1997 FORD F250 check engine light

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.
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[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
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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
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[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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Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
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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.
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
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20
*
[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.
*
[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.
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[IS08900(FM)03/96]
one inch art:0020537-B
High beam indicator light
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
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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:
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[TO04800(FM)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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[TO04900(FM)01/96]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
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[TO05000(FM)01/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
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[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

150 [GF04300(F )05/96]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.
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[GF04350(F )05/96]
RWARNING
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the transfer case in the N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake
fully and turn off the ignition when
leaving the vehicle.
[GF04400(FM)04/96]
To release the parking brake, press the service
brake pedal with your right foot and pull the
parking brake release lever.
*
[GF04500(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[GF04550(F )03/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

224
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[ER00250(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
*
[ER00252(FM)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ER00255(FM)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ER00260(FM)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ER00265(FM)01/96]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
*
[ER00270(F )01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[ER00280(FM)03/96]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ER00285(FM)03/96]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving your vehicle.
[ER00290(FM)03/96]
quarter page art:0020107-A
Reset button for fuel pump shut-off switch
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com

251
*
[ER19750(FM)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in
the order they are given. If in doubt, call for
road service.
%*
[ER19800(FM)02/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[ER19850(FM)02/96]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
*
[ER19900(FM)02/96]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[ER19950(FM)02/96]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[ER21000(FM)02/96]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
*
[ER21100(FM)02/96]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles.
Turning on the fan helps protect the
electrical system from voltage surges. Turn
off all other switches and lights in both
vehicles to prevent possible damage to either
vehicle's electrical systems.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com