1998 FORD E SERIES automatic transmission

POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
HAZARD FLASHER
For information on the hazard flasher control, refer toHazard lights
controlin theRoadside emergencieschapter.
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL
²Push down to activate the left
turn signal.
²Push up to activate the right turn
signal.
3
1
2
5
4
Controls and features
21

Push the control on the end of the
stalk to activate washer. Push and
hold for a longer wash cycle.
OVERDRIVE CONTROL
Activating overdrive
(Overdrive) is the normal drive position for the best fuel economy.
The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts to second, third and
fourth gear.
Deactivating overdrive
Press the Transmission Control
Switch (TCS) located on the end of
the gearshift lever. The
Transmission Control Indicator Light
(TCIL) (the word OFF) will
illuminate on the end of the gearshift lever.
The transmission will operate in
gears one through three. To return
to normal overdrive mode, press the
Transmission Control Switch again.
The TCIL (the word OFF) will no
longer be illuminated.
When you shut off and re-start your vehicle, the transmission will
automatically return to normal
(Overdrive) mode.
OVERDRIVE
OVERDRIVEOFF
Controls and features
27

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears in a steady pattern. Press lightly
on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The
transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
Driving with a 4±speed automatic transmission
Understanding gearshift positions
Pull the gearshift lever towards you and downward to move the
automatic gearshift.
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from position to position. If you do not hold the brake pedal
down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift in R (Reverse),
the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift in N (Neutral),
the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal
down while in this gear.
Driving
66

(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
(Overdrive) can be deactivated
by pressing the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS) on the end of
the gearshift lever.
The transmission control indicator
light (TCIL) (the word OFF) on the
end of the gearshift lever will
illuminate.
Drive± Not shown on the display. Activate by pressing the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS) on the end of the gearshift lever with the gearshift
in the
position. The TCIL (the word OFF) will illuminate on the
gearshift lever. Transmission operates in gears one through three.
(Drive) provides more engine braking than(Overdrive) and is
useful when:
²driving with a heavy load.
²towing a trailer up or down steep hills.
²additional engine downhill braking is desired. If towing a trailer, refer
toDriving while you towin theTowing a trailerchapter.
To return to
(Overdrive) mode, press the Transmission Control
Switch (TCS). The TCIL (the word OFF) will no longer be illuminated.
Each time the vehicle is started, the transmission will automatically
return to normal overdrive mode.
Every time the vehicle is shut off and restarted, you must press the
transmission control switch to cancel overdrive operation if driving in
overdrive is not desired.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on
slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on
downgrades.
OVERDRIVEOFF
OVERDRIVE
Driving
67

Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Distribute the load so that only 10 to 15% of the total is on the tongue.
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and change the weight on the
hitch.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use or install hitches that clamp onto the bumper or to the axle.
Underbody hitches are acceptable if installed properly.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the
trailer's safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
Driving
74

3. Raise the tire by turning the
wrench or handle clockwise.
Continue until the lift mechanism
ªclicks.º
4. Check that the tire is tightly
seated under the vehicle by pushing
against the tire. Retighten as
necessary.
5. Replace the access cover,
anti-theft bracket and thumb screw. Use finger pressure only to secure
the thumb screw.
Make sure the spare tire and jacking equipment are stowed and
secured in the proper storage location.
Never run the engine with one wheel off the ground.
Tire change procedure
Preparing to change the tire
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Activate the warning flashers.
3. Place the gearshift in P (Park)(automatic transmission) or R
(Reverse)(manual transmission).
4. Apply the parking brake.
HOOD
PUSH
ON
PUSH
OFF
Roadside emergencies
86

1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Air filter assembly
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant recovery reservoir
9. Battery
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you fuel your vehicle.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
²4.2L V6/5.4L V8/6.8L V10 engines
MIN MAX
Maintenance and care
97

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking and adding automatic transmission fluid
Follow the scheduled service intervals outlined in the ªService Guideº.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and/or dipstick handle
and also in theLubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the COLD (C) area on
the dipstick and outside
temperatures are above 10ÉC (50ÉF)
(see figure to the right).
Your transmission does not use up fluid. However, it is recommended
that you check the transmission fluid at least twice a year. The fluid level
should be checked if the transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating temperatures
66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 32 km (20 miles) of
driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]) (see figure to the
right).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at room temperature
(10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]) (see figure
to the right).
If your vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds,
in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should
be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Maintenance and care
106