1997 FORD F250 warning

249
*
[ER17900(FM)01/96]
Also retighten to the specified torque at 500
miles (800 km) of operation after any wheel
change or any time the lug nuts are loosened.
*
[ER18000(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Failure to retighten wheel lug nuts at
mileages specified could allow wheels to
come off while the vehicle is in motion.
% [ER18300(F )04/96]
twelve pica chart:0020320-B%*
[ER19300(FM)02/96]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
[ER19350(F )04/96]
NOTE: Read the7.3L Diesel Engine Owner's
Guide Supplementfor information on
jump-starting your diesel-powered light
truck.
*
[ER19400(FM)02/96]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the
lights on or any electrical equipment on after
you turn the engine off. If this happens, you
may be able to jump-start your vehicle with a
booster battery.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com

250
*
[ER19450(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
*
[ER19500(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
%*
[ER19550(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[ER19600(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[ER19650(FM)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[ER19700(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not push-start your vehicle. You could
damage the catalytic converter. For further
information, seeJumper Cablesin the
Index.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com

252 %
*
[ER21200(FM)02/96]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[ER21300(FM)02/96]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect either jumper cable
to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you
use the same cable for both positive
terminals.) Most jumper cables have a red
cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and
the black for the negative ones.
*
[ER21500(FM)02/96]
2. Connect the other end of the first cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
*
[ER21600(FM)02/96]
3. Connect one end of the second cable to the
negative (S) terminal of the booster battery
Ð NOT to the discharged battery.
*
[ER21700(FM)01/96]
4. Connect the other end of the second cable to
a good metallic surface on the engine or
frame of the disabled vehicle.
*
[ER21800(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect the end of the second
cable to the negative (S) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark may cause
an explosion of the gases that surround
the battery.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com

254
*
[ER22700(FM)02/96]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER22800(FM)02/96]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[ER22900(FM)02/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while
to let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions.
Drive it around for a while with all electrical
accessories turned off to let the battery recharge.
Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all
drive modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to
use a battery charger to fully recharge the
battery.
*
[ER23000(FM)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
%
*
[ER23100(FM)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
[ER23350(F )03/96]
The recommended method to tow your vehicle
is with flatbed or wheel lift equipment.
However, slingbelt towing is acceptable.On
vehicles equipped with an air dam,the towbar
will deform the rubber air dam.
*
[ER23500(FM)01/96]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator
what kind of vehicle you have. A towing
manual is available from Ford Motor Company
for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for
the proper hook-up and towing procedures for
your vehicle.
*
[ER23550(F )05/96]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to the
bumper when you tow your vehicle. This
could damage the bumper and cause an
accident.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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

268 [MC09000(F )04/96]If the above conditions do not apply, change
the engine oil and oil filter every 6 months or
5,000 miles (8,000 km), whichever comes first.
*
[MC09100(FM)02/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
[MC09200(F )04/96]
NOTE: Refer to thePower Stroke Diesel Engine
Owner's Guide Supplementfor oil
viscosity, filter application and oil and
filter change intervals.
%*
[MC09300(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.
*
[MC09400(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC09500(FM)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
*
[MC09600(FM)01/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC09625(FM)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level
indicator in the master cylinder which lights the
BRAKE warning light on the instrument panel
when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[MC09650(FM)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
*
[MC09675(FM)01/96]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You
can do this by looking at the fluid level in the
plastic brake fluid reservoir on the master
cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

269
*
[MC09700(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[MC09725(FM)01/96]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
%*
[MC09750(FM)03/96]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the filler cap from the reservoir. Fill the
reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB
or DOT 3 equivalent fluid meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[MC09775(FM)01/96]
NOTE: If brake fluid is spilled on painted
surfaces, it must be flushed and wiped
away immediately. Brake fluid may
dissolve the paint finish on your
vehicle.
*
[MC09800(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[MC09825(FM)01/96]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
*
[MC09850(FM)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[MC09875(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

272
*
[MC11050(F )01/96]
Adding washer fluid
*
[MC11100(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
[MC11150(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020360-C
Adding windshield washer fluid
%*
[MC11300(F )02/96]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
*
[MC11350(F )01/96]
If you choose to use a windshield washing
solution that must be mixed, follow the
manufacturer's mixing instructions. Improperly
mixed solutions may freeze unexpectedly.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com