2000 FORD F150 service indicator

DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for maintenance
intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal joints
equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be necessary.
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 ªlevel indicatorº.
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.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
Maintenance and care
218

Many of the world's automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto Makers' Choiceylogo.
Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality. These gasolines may contain oxygenates up to 10%
ethanol or 15% MTBE.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²Your ªService Engine Soonº indicator may come on. For more
information on the ªService Engine Soonº indicator, refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
Maintenance and care
230

4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the ªService Engine Soon/Check Engineº indicator comes on and stays
on after you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly
installed. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap
properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
Maintenance and care
231

check engine/
service engine soon light .........11
cleaning ...................................243
coolant .....................................206
fail-safe coolant ......................211
idle speed control ...................218
lubrication
specifications ..................251, 253
refill capacities ........................248
service points ..................199±200
starting after a collision .........176
Engine block heater .................136
Engine oil ..................................200
checking and adding ..............200
dipstick ....................................200
filter, specifications ........203, 247
recommendations ...................203
refill capacities ........................248
specifications ..................251, 253
Exhaust fumes ..........................137
F
Fail safe cooling ........................211
Floor mats ...................................81
Fluid capacities .........................248
Foglamps .....................................21
Four-Wheel
Drive vehicles ......................14, 153
control trac ...............................23
description ..............................156
driving off road .......................157
electronic shift ..................23, 156
indicator light ...................14, 154
lever operated shift ................154
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................143
Fuel ............................................227
calculating fuel economy .......231cap ...........................................230
capacity ...................................248
choosing the right fuel ...........229
comparisons with EPA
fuel economy estimates .........234
detergent in fuel .....................230
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................227, 230, 232
filter, specifications ........231, 247
fuel pump shut-off switch .....176
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........231
low fuel warning light ..............10
octane rating ...................229, 253
quality ......................................229
running out of fuel .................230
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................227
Fuses ..................................177, 179
G
Garage door opener ....................74
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............230
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................231
Gauges .........................................16
battery voltage gauge ...............18
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................17
engine oil pressure gauge ........19
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................17
speedometer .............................17
tachometer ................................18
trip odometer ............................18
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....160
calculating ...............................162
definition .................................160
Index
275

anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....13, 140
anti-theft ...................................13
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................13
check coolant ............................14
cruise indicator .........................15
door ajar ....................................15
engine oil pressure ...................14
high beam .................................13
low fuel ......................................10
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ..................11
speed control ............................71
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................160
GAWR ......................................160
GVWR ......................................160
trailer towing ..........................160
Loading instructions .................161
Locks
autolock .....................................91
Lubricant specifications ...251, 253
Lumbar support, seats .....100±101
M
Manual transmission .................147
fluid capacities ........................248
lubricant specifications ..........253
reverse .....................................152
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................77
fold away ...................................81
side view mirrors (power) .......80
Motorcraft parts ................231, 247O
Octane rating ............................229
Odometer .....................................17
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................200
Overdrive .....................................72
P
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry system ..................91
Parking brake ............................141
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....247
Pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ...............22
Power adjustable foot pedals .....22
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................182
Power door locks ..................79, 91
Power steering ..........................142
fluid, checking and adding ....212
fluid, refill capacity ................248
fluid, specifications .........251, 253
Preparing to
drive your vehicle .....................143
R
Radio ............................................24
Relays ........................................177
Remote entry system ...........89, 91
illuminated entry ......................94
locking/unlocking doors ...........90
panic alarm ...............................91
replacement/additional
transmitters .........................93±94
replacing the batteries .............92
Index
277