1998 FORD E SERIES adding oil

Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains
within the normal area (the area
between the ªHº and ªCº). If it
enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, switch off
the engine immediately and let the
engine cool. Refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and care
chapter.
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine is
running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the
coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication
will not be accurate.
Engine oil pressure gauge
This shows the engine oil pressure
in the system. Sufficient pressure
exists as long as the needle remains
in the normal range (the area
between the ªHº and ªLº).
If the gauge indicates low pressure,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level. Add oil if needed (refer toChecking
and adding engine oilin theMaintenance and carechapter). If the
oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your dealership or by a
qualified technician.
H
C
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Instrumentation
11

Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Add engine oil through the oil filler
cap. Remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil in the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the MAX
mark on the dipstick.
Changing the engine oil and filter
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the ªService Guideº.
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.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification mark.
Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C153-G.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the American
Petroleum Institute.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the ªService Guideº.
Maintenance and care
99

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

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