1997 FORD F250 check engine

15
%*
[IS01700(FM)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
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[IS01800(FM)01/96]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
%*
[IS02600(FM)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
[IS02800(F )04/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show three
things Ð that either the parking brake is not
fully released, that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir or the vacuum
pressure is low on diesel engine vehicles. If the
fluid level is low, the brake system should be
checked by a qualified service technician.
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[IS02900(FM)03/96]
This light illuminates when you turn the ignition
key to START to verify that the indicator bulb is
working. If the light stays on or illuminates after
you have released the parking brake fully, have
the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[IS03000(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
[IS03100(FM)04/96]
one inch art:0020044-A
Brake warning light
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Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
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17 %
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[IS03900(F )03/96]
Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime
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[IS04100(F )03/96]
This warning light and chime remind you to
fasten your safety belt. The following conditions
will take place:
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[IS04200(F )03/96]
q
If the safety belt is not buckled when the key
is turned to the ON position, the light comes
on for 1 to 2 minutes and the chime sounds
for 4 to 8 seconds.
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[IS04300(F )03/96]
q
If the safety belt is buckled while the light is
on and the chime is sounding, both the light
and chime turn off.
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[IS04400(F )03/96]
q
If the safety belt is buckled before the
ignition is turned to the ON position, neither
the light nor the chime will come on.
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[IS04600(FM)04/96]
one inch art:0020046-B
Safety belt warning light
%*
[IS04700(FM)03/96]
Check Engine Warning Light
%*
[IS04800(FM)05/96]
This light illuminates when the engine's
Emission Control System requires service. It will
also illuminate when the ignition key is in the
ON position and the engine is off.
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[IS04900(FM)04/96]
one inch art:0020048-A
Check engine warning light
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18 [IS05400(F )04/96]NOTE: If your light truck is equipped with
dual fuel tanks, the ªCHECK ENGINEº
light may come on if fuel is restricted
to the engine or if the fuel flow is
momentarily disrupted because of an
empty fuel tank before you switched to
the auxiliary fuel tank. This condition
is normal and the light should go off
after full fuel flow is restored.
%*
[IS05900(FM)01/96]
Charging System Light
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[IS06000(FM)04/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
[IS06100(FM)04/96]
one inch art:0020777-A
Charging system light
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[IS06200(FM)03/96]
This light illuminates every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[IS06300(FM)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
%*
[IS07100(FM)05/96]
Battery Voltage Gauge (Voltmeter)
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[IS07200(FM)04/96]
This gauge shows you the battery voltage when
the ignition key is in the ON position.
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[IS07300(FM)01/96]
If you are running electrical accessories (when
the engine is off, or idling at a low speed), the
pointer may move toward the lower end of the
normal band. If it stays outside the normal band
area, have your vehicle's electrical system
checked as soon as it is safely possible.
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Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
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19
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[IS07400(FM)04/96]
If the battery is operating under cold weather
conditions, the pointer may indicate in the upper
range of the NORMAL band while the battery is
charging. If you are running electrical accessories
with the engine off or idling at a low speed, or
the battery is not fully charged, the pointer may
move toward the lower end of the NORMAL
band.
*
[IS07500(FM)04/96]
If it stays outside the NORMAL band, have your
vehicle's electrical system checked as soon as it
is safely possible.
*
[IS07600(F )03/96]
quarter page art:0020052-D
Battery voltage gauge
%*
[IS07800(FM)04/96]
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
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[IS07900(FM)01/96]
This gauge indicates the engine's oil pressure,
not the oil level. However, if your engine's oil
level is low, it could affect the oil pressure. With
the engine running, the pointer should move
into the NORMAL band. If the pointer drops
below the NORMAL band while the engine is
running, you have lost oil pressure and
continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
*
[IS08000(FM)05/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[IS08100(FM)04/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[IS08200(FM)04/96]
2. Shut off the engine immediately or severe
engine damage could result.
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Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
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20
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[IS08300(FM)01/96]
3. Check the engine's oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine
oil. Refer toEngine oilin the Index. If you
do not follow these instructions, you or
others could be injured. To assure an
accurate reading, your vehicle should be on
level ground.
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[IS08400(FM)01/96]
4. If the level is low, add only as much oil as
necessary before you start the engine again.
Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if
the pointer is below the NORMAL band,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your
nearest dealer for further service actions.
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[IS08500(F )03/96]
quarter page art:0020057-D
Engine oil pressure gauge
%*
[IS08700(FM)03/96]
High Beam Light
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[IS08800(FM)01/96]
This light comes on when the headlamps are
turned on high beam or when you flash the
lights.
*
[IS08900(FM)03/96]
one inch art:0020537-B
High beam indicator light
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22
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[IS10200(FM)04/96]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the NORMAL band, the engine is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
*
[IS10300(FM)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
*
[IS10400(FM)03/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely
possible.
*
[IS10500(FM)03/96]
2. Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe
engine damage could result.
*
[IS10600(FM)03/96]
3. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE
COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL
THE ENGINE IS COOL.
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[IS10700(FM)03/96]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine Coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[IS10800(FM)01/96]
For instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine coolantin the Index. If
you do not follow these instructions, you or
others could be injured.
[IS10900(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020535-D
Engine coolant temperature gauge
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141
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[TO04400(FM)05/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin
this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.
*
[TO04500(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
[TO04600(FM)04/96]
For cold or warm engines:
*
[TO04700(FM)01/96]
If the engine still does not start after two
attempts:
*
[TO04800(FM)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[TO04900(FM)01/96]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[TO05000(FM)01/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[TO05100(FM)01/96]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
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[TO05200(FM)03/96]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up.
*
[TO05300(FM)05/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
*
[TO05500(F )01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
File:08lttof.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:44:45 1996
ProCarManuals.com

142normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
*
[TO05600(FM)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[TO05700(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[TO05800(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.
*
[TO05900(F )01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[TO06000(F )01/96]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[TO06100(F )01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[TO06200(F )01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
File:08lttof.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:44:45 1996
ProCarManuals.com