Ford E 250 1998, E 450 1998 Owner's Manual

Contents

Before driving

Introduction 2

Instrumentation 4

Controls and features 13

Seating and safety restraints 34

Starting and driving

Starting 59

Driving 63

Roadside emergencies 77

Servicing

Maintenance and care 95

Capacities and specifications 129

Reporting safety defects 139

Index 140

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Copyrightr1997 Ford Motor Company

Introduction

ICONS

Indicates a warning. Read the following section on Warnings for a full explanation.

Indicates vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow.

Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards protecting the environment.

WARNINGS

Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.

If possible, you should avoid full use of the brakes for the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles).

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

Introduction

SPECIAL NOTICES Using your vehicle as an ambulance

If your light truck is equipped with the Ford ambulance preparation package, it may be utilized as an ambulance. Ford urges ambulance manufacturers to follow the recommendations of the Ford incomplete vehicle manual, Ford truck body builder’s layout book and the QVM guidelines as well as pertinent supplements. For additional information,

please contact the Light Truck Body Builders Advisory Service 1–800–635–5560.

Use of your Ford light truck as an ambulance, without the Ford Ambulance Preparation Package voids the Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty and may void the Emissions Warranties. In addition, ambulance usage without the preparation package could cause high underbody temperatures, overpressurized fuel and a risk of spraying fuel which could lead to fires.

If your vehicle is equipped with the Ford ambulance preparation package, it will be indicated on the Safety Certification Compliance label. The label is located on the driver’s side door pillar or on the rear edge of the driver’s door. You can determine whether the ambulance manufacturer followed Ford’s recommendations by directly contacting that manufacturer. Ford Ambulance preparation package is only available on certain 7.3L Diesel engine equipped vehicles.

Diesel-powered vehicles

Read the 7.3L Diesel Engine Owner’s Guide Supplement for information regarding correct operation and maintenance of your diesel-powered light truck.

Instrumentation

Instrument cluster

(pg. 6)

20 10 0

P R N D 2 1

Gearshift (includes

overdrive button)

(pg. 27)

•

100

•

0000

40•

20•km/h

000

120

•

•140

•

100

+ -

Auxiliary power

point*

(pg. 20)

OVERDRIVE

Headlamp control

(pg. 13)

*if equipped

OFF

Speed control*

Turn signal and

wiper/washer control

(pg. 21)

(pg. 22)

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

Driver side air bag

(pg. 46)

Climate control systems

(pg. 14)

Instrumentation

FAN

VOL-PUSH ON

SEEK TUNE

REW

AM FM

BASS

TREB

SCAN EJ

FF 2

COOL

SIDE 1-2

FM 1

WARM

DOLBY 8 NR

NORM

A/C

VENT

MAX A/C

Electronic sound system;

refer to Audio Guide

(pg. 20)

OFF

FLR

MIX

BAL FADE

CLK

TAPE

Passenger side air bag

(pg. 46)

Instrumentation

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

000000

0000

100

120

140

160

100

BRAKE

ABS

20 km/h

MPH

BRAKE

Brake system warning

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the position ON and the engine is off. Also illuminates when the parking brake is engaged. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light stays on, the ABS needs to be serviced.

SERVICE

ENGINE SOON

Service engine soon

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s emission control system. This system is commonly known as the

SER VICE

ENGINE

SOON

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.

Instrumentation

The Service Engine Soon indicator 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.

What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates

Light turns on solid:

This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause your Service Engine Soon light 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.

3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely tightened.

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the Service Engine Soon light 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 the Service Engine Soon light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Light is blinking:

Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and 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.

Instrumentation

Transmission control indicator light (TCIL)

The word OFF located on the end of the gearshift lever is the transmission control indicator light (TCIL).

The TCIL may flash steadily if a malfunction is detected. If the TCIL is flashing, contact your Ford dealer as soon as possible. If this condition persists, damage to the transmission could occur.

Safety belt

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For more information, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Charging system

Momentarily 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.

OVERDRIVE

Air bag readiness

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned ON. If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately.

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, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb. Refer to Exterior bulbs in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Instrumentation

High beams

Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

Oil pressure/Engine coolant

This light will come on when the key is in the ON position and the:

• engine coolant temperature is very high

• engine oil pressure is low

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 to Engine coolant temperature gauge and Engine oil pressure gauge in 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 the Seating

and safety restraints chapter.

Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime

For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Key-in-ignition warning chime

Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and either front door is opened.

Headlamps on warning chime

Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off (and the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.

Instrumentation

GAUGES

000000

0000

100

120

140

160

100

000000

20 km/h

MPH

0000

100

120

140

160

100

20 km/h

MPH

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle speed.

Fuel gauge

Displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank (when the key is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion. The ignition should be in the OFF position while the vehicle is being refueled. When the gauge first indicates empty, there is a small amount of reserve fuel in the tank. When refueling the vehicle from empty indication, the amount of fuel that can be added will be less than the advertised capacity due to the reserve fuel.

