Page 295 of 377

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.
%*
[MC32400(FM)04/96]
Octane recommendation
*
[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.
*
[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
*
[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.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 302 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 sta FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 sta](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-301.png)
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.
*
[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.
*
[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
Page 306 of 377
307
%*
[MC41200(F )03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC41250(F )01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
*
[MC41300(F )01/96]
q
headlamps
*
[MC41350(F )01/96]
q
tail lamps
*
[MC41400(F )01/96]
q
brakelamps
*
[MC41450(F )01/96]
q
high-mount brakelamp
*
[MC41500(F )01/96]
q
hazard flasher
*
[MC41550(F )01/96]
q
turn signals
*
[MC41600(F )05/96]
q
license plate lamps
%*
[MC41650(F )01/96]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[MC41700(F )01/96]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicle's high beams when you
do not have the high beams on
*
[MC41750(F )01/96]
q
the headlamps do not seem to give you
enough light to see clearly at night
*
[MC41800(F )01/96]
q
the headlamp beams are pointed substantially
away from a position slightly down and to
the right
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 312 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 313 %
*
[MC49100(F )01/96]
Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle
*
[MC49200(F )01/96]
Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the
underside, with a mild detergent.
*
[MC49300(F )01/96]
DO NOT:
*
[MC4 FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 313 %
*
[MC49100(F )01/96]
Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle
*
[MC49200(F )01/96]
Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the
underside, with a mild detergent.
*
[MC49300(F )01/96]
DO NOT:
*
[MC4](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-311.png)
313 %
*
[MC49100(F )01/96]
Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle
*
[MC49200(F )01/96]
Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the
underside, with a mild detergent.
*
[MC49300(F )01/96]
DO NOT:
*
[MC49400(F )01/96]
q
Wash your vehicle with hot water
*
[MC49500(F )01/96]
q
Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct
sunlight
*
[MC49600(F )01/96]
q
Wash your vehicle while the body is hot
*
[MC49700(F )01/96]
Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits
and protect the finish.
%*
[MC49800(F )01/96]
Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
[MC49900(F )04/96]
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with the
same detergent you use to wash the vehicle
body, such as Ford Premium Car Wash
Concentrate. You can use Ford Extra Strength
Tar and Road Oil Remover or equivalent to
clean grease, oil, and tar from chrome-plated
parts, including wheelcovers, aluminum wheels,
bumpers, or anodized aluminum parts.
%*
[MC50000(F )01/96]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC50100(F )01/96]
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning.
*
[MC50200(F )01/96]
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents
or petroleum-based cleaners.
%*
[MC50300(F )01/96]
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove
oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil
remover. If rustproofing is not removed from
plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 329 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 330
%*
[CS02660(FM)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[CS02670(FM)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[CS02680(FM)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 330
%*
[CS02660(FM)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[CS02670(FM)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[CS02680(FM)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-328.png)
330
%*
[CS02660(FM)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[CS02670(FM)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[CS02680(FM)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[CS02690(FM)01/96]
General
*
[CS02700(FM)01/96]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[CS02710(FM)01/96]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[CS02720(FM)01/96]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
*
[CS02730(FM)01/96]
Body
*
[CS02740(FM)01/96]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[CS02750(FM)01/96]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[CS02760(FM)01/96]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[CS02770(FM)01/96]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
*
[CS02780(FM)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[CS02790(FM)01/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[CS02800(FM)01/96]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
File:12ltcsf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:53:05 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 331 of 377
332 %
*
[CS02920(FM)01/96]
Battery
*
[CS02930(FM)01/96]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[CS02940(FM)01/96]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
%*
[CS02950(FM)01/96]
Brakes
*
[CS02960(FM)01/96]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[CS02970(FM)01/96]
Tires
*
[CS02980(FM)03/96]
q
Maintain recommended air pressures.
*
[CS02990(FM)01/96]
Miscellaneous
*
[CS03000(FM)01/96]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[CS03010(FM)01/96]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts to prevent
corrosion.
File:12ltcsf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:53:05 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 336 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 339
*
[HS02600(FM)04/96]
What Kind of Cases Does the Board
Review?
*
[HS02700(FM)05/96]
The Board reviews all warranty performance
complaints on Ford, Mercury and Lincoln cars
and Ford and Mercury lig FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 339
*
[HS02600(FM)04/96]
What Kind of Cases Does the Board
Review?
*
[HS02700(FM)05/96]
The Board reviews all warranty performance
complaints on Ford, Mercury and Lincoln cars
and Ford and Mercury lig](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-335.png)
339
*
[HS02600(FM)04/96]
What Kind of Cases Does the Board
Review?
*
[HS02700(FM)05/96]
The Board reviews all warranty performance
complaints on Ford, Mercury and Lincoln cars
and Ford and Mercury light trucks under the
new vehicle limited warranty that have not been
resolved by either a dealer or Ford Motor
Company, except those involving:
*
[HS02800(FM)05/96]
q
a non-Ford product
*
[HS02900(FM)05/96]
q
a non-Ford dealership
*
[HS03100(FM)05/96]
q
a vehicle sales transaction
*
[HS03200(FM)05/96]
q
request for reimbursement of consequential
expenses. Expenses incidental to the warranty
complaint being reviewed are eligible for
consideration.
*
[HS03300(FM)05/96]
q
items not covered by the new vehicle limited
warranty
*
[HS03400(FM)05/96]
q
alleged liability claims
*
[HS03450(FM)05/96]
q
property damage where the damage is
significant when compared to the economic
loss alleged under the warranty dispute
*
[HS03500(FM)05/96]
q
cases currently in litigation
*
[HS03600(FM)05/96]
q
vehicles not used primarily for family,
personal, or household purposes (except in
states where the Dispute Settlement Board is
required to review commercial vehicles)
*
[HS03650(FM)05/96]
Complaints involving vehicles in which
applicable new vehicle limited warranties have
expired at receipt of your application are not
eligible. Eligibility may differ according to state
law. For example, see the unique brochures for
California and Wisconsin purchasers/lessees.
File:14lthsf.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:26:19 1996
ProCarManuals.com
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
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com