM)01/96]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft or equivalent part.
%*
[MC31100(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can damage the
fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision.
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295
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[MC31200(FM)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
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[MC31300(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
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[MC31400(F )01/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal
condition. It may be caused by:
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[MC31500(F )01/96]
q
Too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions.
The service stations sometimes sell winter
grade fuel in the summer.
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[MC31600(F )01/96]
q
Pulling a heavy load on hot days, or at high
altitudes.
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[MC31700(F )01/96]
q
Extended periods of idling with the engine
RPM increased above the normal idle range.
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[MC31800(F )01/96]
q
Parking vehicle in full sunlight for extended
periods on extremely hot days.
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[MC32000(FM)01/96]
Choosing the Right Fuel
[MC32100(F )04/96]
NOTE: Read the7.3L Diesel Engine Owner
Guide Supplementfor information
regarding correct fuel requirements for
your diesel-powered vehicle.
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[MC32200(FM)03/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. Using leaded fuel
is prohibited by federal law and could damage
your vehicle. The damage may not be covered
by your warranty.
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[MC32250(FM)04/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel
containing manganese-based additives such as
MMT. Additionally, vehicles certified to
California emission standards (indicated on the
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296underhood Vehicle Emissions Control
Information label) are designed to operate on
California reformulated gasolines. If California
reformulated gasoline is not available when you
refuel, your vehicle can be operated on
non-California fuels. However, even though your
engine will perform adequately on other
gasolines, the performance of the emission
control devices and systems may be adversely
affected. Repair of damage caused by using a
fuel that your vehicle was not designed for may
not be covered by your warranty.
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[MC32400(FM)04/96]
Octane recommendation
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[MC32500(FM)03/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular
unleaded gasoline with an (R+M)/2 octane
rating of 87. We do not recommend gasolines
labeled ªregularº in high altitude areas that are
sold with octane ratings of 86 or even less.
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[MC32600(FM)01/96]
one inch art:0060001-C
Typical octane rating label
%*
[MC32800(FM)03/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane rated fuel, see your dealer
or a qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
%*
[MC32900(FM)04/96]
Fuel quality
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[MC33000(FM)03/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems, try a different brand of fuel.
If the condition persists, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
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297
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[MC33050(FM)04/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline
specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of
your vehicle. We recommend the use of
gasolines that meet the AAMA specification if
they are available.
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[MC33100(FM)04/96]
It should not be necessary to add any
aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you
continue to use a high-quality fuel.
%*
[MC34000(FM)04/96]
Gasolines for clean air
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[MC34100(FM)04/96]
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve
air quality, including reformulated gasolines, that
contain oxygenates such as a maximum of 10%
ethanol or 15% MTBE. There should be no more
than 5% methanol with co-solvents and additives
to protect the fuel system.
%*
[MC34400(FM)01/96]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive
Fuels
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[MC34500(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury
or death if misused or mishandled.
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[MC34600(FM)01/96]
Gasoline and other automotive fuels are
extremely flammable. Turn your vehicle off and
do not smoke while refueling your vehicle. Keep
sparks and other sources of ignition away from
fuels.
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[MC34700(FM)01/96]
Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal if
swallowed. Further, gasoline may be blended
with methanol. Even small amounts of methanol
can cause blindness and possibly death when
swallowed. Therefore, never attempt to siphon
any fuel by mouth.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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