1998 FORD F150 service indicator

the On Board Diagnostics System
(OBD II). This OBD II system
protects the environment by
ensuring that your vehicle
continues to meet government
emission standards. The OBD II
system also assists the service
technician in properly servicing
your vehicle.
TheCheck Engineindicator light
illuminates when the ignition is
first turned to the ON position to
check the bulb. If it comes on after
the engine is started, one of the
engine's emission control systems
may be malfunctioning. The light
may illuminate without a
driveability concern being noted.
The vehicle will usually be drivable
and will not require towing.
What you should do if the
check engine light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system
has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause
yourCheck Enginelight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel.
(The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the
fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been
properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can
be corrected by filling the fuel tank
Instrumentation
7

Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON to remind
you to fasten your safety belts. For
more information, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the
engine is off. Also illuminates when
the parking brake is engaged.
Illumination after releasing the
parking brake indicates low brake
fluid level.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the
engine is off. If the light remains
on, continues to flash or fails to
illuminate, have the system
serviced immediately.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or both of the
indicators stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
turn signal bulb. Refer toExterior
bulbsin theMaintenance and
carechapter.
!
BRAKE
ABS
Instrumentation
9

Utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds
as high as passenger cars any
more than low-slung sports cars
are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Avoid sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers in these
vehicles.
4WD operation is not
recommended on dry pavement.
Doing so could result in difficult
disengagement of the transfer
case, increased tire wear and
decreased fuel economy.
4WD system indicator lights
The 4WD system indicator lights
illuminate only under the following
conditions. If these lights
illuminate during normal driving,
have your vehicle serviced.
²4x4-illuminates when the
ignition is turned on or when 4H
(4WD High) is selected.
²LOW RANGE±illuminates when
the ignition is turned on and 4L
(4WD Low) is selected.
Using lever-operated 4WD
system (if equipped)
2H (2WD High)± Power to rear
axle only.
4x4
LOW
RANGE
Driving
99

²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise
the level within the MIN-MAX
range.
²Oil levels above the MAX mark
may cause engine damage. Some
oil must be removed from the
engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and
ensure it is fully seated.
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) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
Maintenance and care
158

oil must be removed from the
engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and
ensure it is fully seated.
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.
Engine oil 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
Maintenance and care
160

Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................60
and child safety seats ..............61
description ................................60
disposal ......................................64
indicator light ...........................63
passenger air bag ...........62,65,66
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .......22,23,26
Air suspension
description ................................87
warning light .............................11
Ambulance packages ....................3
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description ................................84
Anti-theft system ........................40
Battery .......................................175
voltage gauge ............................16
Brake fluid
checking and adding ..............162
Brakes ..........................................83
anti-lock .....................................83
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................84
fluid, checking and adding ....162
Brake-shift interlock ...................88
Break-in period .............................2
Bulbs, replacing ........................192
headlamps ...............................193
specifications ..........................197
Changing a tire .........................141
Child safety seats ........................70
Chime
headlamps on ............................12
Cleaning your vehicle ...............198
engine compartment ..............200
fabric ........................................201
instrument panel ....................201
plastic parts ............................201
safety belts ..............................202
tail lamps .................................201washing ....................................198
waxing .....................................199
wheels ......................................199
Clutch
fluid ..........................................163
Controls .......................................19
Daytime running light system ...17
Driving under special
conditions ..................................105
high water ...............................105
slippery roads ..................106,107
Emission control system ..........189
Engine ........................................210
check engine temperature
warning, message
center ...............................155,156
service points ..........................155
Engine block heater ...................80
Engine coolant
checking and adding .......164,165
disposal ....................................166
refill capacities ........................167
Engine oil ...........................156,160
changing oil and oil filter .......161
checking and
adding ........................156,158,160
Exhaust fumes ............................81
Fail safe cooling ........................168
Foglamps ............................196,197
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .........98
control trac ........................19,102
indicator light ...........................99
lever operated electric shift ....99
Fuel
calculating fuel economy .......188
improving fuel economy ........130
octane rating ...........................187
quality ......................................187
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................184
Fuel gauge ...................................13
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......131
Index
216