1998 FORD F250 tow

and could, under certain
conditions, lead to engine damage
which is not covered by your
warranty.
Changing the engine oil and
filter
Change your engine oil and filter
according to the following mileage
and time requirements, whichever
occurs first:
²Normal Schedule ± 8,000 km
(5,000 miles) or six months.
²Severe Duty Schedule - 5,000
km (3,000 miles) or three
months. Severe duty operation
would include extensive idling,
trailer towing, driving in severe
dust and police, taxi or delivery
service.
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.
Maintenance and care
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treatments used by commercial car
washes reduce the effectiveness of
wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe
properly, clean both the windshield
and wiper blades using undiluted
windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with
clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene,
paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
When replacing wiper blade
assemblies, always use a
Motorcraft part or equivalent. To
make replacing the wipers easy,
turn the ignition to ACC, then turn
the wipers on. When the wipers
reach the vertical position, turn
the ignition to LOCK.
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from
the windshield and lock into the
service position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
with a screwdriver to release the
blade and pull the wiper blade
down toward the windshield to
remove it from the arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
Maintenance and care
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Cleaning plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning. Clean with a tar remover
if necessary. Do not clean plastic
parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as
the exterior of your vehicle. Use
glass cleaner or tar remover if
necessary.
To avoid scratching the lamps, do
not use a dry paper towel,
chemical solvents or abrasive
cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe
properly, clean the windshield and
wiper blades with undiluted
windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with
clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene,
paint thinner or other solvents.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry
with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that
increases the gloss of the upper
portion of the instrument panel.
The dull finish in this area helps
protect the driver from undesirable
windshield reflection.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a
whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Maintenance and care
201
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Fuse panels
instrument panel ....................133
power distribution box ...........138
Fuses ...................................132,133
Gauges, Mechanical ....................13
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................14
Hazard flashers .........................131
Headlamps
autolamp system .......................18
flashing ......................................35
high beam .................................35
turning on and off ....................17
Heating ........................................20
High beams
indicator light ...........................10
Hood
release lever ............................154
Ignition
positions of the ignition ...........27
removing the key ......................98
Instrument panel
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................18
Jump-starting your
vehicle .................................147,149
attaching cables ......................148
disconnecting cables ..............149
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................44
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............12
Lamps
interior lamps ...........................36
map lamps .................................36
parking lamps .........................195
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............9
anti-theft ...................................10
brake ............................................9
charging system ........................10check engine ............................6,7
door ajar ....................................11
engine oil pressure ...................10
four-wheel drive ........................11
fuel reset ................................6,12
safety belt ...................................9
turn signal indicator ...................9
Load limits
trailer towing ..........................110
Lubricant specifications ....205,208
Manual transmission ...................92
shift speeds .....................94,96,97
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......38
Odometer .....................................15
Off road driving, 4-wheel drive 104
Overdrive ................................35,36
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................43
Parking brake ..............................85
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....205
Power door locks ........................38
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....169
Recreational towing, all wheels
on the ground ...........................123
Relays ........................................132
Remote entry system .................42
illuminated entry ......................47
locking/unlocking doors ...........43
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................46
replacing the batteries .............45
Reporting safety defects ..........215
Safety restraints
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .......................54,55,56
extension assembly ..................57
for children ...............................68
lap and shoulder belts ........53,54
maintenance ..............................58
proper use .................................51
Index
217
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warning light and chime .....12,58
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ....74
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................71
tether anchorage hardware .....74
Seats ............................................48
adjusting the seat, manual .......49
adjusting the seat, power ........49
bench (60-40 split) .............48,51
bench seat .................................48
lumbar support .........................50
Servicing your vehicle ..............152
precautions when servicing ...152
Snowplowing ............3,124,125,127
Special notice
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Speed control ..............................28
canceling a set speed ...............31
resuming a set speed ...............32
tap up/tap down .......................30
turning off .................................28
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle ........76,77,80
Tachometer
mechanical cluster ...................15
Tailgate ........................................39
removing ...................................40
Tires ....................................179,181
checking the pressure ............181
replacing ..................................183
rotating ....................................182
snow tires and chains ............183
treadwear ................................179
Traction-lok rear axle ..........86,175
Trailer towing .............112,113,114,
115,116,117
tips ...........................................121
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................173Transfer case
fluid checking .........................174
Transmission .............................170
automatic operation ..88,89,90,92
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................170
Trip odometer .............................15
Turn signal
lever ...........................................27
Vehicle headlamp aiming
device (VHAD) .........................197
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................214
Vehicle loading ..........................108
Ventilating your vehicle .............82
Warning chimes .............................6
Windows
accessory delay .........................38
power windows, operating .......37
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....164
checking and replacing wiper
blades ......................................177
operation ...................................34
Wrecker towing .........................150
Index
218
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