1997 FORD F250 engine overheat

22
*
[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.
*
[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
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
ProCarManuals.com

158
*
[GF08550(FM)05/96]
Forced Downshifts
*
[GF08575(FM)05/96]
To gain extra acceleration injOverdrive or
Drive (O/D OFF), push the accelerator to the
floor. The transmission will automatically
downshift to the appropriate gear: third, second
or first.
*
[GF08625(FM)05/96]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without
vehicle movement (such as holding the brake) in
a forward or reverse gear causes transmission
stall.
*
[GF08650(FM)05/96]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall
condition can result in transmission
overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
%
*
[GF12100(F )01/96]
Driving with a Manual
Transmission
%*
[GF12200(F )01/96]
Using the Clutch
*
[GF12300(F )01/96]
Make sure the gearshift lever is in the N
(Neutral) position and your right foot is holding
down the brake pedal. Then press the clutch
pedal to the floor with your left foot. Manual
transmission vehicles have a starter interlock
switch. The starter will not crank until the clutch
pedal is fully depressed. Start the engine and
allow it to idle for a few seconds. Move the
gearshift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
*
[GF12400(F )01/96]
To move the vehicle, release the clutch slowly
and at the same time press down slowly on the
accelerator so that the vehicle accelerates.
*
[GF12500(F )01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold
your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch
life.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

214
*
[GF22380(FM)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
*
[GF22400(F )01/96]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (PARK) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
function selector knob to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
*
[GF22410(FM)01/96]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as
follows:
*
[GF22420(FM)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF22430(FM)01/96]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
*
[GF22440(FM)01/96]
q
With the chocks in place, release the brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
*
[GF22450(F )01/96]
q
For automatic transmissions Ð apply the
parking brake by pressing the service brake
pedal down firmly with your right foot while
applying the parking brake pedal with your
left foot.
*
[GF22470(F )01/96]
For manual transmissions Ð apply the
service brake and shift into N (NEUTRAL)
while still maintaining pressure on the service
brake pedal. Set the parking brake fully.
*
[GF22480(F )01/96]
q
Shift an automatic transmission into Park (P).
Put the gearshift of a manual transmission in
Reverse. If your vehicle is equipped with
four-wheel drive make sure the transfer case
is not in Neutral.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

222 [GF24350(FM)04/96]Rocking the vehicle
[GF24360(F )04/96]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD LOW, when the
vehicle gets stuck and try to drive away.
[GF24370(FM)04/96]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may rock it out of the spot. Shift
in a steady rhythm between forward and reverse
gears. Allow the transmission to fully engage,
then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock
the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This
may overheat the engine and transmission,
causing damage to both. In addition, other
vehicle systems and components may also be
damaged.
*
[GF24380(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

274
%*
[MC11700(FM)01/96]
Engine Coolant
[MC11750(FM)01/96]
Checking the engine coolant
*
[MC11800(FM)05/96]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine
from overheating in the summer and from
freezing in the winter. Check the level of the
engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply
look at the engine coolant recovery reservoir
located in the engine compartment. To locate
this reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's
engine underEngine typesin this chapter.
*
[MC11850(FM)05/96]
If the engine coolant has not been checked for a
long period of time the engine coolant reservoir
may eventually empty. If the engine coolant
reservoir empties, check the engine coolant level
in the radiator. Read the following warnings
before removing the radiator cap. If it is
necessary to fill the radiator, refer to theEngine
Coolant Refill Procedurein this chapter for
instructions.
*
[MC11950(FM)01/96]
Adding engine coolant
[MC12000(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020354-A
Adding engine coolant
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

276
*
[MC12700(FM)05/96]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
%*
[MC12750(FM)01/96]
Freezing Protection
[MC12800(FM)04/96]
The factory-installed solution of Ford Premium
Cooling System Fluid and water will protect
your vehicle toS35ÊF (S37ÊC).Check the freeze
protection rating of the engine coolant at least
once a year, just before winter.
*
[MC12850(FM)04/96]
Add engine coolant only to the coolant
reservoir.If the coolant level is low, add to the
reservoir a 50/50 mixture of water and the type
of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may
add water by itself only in an emergency, but
you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture as
soon as possible. Check the engine coolant again
the next few times you drive your vehicle.
*
[MC12900(FM)01/96]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an
optimized formula that will protect all metals
and rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for
four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use
supplemental coolant additives in your gasoline
powered vehicle. These additives may harm
your engine cooling system. Follow the
recommended service interval for changing your
engine coolant.
*
[MC12950(FM)01/96]
NOTE: When you change or add engine
coolant, it is important to maintain
your engine coolant concentration
between 40%(-11ÊF [-24ÊC]) and 60%
(-62ÊF [-52ÊC]),depending on your local
climate conditions. Below 40% you will
lose freeze protection and above 60%
your engine may overheat on a warm
day.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com