Page 21 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 19
*
[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 elec FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 19
*
[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 elec](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-20.png)
19
*
[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
*
[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.
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
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Page 22 of 377
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.
*
[IS08500(F )03/96]
quarter page art:0020057-D
Engine oil pressure gauge
%*
[IS08700(FM)03/96]
High Beam Light
*
[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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Page 249 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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]
FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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]](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-248.png)
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.
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Page 286 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 287 %
*
[MC23800(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[MC23850(FM)02/96]
If the acid touches someones skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 287 %
*
[MC23800(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[MC23850(FM)02/96]
If the acid touches someones skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-285.png)
287 %
*
[MC23800(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[MC23850(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.
%*
[MC23900(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.
%
*
[MC24900(FM)01/96]
Tires
%*
[MC25400(FM)03/96]
Checking Tire Pressure
*
[MC25410(FM)02/96]
q
Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
*
[MC25420(FM)02/96]
q
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold,
after the vehicle has been parked for at least
one hour or has been driven less than 3 miles
(5 km).
*
[MC25430(FM)03/96]
q
Adjust tire pressure to recommended
specifications found on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[MC25500(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
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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
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Page 314 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 315
*
[MC51700(F )01/96]
NOTE: Before using any cleaner, test it on a
small, hidden area of fabric. If the
fabrics color or texture is adversely
affected by a particular cleaner, do not
use it.
*
[MC FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 315
*
[MC51700(F )01/96]
NOTE: Before using any cleaner, test it on a
small, hidden area of fabric. If the
fabrics color or texture is adversely
affected by a particular cleaner, do not
use it.
*
[MC](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-313.png)
315
*
[MC51700(F )01/96]
NOTE: Before using any cleaner, test it on a
small, hidden area of fabric. If the
fabric's color or texture is adversely
affected by a particular cleaner, do not
use it.
*
[MC51800(F )01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC51900(F )01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a
buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator,
keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[MC52000(F )01/96]
q
Extreme care must be used if a power washer
is used to clean the engine. The high pressure
fluid could penetrate sealed parts and
assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[MC52100(F )04/96]
q
In order to avoid possible cracking of the
engine block or fuel injection pump, do not
spray a hot engine or injection pump with
cold water.
*
[MC52200(F )04/96]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[MC52300(F )01/96]
q
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%*
[MC52400(F )03/96]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC52450(F )03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[MC52500(F )03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
File:11ltmcf.ex
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Page 315 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 316 [MC52510(F )04/96]Cleaning F-350 Aluminum Dual Rear Wheels
[MC52520(F )04/96]
If you have factory-installed Forged Aluminum
Wheels on your F-350, you may use the cleaning
instructions below to hel FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 316 [MC52510(F )04/96]Cleaning F-350 Aluminum Dual Rear Wheels
[MC52520(F )04/96]
If you have factory-installed Forged Aluminum
Wheels on your F-350, you may use the cleaning
instructions below to hel](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-314.png)
316 [MC52510(F )04/96]Cleaning F-350 Aluminum Dual Rear Wheels
[MC52520(F )04/96]
If you have factory-installed Forged Aluminum
Wheels on your F-350, you may use the cleaning
instructions below to help provide optimum
appearance season after season.
[MC52530(F )04/96]
1. Keep your F-350 Forged Aluminum Wheels
looking great with simple care. Wash the
wheels with steam or high pressure water
from a hose, and a mild detergent, such as
Ford's Premium Car Wash Concentrate, or
equivalent. Do not use harsh alkaline
cleaners.
[MC52540(F )04/96]
2. You can brighten the wheels, even after
years of use, with readily-available buffing
compounds, such as Ford Custom Bright
Metal Cleaner or equivalent. Follow the
buffing instructions that come with the
compound.
[MC52550(F )04/96]
3. When tires are removed, the entire wheel
must be cleaned and inspected. Remove any
soil or oxidation products from the tire side
of the rim with a wire brush.
[MC52560(F )04/96]
4. Aluminum alloys resist corrosion. This is
why your Forged F-350 Aluminum Wheels
never need sanding or painting. However,
certain environments can lead to corrosion:
salt, chloride compounds used for snow
removal and highly alkaline materials. Wash
corrosives elements off the wheel before they
have time to react.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 363 of 377

374 Index
Engine fan............... 258
Engine knocking............. 296
Engine oil............... 264
changing oil and oil filter.....265, 267
checking and adding......... 265
dipstick............... 265
disposal...........268, 277, 284
engine oil pressure gauge........ 19
filter, specifications.......... 317
refill capacities............ 318
specifications...........264, 324
synthetic oil...........264±265
ªbreak-inº oils............. 9
viscosity............... 264
Entry system
illuminated............... 92
remote................. 89
Exhaust fumes............. 143
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Fan, engine fan, avoiding injury..... 258
Federal Communications Commission.... 55
Federal Highway Administration
Regulation............... 8
Flashers, hazard.............. 74
Flashing the lights............. 72
Flat tire................. 236
Fluid refill capacities........... 318
Foglamps................. 86
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 337
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 338
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 4
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 344
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com