Ford E-250 1999 User Manual

Contents

Before driving

Introduction 2 Instrumentation 5 Controls and features 15 Seating and safety restraints 71

Starting and driving

Starting 98 Driving 103 Roadside emergencies 123

Servicing

Maintenance and care 145 Capacities and specifications 188 Reporting safety defects 199 Index 200

All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company.

Copyrightr1998 Ford Motor Company

Introduction

ICONS

Indicates a safety alert. Read the following section on Warnings.

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.

Indicates a message regarding child safety restraints. Refer to Seating and safety restraints for more information.

Indicates that this Owner Guide contains information on this subject. Please refer to the Index to locate the appropriate section which will provide you more information.

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).

Introduction

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.

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.

Introduction

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.

Notice to owners of natural gas fueled vehicles

Before you drive your vehicle, be sure to read the “Natural Gas Vehicle Owner’s Guide Supplement.” This book contains important operation and maintenance information.

Instrumentation

Instrument

cluster (pg. 8)

Speed control*

(pg. 57)

BRAKE

OFF

100

000000

20 km/h

0000

MPH

120

140

160

100

SERVICE

ENGINE SOON

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

*if equipped

Headlamp control

(pg. 15)

Turn signal and

wiper/washer

control

(pg. 57)

Driver side air

bag

(pg. 83)

Auxiliary power

OVERDRIVE

point

(pg. 22)

Instrumentation

Climate control

systems (pg. 16)

FAN

COOL WARM

VOL

PUSH

TONEVOL

TONE

CLK

2 3

ST DX

FM 12

OFF

FLR

VENT

SEEK TUNE

4 AM/FM

MIX

Gearshift

(including

overdrive button)

(pg. 110)

Electronic sound

system

(pg. 23)

Instrumentation

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

000000

0000

100

SERVICE

ENGINE SOON

120

140

160

100

BRAKE

ABS

20 km/h

MPH

BRAKE

Brake system warning

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. If the brake warning lamp does not illuminate at this time, seek service immediately. Also illuminates when the parking brake is engaged. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately.

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. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with parking brake released.

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

Instrumentation

government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.

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

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

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 the driver’s door is opened.

Headlamps on warning chime (if equipped)

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.

A minimum of six gallons must be added or removed from the fuel tank in order for the gauge to instantaneously update. If less than six gallons is the change, the gauge will take between five to ten minutes to update.

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 reservoir 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. If the gauge enters the red section, the oil pressure/engine coolant and Check Engine/Service Engine Soon indicators illuminate, refer to What you should know about fail-safe cooling in the Maintenance and care chapter.

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 to 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

MPH

20 km/h

MPH

100

000000

0000

100

000000

0000

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 headlamps on with a reduced output. To activate:

• the engine must be running and

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

Always remember to turn on your headlamps at dusk or during

inclement weather. The Daytime Running Light (DRL) System does not activate your tail lamps and generally may not provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions 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

To adjust the brightness of the instrument panel:

• Rotate clockwise/counterclockwise when the headlamp control is in the parking lamp or low-beam position.

To turn on the courtesy lamp and cargo lamps:

• Rotate fully counterclockwise.

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

REAR CTRL

OFF

USING YOUR AUDIO SYSTEM AM/FM Stereo

VOL

PUSH

TONE

CLK

1 2 3 4 AM/FM

AM/FM Stereo

Controls and features

ST DX

TONE VOL

FM 12

SEEK TUNE

VOL

PUSH

TONE

CLK

TONE VOL

ST DX

FM 12

SEEK TUNE

AM / FM STEREO

1 2 3 4 AM/FM

Controls and features

Volume/power control

Press the control to turn the audio system on or off.

VOL

PUSH

Turn the control to raise or lower volume.

VOL

PUSH

If the volume is set above a certain level and the ignition is turned off, the volume will come back on at a “nominal” listening level when the ignition switch is turned back on.

AM/FM select

The AM/FM select control works in radio mode.

AM/FM

AM/FM select in radio mode

This control allows you to select AM or FM frequency bands. Press the control to switch between AM, FM1 or FM2 memory preset stations.

Tune adjust

The tune control works in radio mode.

