Ford E 450 1997, E 250 1997, E 350 1997, E 150 1997 Owner's Manual

Contents

Before driving

Introduction 2 Instrumentation 5 Controls and features 15 Seating and safety restraints 37

Starting and driving

Starting 73 Driving 80 Roadside emergencies 100

Servicing

Maintenance and care 124 Capacities and specifications 173 Reporting safety defects 182 Index 183

Introduction

ICONS

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

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

We must all play our part in protecting the environment. Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards this aim.

WARNINGS

How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment?

In this owner’s guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning triangle symbol.

SPECIAL NOTICES Using your light truck 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 Econoline vehicles.

Introduction

Diesel-powered vehicles

Read the 7.3L Diesel Engine Owner’s Guide Supplement for information regarding correct operation and maintenance of your

Introduction

diesel-powered light truck.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. Simply avoid driving too briskly 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).

From 1,600 km (1,000 miles) onwards you can gradually increase the performance of your vehicle up to the permitted maximum speeds.

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.

Instrumentation

Engine coolant

temperature gauge

(pg. 12)

Fuel Gauge

(pg. 12)

Speedometer

(pg. 12)

Engine oil

pressure gauge

(pg. 13)

Battery voltage

gauge

(pg. 13)

OFF

Wiper/washer

control

(pg. 27)

Headlamp switch

and dimmer

(pg. 15)

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

Speed controls

(pg. 28)

OVERDRIVE

Transmission

control switch

(pg. 24)

Warning

lights

(pg. 8)

Climate controls

(pg. 17)

Instrumentation

Refer to

Audio Guide

(pg. 17)

Vents (pg. 18)

Instrumentation

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS

BRAKE

000000

0000

Brake system warning

This light illuminates when you turn the ignition key to START to verify that the indicator bulb is working. If the light stays on or comes on after you have released the parking brake fully, have the hydraulic brake system serviced.

This light also will illuminate if vacuum pressure is low on diesel engine vehicles.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

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

Service engine soon

This light illuminates when the engine’s Emission Control System requires service. It will also illuminate when the ignition key is

BRAKE

ABS

SERVICE

ENGINE SOON

in the ON position and the engine is off.

Transmission control indicator light (TCIL)

The Transmission Control Indicator Light (TCIL), which is located on the gearshift lever, 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.

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

Safety belt

Illuminates when the ignition is switched on to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For more information, refer to Using the

safety restraints properly in the Seating and safety restraints

chapter.

Instrumentation

OVERDRIVE OFF

Charging system

Briefly illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. The light also illuminates when the battery is not charging properly, requiring electrical system service.

Air bag readiness

Briefly illuminates when the ignition is turned on. If the light fails to illuminate, continues to

Instrumentation

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.

High beams

Illuminates when the headlamp high beams are on.

Door ajar (if equipped)

Illuminates when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position and any door is open.

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 section for more information.

DOOR

AJAR

WARNING CHIMES Safety belt warning chime

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/buzzer

Sounds when the key is left in the ignition and the driver’s door is opened.

Headlamps on warning chime (if equipped)

Sounds when the headlamps are on, the ignition is off and the driver’s door is opened.

Instrumentation

GAUGES

20 km/h

MPH

100

000000

0000

120

140

160

100

Instrumentation

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle speed.

20 km/h

000000

0000

MPH

100

120

140

160

100

Fuel gauge

The fuel gauge displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank, when the ignition switch is ON.

The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion.

The vehicle should be refueled with the ignition key in the OFF position. If the vehicle is refueled with the key in the ON position, the key must be turned to the OFF position and then the vehicle started to get an accurate fuel gauge reading. If the vehicle is fueled with the key in the ON position and the above mentioned is not performed, it will take approximately 25 minutes for the gauge to go from “E” to “F.”

Engine coolant temperature gauge

Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating temperature, the needle remains within the normal area. If it enters the red section, the

engine is overheating. Switch off the ignition and let it cool. Refer to

Checking and adding engine coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Instrumentation

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.

If the gauge indicates constantly low pressure at normal engine speed, refer to Checking and

adding engine oil in the Maintenance and care chapter. If

the gauge indicates a low pressure and the engine oil level is correct, switch off the engine immediately and have your vehicle checked at your dealership or by a qualified technician.

Charging system gauge

If the pointer moves and stays outside of the normal range, have the vehicle’s electrical system checked as soon as safely possible.

Odometer

Registers the total kilometers (mileage) of the vehicle.

20 km/h

100

120

140

160

Instrumentation

Trip odometer

Can register the kilometers (mileage) of individual journeys. To reset, depress the control.

20 km/h

000000

MPH

0000

100

120

140

160

100

INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTROLS

Headlamp control

1. Pull the headlamp control

toward you to the first position. Parking lamps, tail lamps, license plate lamps and marker lamps are now on.

Controls and features

2. Pull the headlamp control

toward you to the outer position. Headlamps are now on in addition to above.

3. Rotate the control when it is in

the on position to brighten or dim the instrument panel lamps. Rotate fully counterclockwise to operate courtesy and cargo lamps.

Daytime running light (DRL) system (if equipped)

The DRL system turns on the high beam headlamps, with a reduced light output, when:

• the vehicle is running (ignition switch is in the ON position)

• the vehicle has a fully released parking brake

• the headlamp system is in the OFF or park lamp position

Audio System

For information on the audio system, refer to the Audio Guide.

Power point electrical outlet

The power point is a power source for the operation of electrical accessories.

Do not use the cigarette lighter in place of the power point.

