1999 FORD F250 check engine

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Low fuel
Illuminates as an early reminder of a
low fuel condition indicated on the
fuel gauge. The light comes on when
there is approximately 1/16th of a
tank indicated on the fuel gauge
(refer toFuel Gaugein this chapter for more information). The ignition
must be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also
illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON
position regardless of the fuel level.
Service engine soon (Federal only)
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System (OBD
I). This OBD I system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD I system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
TheCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonindicator 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.
0
000000000
MPH20km/h
406080
100
120
140
160
010 20304050
60
70
80
90
100
LOW
FUEL
DOOR
AJAR BRAKE
LOW
RANGE
4 X 4
!ABS+ -
LEF
H
RPM1000X0123
5
6 4
PRN 218C 18
H
D
FUEL FILL
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
LOW
FUEL
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
8
ProCarManuals.com

What you should do if the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light
illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD I system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourService Engine Soonlight 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.
These and other temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the
fuel tank with good quality fuel. After three driving cycles without these
or any other temporary malfunctions present, theCheck Engine/Service
Engine Soonlight should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional
vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Service engine soon (California only)
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as 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.
TheService Engine Soonindicator 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.
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
9
ProCarManuals.com

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 care
chapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
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.
Four wheel drive low (if equipped)
This light momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to ON.
Illuminates when four-wheel drive
low is engaged. If the light continues
to flash have the system serviced.
Four wheel drive indicator (if equipped)
This light momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to ON.
Illuminates when 4x4 range is
engaged.
LOW
RANGE
4x4
Instrumentation
12
ProCarManuals.com

Door ajar
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the ON or START position and any
door is open.
Oil pressure/Engine coolant
This light will illuminate when the
ignition is in the ON position and
the:
•engine coolant temperature is
very high
•engine oil pressure is low
•engine is off
The light serves as a notice that a system needs your attention and to
check the engine coolant temperature gauge and the engine oil pressure
gauge.
Refer toEngine coolant temperature gaugeandEngine oil pressure
gaugein this chapter for more information.
Safety belt warning chime
Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime
For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to theSeating and
safety restraintschapter.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the ignition key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or
ACC position and the driver’s door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition in the
OFF position (and the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is
opened.
DOOR
AJAR
Instrumentation
13
ProCarManuals.com

Trip odometer
Registers the kilometers (miles) of
individual journeys. To reset,
depress the control.
Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer
pointer in the red zone may damage
the engine.
Battery voltage gauge
This gauge shows the battery
voltage when the ignition is in the
ON position. If the pointer moves
and stays outside the normal
operating range (as indicated), have
the vehicle’s electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
0
000000000
MPH
20km/h
406080
100
120
140
160
0
10 20304050
60
70
80
90
100
818
Instrumentation
16
ProCarManuals.com

Engine oil pressure gauge
This shows the engine oil pressure
in the system. Sufficient pressure
exists as long as the needle remains
in the normal range (the area
between the “L” and “H”).
If the gauge indicates low pressure,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level.
Add oil if needed (refer toEngine
oilin theMaintenance and care
chapter). If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your
dealership or by a qualified technician.
TRIP COMPUTER (IF EQUIPPED)
The trip computer tells you about the condition of your vehicle through
a constant monitor of vehicle systems. You may select display features on
the trip computer for a display of status.
The appearance of your vehicle’s trip computer may differ depending on
your vehicle’s option package, but the functions are the same.
The trip computer only operates with the ignition in the ON position.
Trip computer features follow:
Selectable features
English/metric display
Press this control to change the trip
computer display between metric
and English units.
L
H
MODE
E/M
Instrumentation
17
ProCarManuals.com

PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE
Engine starting is controlled by the ignition system. This system meets
all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard requirements
regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
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.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have
the vehicle checked. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than ten
minutes at high engine RPM.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraintschapter.
Starting
107
ProCarManuals.com

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the
engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster
and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an
engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region
where temperatures reach -23°C
(-10°F) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in
at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for
longer than three hours will not harm the engine, so the heater can be
plugged in the night before starting the vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do
not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and
could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
•the vehicle is raised for service.
•the sound of the exhaust system changes.
•the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
Starting
110
ProCarManuals.com