Controls and features

Tune adjust in radio mode

• Press to move to the next frequency down the band (whether or not a listenable station is located there). Hold the control to move through the frequencies quickly.

• Press a listenable station is located there). Hold for quick movement.

to move to the next frequency up the band (whether or not

Seek function

The seek function control works in radio mode.

Seek function in radio mode

• Press to find the next listenable station down the frequency band.

• Press listenable station up the frequency band.

to find the next

Radio station memory preset

The radio is equipped with four station memory preset controls. These controls can be used to select up to four preset AM stations and eight FM stations (four in FM1 and four in FM2).

Setting memory preset stations

1. Select the frequency band with the AM/FM select control.

2. Select a station. Refer to Tune adjust or Seek function for more

information on selecting a station.

3. Press and hold a memory preset control until the sound returns,

indicating the station is held in memory on the control you selected.

SEEK TUNE

SEEK

TUNE

1 2 3 4

Controls and features

Bass adjust

The bass adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio system’s bass output.

With the electronic stereo radio, press the TONE control once, then use the volume knob to adjust the level.

Treble adjust

The treble adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio system’s treble output.

With the electronic stereo radio, press the TONE control twice, then use the volume knob to adjust the level.

Speaker balance adjust

Speaker sound distribution can be adjusted between the right and left speakers.

With the electronic stereo radio, press the TONE control three times, then use the volume knob to adjust the level.

Speaker fade adjust (if equipped)

Speaker sound can be adjusted between the front and rear speakers.

With the electronic stereo radio, press the TONE control four times, then use the volume knob to adjust the level.

TONE

CLK

TONE

CLK

TONE

CLK

TONE

CLK

VOL

PUSH

VOL

PUSH

VOL

PUSH

VOL

PUSH

Setting the clock

To set the hour, press and hold the CLK control and press:

Controls and features

TONE

CLK

•

To set the minute, press and hold the CLK control and press:

•

to decrease hours and to increase hours.

to decrease minutes and to increase minutes.

SEEK SEEK

TUNE TUNE

TONE

CLK

SEEK

TUNE

SEEK

TUNE

Controls and features

AM/FM stereo cassette

VOL - PUSH ON

BASS TREB BAL FADE

FM1

CLK

TAPE

AMS

SEEK TUNE

SCAN

123456

Volume/power control

Press the control to turn the audio system on or off.

Turn the control to raise or lower volume.

SIDE REW FF

VOL - PUSH ON

1 - 2

If the volume is set above a certain level and the ignition is turned off, the volume will come back on at a “nominal” listening level when the ignition switch is turned back on.

Controls and features

AM/FM select

The AM/FM select control works in radio and tape modes.

AM/FM select in radio mode

This control allows you to select AM or FM frequency bands. Press the AM control to select from AM selections, and press the FM control to select from FM1 or FM2 memory preset stations.

AM/FM select in tape mode

Press this control to stop tape play and begin radio play.

Tune adjust

The tune control works in radio mode.

Tune adjust in radio mode

• Press to move to the next frequency down the band (whether or not a listenable station is located there). Hold the control to move through the frequencies quickly.

• Press a listenable station is located there). Hold for quick movement.

to move to the next frequency up the band (whether or not

Seek function

The seek function control works in radio mode.

Seek function in radio mode

• Press to find the next listenable station down the frequency band.

• Press listenable station up the frequency band.

to find the next

SEEK TUNE

SEEK

TUNE

Controls and features

Scan function

The scan function works in radio mode.

Scan function in radio mode

Press the SCAN control to hear a brief sampling of all listenable stations on the frequency band. Press the SCAN control again to stop the scan mode.

Radio station memory preset

The radio is equipped with six station memory preset controls. These controls can be used to select up to six preset AM stations and twelve FM stations (six in FM1 and six in FM2).

Setting memory preset stations

1. Select the frequency band with the AM or the FM select control.

2. Select a station. Refer to Tune adjust or Seek function for more

information on selecting a station.

3. Press and hold a memory preset control until the sound returns,

indicating the station is held in memory on the control you selected.

SCAN

123456

Bass adjust

The bass adjust control allows you to increase or decrease the audio system’s bass output.

BASS

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