Controls and features

CLIMATE CONTROLS

Your vehicle has one of the following climate control systems:

• Manual heating system

• Manual heating and air

conditioning system

In addition your vehicle may also be equipped with a auxiliary heater and air conditioning system.

In some modes, the systems function similarly; in modes where the systems do not function

Controls and features

similarly, the different functions are noted.

Vents

Airflow from the vents may be manually adjusted by moving the horizontal control or vertically adjusting the vent according to your airflow preference.

Fan speed

Turn the fan speed control to the desired speed.

FRONT

Temperature

Turn the temperature control to the desired mix of warm and cool air (left for cooler and right for warmer).

Controls and features

Controlling airflow

Turn the mode control to the desired airflow position.

Using MAX A/C mode (if equipped)

The MAX A/C mode recirculates the air and directs it to flow through the instrument panel vents. The MAX A/C mode can be used for air conditioning or heating. This mode is noisier, but more economical than A/C mode. The MAX A/C mode only functions if the outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F).

Select the OFF position for all climate control functions to cease. The outside inlet door will close and the fan is shut off.

COOLCOOL

NORM

MAX

A C

VENT

OFF

ARM

FLR

MIX

Controls and features

Drive with the climate control system on (either in heating or A/C mode) to reduce humidity in your vehicle.

Select MAX A/C for airflow through these vents:

Using NORM A/C mode (if equipped)

The NORM A/C mode directs outside conditioned air to flow through the instrument panel vents. The NORM A/C mode can be used for heating, ventilating or air conditioning. The NORM A/C mode only functions if the outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F).

Select NORM A/C for air to flow through these vents:

Using the vent mode

Select the VENT mode for air to flow through these vents:

Using the floor mode

Select the FLOOR mode for air to flow through these vents:

Using the mix mode

The MIX mode directs outside air to flow through the floor vents and windshield defroster vents. The air conditioning will function to dehumidify the windows provided the outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F).

Select the MIX mode for air to flow through these vents:

Using the mode

In addition to defogging and demisting, in defrost mode your vehicle has the capability to demist the front side windows. The air conditioning will function to dehumidify the windows provided the outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F).

Select the through these vents:

mode for air to flow

Controls and features

AUXILIARY HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER (IF EQUIPPED)

If your vehicle is equipped with a factory installed auxiliary unit, the front control panel will include

Controls and features

separate controls for the front and rear fans.

In addition an auxiliary unit fan control is located in the headliner at a location between the front and rear seats.

• 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.

REAR

REAR CTRL

OFF

STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS

Controls and features

OFF

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

Ignition

ACCESSORY (1) allows operation of some accessories without starting the engine.

LOCK (2) locks the steering wheel and allows the key to be removed from the ignition. LOCK also locks the gearshift.

OFF (3) shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the steering wheel or gearshift.

ON (4) allows testing of the vehicle’s warning and indicator lights.

START (5) cranks the engine. The key returns to the ON position after it is released.

For more information on the vehicle ignition and starting the vehicle, refer to Preparing to start

xxx

xxx xxx

xxx

Controls and features

the vehicle in the Starting chapter.

Gearshift

For information on the gearshift, refer to Automatic Transmission Operation section of the Driving chapter.

P RN 21

Using overdrive

(overdrive) is the normal drive

position for the best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows

automatic upshift and downshift operation in all gears.

P RN 21

Deactivating overdrive

Press the transmission control switch (TCS) on the end of the gearshift lever. The Transmission Control Indicator Light (TCIL) (the word “OFF” on the gearshift lever) will illuminate. The transmission will only operate in gears one through three.

Deactivate overdrive when:

• driving with a heavy load

• driving in hilly terrain

• additional engine braking is

desired

Activating overdrive

To return to normal overdrive operation, press the TCS again. The light illuminating the word “OFF” will turn off.

When restarting your vehicle, the transmission will automatically return to the normal overdrive operation mode.

Controls and features

Transmission control indicator light (TCIL)

The TCIL (the word “OFF”) located on the gearshift lever indicates the status of the transmission.

The TCIL may flash steady if a malfunction is detected. If this occurs have your transmission serviced by your Ford dealer as soon as possible or damage may occur.

Tilt steering

Pull the control to adjust the steering column angle. Push the control back up to lock the steering wheel into position.

Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is

moving.

OVERDRIVE OFF

Hazard flasher control

For more information on the hazard flasher control, refer to the Roadside emergencies chapter.

Windshield wipers and washer

• Push the end to activate the washer.

• Push end once for a single wipe.

• Push and hold for a constant

cycle.

Controls and features

• Turn the dial to adjust intermittent wiper speed.

Flash— to— pass

Pull toward you and release for “flash-to-pass” operation.

Controls and features

Speed control (if equipped)

To turn speed control on

• Press ON

To turn speed control off

• Press OFF or

• Turn off the vehicle ignition.

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

To set a speed

Press 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).

OFF

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

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 in Overdrive, you may want to shift to the next lower gear to reduce your vehicle speed.

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

Do not use the speed

control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved.

To set a higher speed

• Press and hold SET ACCEL. Release the switch when the desired vehicle speed is reached, or

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

• Accelerate with your accelerator pedal, then press SET ACCEL.

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

To set a lower set speed

• Press and hold COAST. Release the switch when the desired vehicle speed is reached, or

• Press and release 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 ACCEL.

Controls and features

OFF

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

Controls and features

To disengage speed control

• Depress the brake pedal.

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

To return to a set speed

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

OVERHEAD CONTROLS 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

• either front door is open and the switch is in the DOOR position

• the headlamp control is rotated fully counterclockwise

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

OFF

DOOR

OFF

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

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