1999 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS charging

Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON
position, the engine is off and the
parking brake is engaged. If the
brake warning lamp does not
illuminate at this time, seek service immediately. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON to remind you
to fasten your safety belts.
Brake reserve system warning (if equipped)
Illuminates to indicate normal
Hydromax booster reserve system
activation when the engine is OFF
and the service brake pedal is
applied, or when the ignition is in
the ON or START position.
This light may also illuminate momentarily if the engine is running and
the driver turns the steering wheel fully in one direction while braking.
If the light remains on while the engine is running, this indicates
inadequate hydraulic booster pressure or reserve pump system failure.
Safely stop the vehicle as soon as possible and seek service immediately.
BRAKE
Instrumentation
5

DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
The original universal joints are equipped with grease fittings.
Lubrication will be necessary. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for maintenance intervals.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Maintenance and care
67

The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the charging system warning light, “Service Engine Soon”
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your “Warranty Guide” for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your “Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon” light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the “Check Engine/Service Engine Soon” light on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
Maintenance and care
75

Air cleaner filter .........................84
Ambulance packages ....................3
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................................29
fluid, refill capacities ................84
fluid, specification ....................87
Axle
lubricant specifications ............87
refill capacities ..........................84
Battery .........................................67
acid, treating emergencies .......67
charging system
warning light ...............................5
jumping a disabled battery ......48
maintenance-free ......................67
replacement, specifications .....84
servicing ....................................67
voltage gauge ............................11
Brakes .....................................25,26
anti-lock ................................25,26
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..............8,26
brake warning light ....................5
fluid, checking and adding ......58
fluid, refill capacities ................84
fluid, specifications ..............86,87
lubricant specifications .......86,87
shift interlock ............................28
Break-in period .............................2
Capacities for refilling fluids ......84
Cleaning your vehicle .................76
engine compartment ................77
exterior ......................................77
wheels ........................................76
Coolant ..............................59,61,62
checking and adding ................60
refill capacities .....................61,84
specifications .......................86,87
Dipstick
engine oil ...................................55Doors
door ajar warning .......................9
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke ...............................67
Driving under special
conditions
through water ...........................33
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ............................48
Emission control system ............74
Engine ..........................................87
check engine/
service engine soon light ........6,7
coolant .......................................59
idle speed control .....................67
lubrication specifications ....86,87
refill capacities ..........................84
service points ............................55
Engine block heater ...................23
Engine oil ....................................55
checking and adding ...........55,56
dipstick ......................................55
filter, specifications .............57,84
recommendations .....................57
refill capacities .....................55,84
specifications .............55,57,86,87
Exhaust fumes ............................24
Fail safe cooling ..........................62
Fluid capacities ...........................84
Fuel ..............................................71
calculating fuel economy .........80
capacity .....................................84
choosing the right fuel .............73
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates ...................83
detergent in fuel .......................74
filling your vehicle
with fuel ...............................71,80
filter, specifications .............77,84
gauge .........................................10
improving fuel economy ..........80
low fuel warning light ................4
Index
90

octane rating ........................73,87
quality ........................................74
running out of fuel ...................74
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ..................71
Fuses ............................................39
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) ...................80
Gauges .........................................10
battery voltage gauge ...............11
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................11
engine oil pressure gauge ........10
fuel gauge ..................................10
odometer ...................................12
speedometer .............................12
tachometer ................................13
trip odometer ............................12
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .......32
calculating .................................33
definition ...................................32
driving with a heavy load ........32
location ......................................32
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) ...............32
calculating ............................32,33
definition ...................................32
driving with a heavy load ........32
location ......................................32
Hazard flashers ...........................37
Headlamps ...................................14
daytime running lights .............14
flash to pass ..............................15
high beam ..............................9,14
turning on and off ....................14
warning chime ............................9
Ignition .........................................87
positions of the ignition ...........15
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ................................75Instrument panel
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................15
Jump-starting your vehicle ........48
Keys
key in ignition chime .................9
positions of the ignition ...........15
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................15
daytime running light ...............14
headlamps .................................14
headlamps, flash to pass ..........15
instrument panel, dimming .....15
replacing bulbs .........................76
Lights, warning and indicator ......4
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .........8,26
brake ............................................5
charging system ..........................5
check coolant ..............................4
door ajar ......................................9
engine oil pressure .....................4
fuel reset .....................................9
high beam ...................................9
low fuel ........................................4
safety belt ...................................5
service engine soon .................6,7
turn signal indicator ...................9
Load limits ...................................32
GAWR ........................................32
GVWR ........................................32
trailer towing ............................32
Lubricant specifications ........86,87
Motorcraft parts .....................77,84
Octane rating ..............................73
Odometer .....................................12
Overdrive .....................................20
Parking brake ..............................27
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ......84
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) .................................42
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ......64
Index
91