Instrumentation

Engine coolant temperature gauge

Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating temperature, the needle remains within the normal area (the area between the “H” and “C”). If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine immediately and let the engine cool. Refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine is running or hot.

This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication will not be accurate.

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 “H” and “L”).

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 to Checking and adding engine oil in the Maintenance and care chapter). If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your dealership or by a qualified technician.

Instrumentation

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.

Odometer

Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

Trip odometer

Registers the kilometers (miles) of individual journeys. To reset, depress the control.

20 km/h

000000

20 km/h

MPH

000000

MPH

0000

100

120

140

160

140

160

100

Controls and features

HEADLAMP CONTROL

• Pull the headlamp control toward you to the first position to turn on the parking lamps, tail lamps, license plate lamps and marker lamps.

• Pull the headlamp control toward you to the outer position to turn on the headlamps (in addition to the previous lamps).

Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)

Turns the highbeam headlamps on with a reduced output. To activate:

• the engine must be running

• the headlamp control is in the OFF or Parking lamps position.

The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system will not illuminate the tail lamps and parking lamps. Turn on your headlamps at dusk.

Failure to do so may result in a collision.

High beams

Push forward to activate.

Controls and features

Flash to pass

Pull toward you to activate and release to deactivate.

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL

Use to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel.

• Rotate clockwise/counterclockwise when it is in the on position.

• Rotate fully counterclockwise to turn on the courtesy and cargo lamps.

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM Heater only system (if equipped)

FAN

COOL WARM

VENT

OFF

MIX

FLR

Fan speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

Temperature control knob

Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle. On heater-only systems, the air cannot be cooled below the outside temperature.

Controls and features

FAN

COOL

WARM

Mode selector control

FLR

OFF

MIX

Controls the direction of the airflow to the inside of the vehicle.

VENT

• VENT-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers.

• FLR-Allows for maximum heating. Distributes outside air through the

floor ducts.

• OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.

• MIX-Distributes outside air through the floor ducts and the windshield

defroster ducts.

•

-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts.

It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield.

Controls and features

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select before driving. This will help to prevent your windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position.

• To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position.

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the airflow to the back seats.

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield under the hood).

• When placing objects on top of your instrument panel, be careful to not place them over the defroster outlets. These objects can block airflow and reduce your ability to see through your windshield. Also, avoid placing small objects on top of your instrument panel. These objects can fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow and possibly damage your climate control system.

Manual heating and air conditioning system (if equipped)

FAN

COOL WARM

NORM

OFF

FLR

VENT

A/C MAX

A/C

MIX

Fan speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

Temperature control knob

Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle.

Controls and features

FAN

COOL

WARM

Mode selector control

Controls the direction of the airflow to the inside of the vehicle.

VENT

NORM

A/C

MAX

A/C

OFF

FLR

MIX

The air conditioning compressor will operate in all modes except VENT and FLR. However, the air conditioning will only function if the outside temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or above.

Since the air conditioner removes considerable moisture from the air during operation, it is normal if clear water drips on the ground under the air conditioner drain while the system is working and even after you have stopped the vehicle.

Controls and features

Under normal conditions, your vehicle’s climate control system should be left in any position other than MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe” through the outside air inlet duct.

• MAX A/C-Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. MAX A/C is noisier than NORM A/C but more economical and will cool the inside of the vehicle faster. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers. This mode can also be used to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

• NORM A/C-Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is quieter than MAX A/C but not as economical. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers.

• VENT-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

• OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate. For short periods of time only, use this mode to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

• FLR-Allows for maximum heating by distributing outside air through the floor ducts. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

• MIX-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts and the floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. For added customer comfort, when the temperature control knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full cold positions, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the windshield defroster ducts. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to prevent fogging.

•

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select before driving. This will prevent your

-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to prevent fogging.

windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position.

Controls and features

• To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position.

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the airflow to the back seats.

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield).

• If your vehicle has been parked with the windows closed during hot weather, the air conditioner will do a much faster job of cooling if you drive for two or three minutes with the windows open. This will force most of the hot, stale air out of the vehicle. Then operate your air conditioner as you would normally.

Auxiliary heater and air conditioner (if equipped)

If your vehicle is equipped with a factory installed auxiliary unit, the front control panel will include separate controls for the front and rear fans.

In addition an auxiliary unit fan control is located in the headliner at

OFF

a location between the front and rear seats.

Controls and features

• To control the auxiliary fan with this control, the rear fan switch on the front control unit must be in the rear control position.

• The auxiliary unit does not provide for mixing of hot and cold air. Adjustment of temperature in the rear may be accomplished by increasing or decreasing the rear fan speed.

AUXILIARY POWER POINT

The auxiliary power point is located on the instrument panel.

Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter. Use the power point.

REAR

CTRL

OFF

AUDIO SYSTEM

Refer to the “Audio Guide” for instructions on how to operate the audio system.

Controls and features

POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION

1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical

accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not running.

2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,

automatic transmission gearshift lever and allows key removal.

3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all

accessories without locking the steering wheel.

4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key

position when driving.

5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine

starts.

