1999 FORD F150 wiper blades

Changing the air filter element
1. Loosen the clamp that secures
the air filter element in place.
2. Carefully separate the two halves
of the air filter housing.
3. Remove the air filter element
from the open end of the air filter
housing.
4. Install a new air filter element. Be
careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter
housing. This could cause filter
damage and allow unmetered air to
enter the engine if not properly seated.
5. Replace the two halves of the air filter housing and secure the clamp.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less
effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax 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.
Maintenance and care
189

Changing the wiper blades
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
manually 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.
INFORMATION ABOUT TIRE QUALITY GRADES
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have their Tire Quality Grade
(described below) molded into the
tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards
that the United States Department
of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic tires for use on
passenger cars. They do not apply
to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Maintenance and care
190

AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The alignment of your headlamps should be checked by a qualified
service technician if:
²Oncoming motorists frequently signal you to deactivate your high
beams, and your high beams are not activated.
²The headlamps do not seem to provide enough light for clear night
vision.
²The headlamp beams are pointed substantially away from a slightly
down and to the right position.
CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Refer to the ªCustomer Assistance Guideº for a list of Ford-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.
Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Maintenance and care
209

Waxing your vehicle
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use cleaning fluid or
alcohol with a clean cloth to remove any bugs and tar before waxing
vehicle. Use tar remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield. If you have wax applied at a
commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper blades
and windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades and
windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
touch-up paint, repair foil or aerosol paint spray from the Ford accessory
line. Observe the application instructions on the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of special
wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove grease and tar.
Maintenance and care
210

Cleaning the wiper blades and windshield
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield such as tree sap and some hot wax
treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of the
windshield with a non-abrasive cleanser such as the non-abrasive
Bon-Amitpowder. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.Do notuse
abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause scratches. The windshield
is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with water. The
windshield and wiper blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and
blades or rubber elements replaced when worn.
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.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Do not use household or glass cleaners.
These agents can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap and
water solution if necessary.
Maintenance and care
212

Accessory delay ..........................70
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................95
and child safety seats ..............96
description ................................95
disposal ......................................98
indicator light ...........................98
passenger air bag .....................96
passenger deactivation
switch ..............61,99,100,101,102
Air cleaner filter ................188,189
Air suspension ...........................119
warning light .............................11
Anti-theft system ..............76,77,78
Armrests ......................................88
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................121,122,123
Axle
refill capacities ........................215
Battery
voltage gauge ............................14
Brakes ........................................115
anti-lock ............................115,116
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............116
fluid, checking and adding ....174
shift interlock ..........................120
Break-in period .............................2
CD player .....................52,54,55,56
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ..109
in rear seat .......................106,108
tether anchorage hardware ...109
Cleaning your vehicle ...............209
engine compartment ..............211
exterior .............................210,213
exterior lamps .........................211
interior .....................................212
plastic parts ............................211
washing ....................................209
waxing .....................................210wheels ......................................210
wiper blades ............................212
Clutch
fluid ..........................................175
operation while driving ..........123
recommended
shift speeds ......................125,126
Controls
power seat .................................86
Coolant ...............................178,179
checking and adding ..............177
refill capacities ........................179
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................186
Driving under special
conditions ...........................132,133
sand .........................................132
snow and ice ...........................133
through water .........................132
Emission control system ..........202
Engine
coolant .....................................177
idle speed control ...................186
service points ...................170,171
starting after a collision .........149
Engine block heater .................113
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............173
dipstick ....................................172
specifications ...................172,174
Exhaust fumes ..........................113
Fail safe cooling .................179,180
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles ..10,128
description .......................130,131
driving off road .......................131
electronic shift ...................18,130
indicator light ....................10,128
lever operated shift ..128,129,130
Fuel
choosing the right fuel ...........196
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................202
Index
225

illuminated entry ......................83
locking/unlocking doors ...........79
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................82
replacing the batteries .............81
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................11
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................223
Safety defects, reporting ..........224
Safety restraints
cleaning the safety belts ...94,213
extension assembly ..................93
for children .............................103
lap belt ......................................92
warning light and chime .....93,94
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) .....................89,90,91,92
Seats ..................................84,85,86
child safety seats ....................104
cleaning ...................................213
Servicing your vehicle .......168,169
Snowplowing ............3,145,146,147
Spark plugs, specifications .......214
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
four-wheel drive
vehicles .............................147,148
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................217
Speed control ..............................62
Speedometer ...............................13
Starting your vehicle .........110,112
jump starting ............162,163,165
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................66
Tachometer .................................14
Tailgate ...................................72,73
Tires .............................190,191,192changing ...........................157,158
checking the pressure ............192
replacing ..................................193
rotating ....................................192
snow tires and chains ............194
tire grades ...............................191
treadwear ................................191
Towing
recreational towing ..........144,145
wrecker ....................................167
Traction-lok rear axle ...............118
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................185
Transmission
automatic operation ...............120
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) ...............182,183,184
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................184
manual operation ....................123
Transmission control
indictor light ................................10
Trip odometer .............................14
Vehicle dimensions ...................220
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................223
Vehicle loading ..........................134
Ventilating your vehicle ...........114
Warning chimes ........................6,11
Washer fluid ..............................176
Water,
Driving through ....136,137,138,139
140,141,142,143
Windows .................................69,70
Windshield washer fluid
and wipers
checking and cleaning ............189
operation ...................................67
replacing wiper blades ...........190
Index
227