1999 FORD F250 service

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground and the rear wheels off the ground using a wheel lift or a
slingbelt with T-hooks.
On 4x4 vehicles, it is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a
wheel lift or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground.
However, a slingbelt with T-hooks and a wheel dolly can also be used.
Ford Motor Company provides a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your “Warranty Guide” to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair
away from moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must “relearn” its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in the
Batterysection in this chapter.
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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.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil 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.
MIN MAX
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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.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules:
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
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2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for the service interval schedules.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specifications. Refer
toCapacities and specifications.
For vehicles equipped with the 5–speed manual transmission,
during normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, maintain the fluid level at the
step in the reservoir.
For vehicles equipped with the 6–speed manual transmission,
during normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir will drop
slightly. As this occurs, maintain the fluid level at the step in the
reservoir.
M
A
X
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ENGINE COOLANT
Check the level of the engine
coolant in the reservoir. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
service interval schedules. Be sure
to read and understandPrecautions
when servicing your vehiclein
this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become empty. If this occurs, add
engine coolant to the reservoir. For more information on engine coolant
maintenance, refer toAdding engine coolantin this chapter.
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable;do notuse engine coolant,
antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and
vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
Use only Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549–AA (in
Oregon, F5FZ-19549–CC, in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-10) or a
premium engine coolant that meets Ford specification
ESE-M97B44–A.
•DO NOT USE Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant
F6AZ-19544–AA (orange in color).
•DO NOT USE a DEX-COOLengine coolant or an equivalent
engine coolant that meets Ford specification WSS-M97B44–D.
•DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine
coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze.
•DO NOT USE supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle.
These additives may harm your engine’s cooling system.
COLD FILL
RANGEMAX
MIN
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How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•the engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•the
symbol will illuminate.
•the
symbol will illuminate.
•theService Engine Soon
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate, however:
•the engine power will be limited.
•the air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
H
C
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Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the “Service Guide” for the
service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
ADD/MIN and MAX lines. Do not
add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously checking the level until it reaches the range
between the ADD/MIN and MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap back on
the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, 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.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
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