HAZARD FLASHER

For information on the hazard flasher control, refer to Hazard lights control in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

TURN SIGNAL CONTROL

• Push down to activate the left turn signal.

• Push up to activate the right turn signal.

Controls and features

SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED) To turn speed control on

• Press ON.

Vehicle speed cannot be controlled until the vehicle is traveling at or above 48 km/h (30 mph).

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved.

Do not shift the gearshift lever into N (Neutral) with the speed control on.

To turn speed control off

• Press OFF or

• Turn off the vehicle ignition.

OFF

Once speed control is switched off, the previously programmed set speed will be erased.

Controls and features

To set a speed

• Press SET ACC/SET ACCEL. For speed control to operate, the speed control must be ON and the vehicle speed must be greater than 48 km/h (30 mph).

If you drive up or down a steep hill, your vehicle speed may vary momentarily slower or faster than the set speed. This is normal.

Speed control cannot reduce the vehicle speed if it increases above the set speed on a downhill. If your vehicle speed is faster than the set speed while driving on a downhill, you may want to shift to the next lower gear or apply the brakes to reduce your vehicle speed.

If your vehicle slows down more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage. This is normal. Pressing RES/RSM/RESUME will re-engage it.

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved.

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

To set a higher set speed

• Press and hold SET ACC/SET ACCEL. Release the control when the desired vehicle speed is reached or

• Press and release SET ACC/SET ACCEL. Each press will increase the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) or

• Accelerate with your accelerator pedal, then press and release SET ACC/SET ACCEL.

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

Controls and features

You can accelerate with the accelerator pedal at any time during speed control usage. Releasing the accelerator pedal will return your vehicle to the previously programmed set speed.

To set a lower set speed

• Press and hold CST/COAST. Release the control when the desired speed is reached or

• Press and release CST/COAST. Each press will decrease the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) or

• Depress the brake pedal. When the desired vehicle speed is reached, press SET ACC/SET ACCEL.

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

To disengage speed control

• Depress the brake pedal.

Disengaging the speed control will not erase the previously programmed set speed.

Pressing OFF will erase the previously programmed set speed.

To return to a previously set speed

• Press RES/RSM/RESUME. For RES/RSM/RESUME to operate, the vehicle speed must be faster than 48 km/h (30 mph).

Controls and features

OFF

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

Controls and features

TILT STEERING (IF EQUIPPED)

Pull the tilt steering control toward you to move the steering wheel up or down. Hold the control while adjusting the wheel to the desired position, then release the control.

Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.

WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER CONTROLS

Rotate the windshield wiper control to the desired interval, low or high speed position.

The bars of varying length are for intermittent wipers. When in this position rotate the control upward for fast intervals and downward for slow intervals.

Controls and features

Push the control on the end of the stalk to activate washer. Push and hold for a longer wash cycle.

OVERDRIVE CONTROL Activating overdrive

(Overdrive) is the normal drive position for the best fuel economy.

The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts to second, third and fourth gear.

Deactivating overdrive

Press the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) located on the end of the gearshift lever. The Transmission Control Indicator Light (TCIL) (the word OFF) will illuminate on the end of the gearshift lever.

The transmission will operate in gears one through three. To return to normal overdrive mode, press the Transmission Control Switch again. The TCIL (the word OFF) will no longer be illuminated.

When you shut off and re-start your vehicle, the transmission will automatically return to normal

(Overdrive) mode.

OVERDRIVE OFF

OVERDRIVE

Controls and features

INTERIOR LAMPS Cargo and dome lamps

Rear cargo lamps equipped with an ON/OFF/DOOR control will light when:

• the doors are closed and the switch is in the ON position.

• the switch is in the DOOR position and any door is open.

• the switch is in the DOOR position and the front door handle is lifted.

• the instrument panel dimmer switch is turned to the courtesy lamp position.

When the cargo lamp switch is in the OFF position, it will not illuminate when you open the doors or turn the headlamp control.

Front and rear courtesy/reading lamps

Rotate the lens to illuminate the lamp.

With the lens in the flat position, the courtesy lamp lights when:

• any door is opened.

• when the instrument panel

dimmer switch is turned to the courtesy lamp position.

• the front door handle is lifted.

OFF DOOR ON

Controls and features

POWER WINDOWS (IF EQUIPPED)

Press and hold the rocker switches to open and close windows.

• Press the top portion of the rocker switch to close.

• Press the bottom portion of the rocker switch to open.

POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED)

Press U to unlock all doors and L to lock all doors.

Controls and features

POWER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS (IF EQUIPPED)

To adjust your mirrors:

1. Select

2. Move the control in the direction

you wish to tilt the mirror.

3. Return to the center position to lock mirrors in place.

REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

The remote entry system allows you to lock or unlock all vehicle doors without a key.

The remote entry features only operate with the ignition in the OFF position.

Unlocking the doors

Press this control to unlock the driver door. The interior lamps will illuminate.

Press the control a second time within five seconds to unlock all doors.

to adjust the left mirror or to adjust the right mirror.

LOCK

PANIC

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