1997 FORD F250 ECU

259
*
[MC01900(FM)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
[MC02100(F )01/96]
1. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission) or in 1
(First) (manual transmission).
[MC02200(F )04/96]
2. When the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are
disconnected from the rest of the driveline.
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if
the automatic transmission is in P (Park) or
the manual transmission is in gear. Do not
leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the N (Neutral) position.
[MC02300(F )01/96]
3. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
[MC02400(F )01/96]
4. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02500(FM)01/96]
Working with the engine on:
[MC02600(F )01/96]
1. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission) or in 1
(First) (manual transmission).
[MC02900(F )04/96]
2. When the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are
disconnected from the rest of the driveline.
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if
the automatic transmission is in P (Park) or
the manual transmission is in gear. Do not
leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the N (Neutral) position.
*
[MC03000(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

260 %
*
[MC03100(F )02/96]
Opening the Hood
*
[MC03200(F )01/96]
1. Pull the hood release handle, located next to
the parking brake pedal.
*
[MC03400(F )01/96]
2. While applying downward pressure on the
hood, push the hood latch handle located
behind the grille near the center front of the
vehicle to the left.
[MC03600(F )04/96]
3. As you open the hood to its fullest extent, a
clock spring will assist you and ªsnapº into
position. The clock spring lift secures the
hood at its fullest height.
[MC03700(F )04/96]
one third page art:0020333-A
Hood release handle
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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261 [MC03900(F )04/96]
half page art:0020337-E
Hood and support
[MC04000(F )04/96]
NOTE: Be sure to oil the hood latch every six
months to maintain smooth operation.
*
[MC04200(F )01/96]
Always attempt to lift the hood after closing to
be sure it is securely latched.
%
*
[MC04300(F )03/96]
Engine Compartment
*
[MC04400(F )03/96]
Your vehicle has one of the following types of
engines:
[MC04800(F )04/96]
q
A 5.8 Liter EFI, V-8 engine, or
[MC04900(F )04/96]
q
A 7.5 Liter EFI, V-8 engine.
[MC05000(F )04/96]
NOTE: Read the7.3L Diesel Engine Owner
Guide Supplementfor information
regarding correct service points for
your diesel-powered vehicle.
*
[MC05100(F )03/96]
The following pages show diagrams of each
engine type and where to find items that you
should regularly service.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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279
*
[MC13800(FM)01/96]
4. Let the engine coolant drain into a suitable
container. Disconnect the lower radiator hose
at the radiator connector and drain any
remaining engine coolant into a container.
*
[MC13850(FM)01/96]
5. Reconnect the lower radiator hose and close
the radiator drain cock.
[MC13900(FM)04/96]
Proper procedures for flushing the cooling
system can be found in theTruck Service Manual.
[MC13950(FM)01/96]
Engine coolant refill procedure
*
[MC14000(FM)01/96]
After you have drained the engine cooling
system:
*
[MC14050(FM)01/96]
1. Fill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of the
specified engine coolant concentrate and
water. Allow several minutes for trapped air
to escape (bubble out) and for engine coolant
to flow through the radiator.
*
[MC14100(FM)01/96]
2. Replace the radiator cap to its fully installed
position, then back off to the first stop. This
will prevent high pressure from building up
in the cooling system during this part of the
fill procedure.
*
[MC14150(FM)01/96]
3. Start and idle the engine until the thermostat
opens and the radiator upper hose becomes
warm.
*
[MC14200(FM)01/96]
4. Shut off the engine and allow the engine to
cool. Cover the radiator cap with a thick
cloth and cautiously remove it. Step back
while the pressure releases.
*
[MC14250(FM)01/96]
5. Finally, check the radiator and add more
engine coolant if needed, following the
procedures noted above. Reinstall the
radiator cap securely, when finished.
*
[MC14300(FM)01/96]
6. If more engine coolant is necessary, fill the
overflow reservoir to the appropriate level
marked on the bottle.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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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
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292
*
[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
*
[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.
*
[MC28100(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[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:
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

294 %
*
[MC30100(F )01/96]
Opening the Fuel Filler Door
*
[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
*
[MC30500(FM)01/96]
The proper instructions for removing the fuel
cap are as follows:
*
[MC30600(FM)01/96]
q
Unscrew the fuel cap by exerting pressure on
the plastic lock bar and rotating the fuel cap
counterclockwise.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com