Page 264 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 d FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 d](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-263.png)
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.
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Page 280 of 377
![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.
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Page 281 of 377
![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.
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![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).
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![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.
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Page 284 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-283.png)
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.
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Page 356 of 377

Index 367
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 16
Accessory position on the ignition . . . 67±68
Accessory power source, power
point outlet.............. 66
Additives, engine oil.......... 264
Air bag supplemental restraint system,
and child safety seats......... 122
Air cleaner filter
location............... 261
specifications............. 317
Alarm, activating remote personal..... 90
Alcohol, in fuel............. 297
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 27
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 274
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 145
see also Brake............ 145
warning light.............. 16
warninig light............. 15
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 338
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 335
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............. 27
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 63
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive . . 151, 155
fluid, adding............. 284
fluid, checking............ 283
fluid, refill capacities......... 318
fluid, specification.......... 324
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372 Index
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 337
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........337, 344
D
Daytime running light system....... 63
Defects, reporting............ 333
Dipstick................ 265
automatic transmission fluid....282, 284
engine oil.............. 265
power steering fluid.......... 280
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 254
Dispute Settlement Board........ 338
Doors.................. 82
lubricant specifications......... 324
Driveline universal joint and slip yoke . . 271
Driving under special conditions..... 218
bad weather............. 219
heavy load.............. 175
high speed.............. 219
high water.............. 221
slippery roads............ 219
tips for safe driving.......... 218
Dual fuel tank selector switch....... 62
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 235
fuses...............225, 234
operating when the engine is off..... 68
power point outlet........... 66
Electronic AM radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 50
Electronic radio with cassette
(see Electronic sound system)...... 42
Electronic sound system
accessory delay............. 68
tuning the radio........ 29,44,51
warranty and service information..... 56
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com