1998 FORD E SERIES brakes

Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, startup
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed at least once each
year:
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
MAX
Maintenance and care
100

Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle. Remove any exterior
accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car wash.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Remove any bugs and tar
before waxing vehicle. Use cleaning fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth to
remove. Use tar remover to remove any tar spots.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
touch-up paint, repair foil or aerosol paint spray from the Ford accessory
line. Observe the application instructions on the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong detergents. Never
use abrasives that will damage the finish of special wheel surfaces. Use a
tar remover to remove grease and tar.
Maintenance and care
126

Aiming headlamps ....................125
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................46
and child safety seats ..............47
description ................................46
disposal ......................................49
indicator light ...........................48
passenger air bag .....................47
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .......16,17,18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description ................................64
Battery .......................................108
voltage gauge ............................12
Brake fluid
checking and adding ..............100
Brakes ..........................................63
anti-lock .....................................63
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................63
fluid, checking and adding ....100
Brake-shift interlock ...................65
Break-in period .............................2
Bulbs, replacing ........................122
headlamps ...............................123
specifications ..........................125
Changing a tire ...........................85
Child safety seats ........................51
Chime
headlamps on ..............................9
Cleaning your vehicle ...............125
engine compartment ..............127
fabric ........................................128
instrument panel ....................128
plastic parts ............................127
safety belts ..............................128
tail lamps .................................128
washing ....................................126
waxing .....................................126
wheels ......................................126
windows ..................................128Controls .......................................20
Emission control system ..........121
Engine ........................................134
check engine temperature
warning, message center .........96
service points ............................96
Engine block heater ...................61
Engine coolant
checking and adding .......101,102
disposal ....................................103
refill capacities ........................103
Engine oil ...............................97,99
changing oil and oil filter .........99
checking and adding ...........97,99
Exhaust fumes ............................62
Fail safe cooling ........................103
Fuel
calculating fuel economy .......120
improving fuel economy ..........76
octane rating ...........................119
quality ......................................120
running out of fuel .................120
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................118
Fuel gauge ...................................10
Fuel pump shut-off switch .........77
Fuse panels
instrument panel ......................79
power distribution box .............82
Fuses ............................................79
Gauges, Mechanical ....................10
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................11
Hazard flashers ...........................77
Headlamps ...................................13
daytime running lights .............13
flashing ......................................14
high beam .................................13
Heating ........................................14
High beams
indicator light .............................9
Index
140

Hood
release lever ..............................96
Ignition
positions of the ignition ...........21
Instrument panel
lighting up panel and interior .14
Jump-starting your vehicle ...91,93
attaching cables ........................92
disconnecting cables ................93
Keys
key in ignition chime .................9
Lamps
interior lamps ....................28,124
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............6
brake ............................................6
charging system ..........................8
engine oil pressure .....................9
safety belt ...................................8
service engine soon .................6,7
turn signal indicator ...................8
Load limits
trailer towing ............................69
Lubricant specifications ...........132
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......30
Odometer .....................................12
Overdrive .....................................27
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................31
Parking brake ..............................64
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....129
Power door locks ........................29
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....105
Refill capacities for fluids ........129
Relays .....................................79,84
Remote entry system .................30
illuminated entry .................33,34
locking/unlocking doors ......30,31replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................32
replacing the batteries .............31
Reporting safety defects ..........139
Safety restraints
extension assembly ..................44
for children ...............................49
lap and shoulder belts ...40,41,42
maintenance ..............................45
proper use .................................39
warning light and chime ..9,44,45
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ....54
tether anchorage
hardware .........................54,55,57
Seats
adjusting the seat, manual .......34
adjusting the seat, power ........35
bench seat ............................36,37
lumbar support .........................36
quick release rear captain's
chair ......................................38,39
Servicing your vehicle ................95
precautions when servicing .....95
Snowplowing .................................3
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............3
diesel-powered vehicles .............3
Speed control ..............................22
canceling a set speed ...............25
resuming a set speed ...............25
tap up/tap down ..................23,24
turning off .................................22
Speedometer ...............................10
Starting your vehicle .............59,61
Tilt steering wheel ......................26
Tires ....................................114,115
changing ...............................85,86
checking the pressure ............115
replacing .............................88,117
rotating ....................................115
snow tires and chains ............117
Index
141