Ford F-250 1998 Owner's Manual

Contents

Before driving

Introduction 2

Instrumentation 4

Controls and features 17

Seating and safety restraints 48

Starting and driving

Starting 76

Driving 83

Roadside emergencies 131

Servicing

Maintenance and care 152

Capacities and specifications 205

Reporting safety defects 215

Index 216

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Copyrightr1997 Ford Motor Company

Elemental Chlorine Free

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.

SPECIAL NOTICES Using your vehicle with a

snowplow

For more information and guidelines for using your vehicle with a snowplow, refer to the Driving chapter.

Using your vehicle as an ambulance

Do not use this vehicle as an ambulance.

Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation package.

Notice to owners of utility type vehicles

Before you drive your vehicle, please read this Owner’s Guide carefully. Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident.

Be sure to read Driving off road in the Driving chapter as well as the “Four Wheeling” supplement included with 4WD and utility type vehicles.

Introduction

Instrumentation

Instrument cluster

(pg. 6)

Speed control

(pg. 28)

LOW FUEL

+ -

•

100

•

0000

000

120

•

•140

•

100

THEFT

0 RPMx1000

CHECK ENGINE

ABS

4 X 4

40•

20•km/h

10 0

Headlamp control

(pg. 17)

Turn signal and

wiper/washer

Instrument panel

dimmer switch

(pg. 18)

OFF

control

(pg. 34)

SRS

Driver side air

bag

(pg. 60)

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

Gearshift (includes

overdrive button)

(pg. 88)

Instrumentation

Electronic sound

system; refer to

Audio Guide

(pg. 19)

Auxiliary power

point

(pg. 19)

VOL-PUSH ON

SEEK

TUNE

DISCS

REW

BASS

TREB

SCAN EJ

FM 1

SIDE 1-2

COOL WARM

AM FM

Climate control

systems (pg. 20)

4WD Control*

(pg. 102)

FM 1

DOLBY 8 NR

BAL FADE

COMP

OFF

FLOOR

PANEL

Passenger air bag deactivate switch

AUTO

SET

TAPE

SHUFFLE

PANEL &

FLOOR

FLR&

DEF

(pg. 65)

PASSENGER AIRBAG

OFF

Instrumentation

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES Standard instrument cluster

LOW FUEL

BRAKE

DOOR AJAR

+ -

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

CHECK

ENGINE

Optional instrument cluster

LOW FUEL

BRAKE

DOOR AJAR

+ -

km/h

MPH

PRN 21

km/h

MPH

PRN 21

00000

0000

100

00000

0000

FUEL

RESET

THEFT

FUEL DOOR

1000

CHECK

ENGINE

ABS

RESET

RPM

FUEL

CHECK

SUSP

ABS

4 X 4

CHECK

SUSP

RANGE

LOW

RANGE

LOW

100

120

140

160

100

120

140

160

100

Low fuel

Illuminates when the fuel level is low. The lamp will also illuminate when the ignition key is turned to ON and the engine is off.

Check engine

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

LOW

FUEL

CHECK

ENGINE

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.

The Check Engine 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 check engine light illuminates

Light turns on solid:

This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.

Temporary malfunctions may cause your Check Engine 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

Instrumentation

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 Check Engine 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 Check Engine 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.

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.

Safety belt

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

Seating and safety restraints

chapter.

Brake system warning

Instrumentation

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned 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)

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light remains on, continues to flash or fails to illuminate, 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 or flash faster, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb. Refer to Exterior

bulbs in the Maintenance and care chapter.

BRAKE

ABS

Instrumentation

High beams

Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

Anti-theft system (if equipped)

Refer to Perimeter alarm system in the Controls and features chapter.

Charging system

Momentarily 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.

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

THEFT

oil pressure gauge in this chapter for more information.

Four wheel drive low (if equipped)

Instrumentation

Illuminates when four-wheel drive low is selected.

Four wheel drive indicator (if equipped)

Illuminates when 4x4 range is selected.

Check air suspension (if equipped)

Illuminates briefly when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is OFF. The light also illuminates when the air suspension system requires servicing.

For information, refer to Air suspension system in the Driving chapter.

Door ajar

LOW

RANGE

4x4

CHECK

SUSP

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

DOOR

AJAR

Instrumentation

Fuel reset

Illuminates when the ignition key is turned to the ON position and the fuel pump shut-off switch has been triggered. For more information, refer to Fuel pump

shut-off switch in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

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.

FUEL

RESET

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 either front door is opened.

GAUGES Standard instrument cluster

gauges

LOW FUEL

BRAKE

DOOR AJAR

+ -

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

CHECK

ENGINE

Optional instrument cluster gauges

LOW FUEL

BRAKE

DOOR AJAR

+ -

00000

km/h

0000

MPH

PRN 21

km/h

0000

MPH

PRN 21

00000

Instrumentation

FUEL

RESET

THEFT

FUEL DOOR

RPM

1000

CHECK ENGINE

RESET

FUEL

CHECK

SUSP

ABS

LOW

RANGE

4 X 4

CHECK

SUSP

LOW

RANGE

4 X 4

100

120

140

160

100

120

140

160

100

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.

Instrumentation

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.

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle speed.

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, switch off the ignition 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.

km/h

MPH

100

00000

0000

120

140

160

100

This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant

is not at its proper level or mixture, the gauge indication will not be accurate.

Odometer

Instrumentation

Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

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 continuously at the top of the scale may damage the engine.

MPH

km/h

MPH

km/h

0000

100

00000

0000

00000

100

120

FUEL DOOR

140

160

100

120

140

160

100

RPM

1000

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.

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, 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.

HEADLAMP CONTROL

Controls and features

Rotate the headlamp control to the desired position:

— OFF.

— Parking lamps on.

— Headlamps on.

Foglamp control (if equipped)

The headlamp control also operates the foglamps. The foglamps can be turned on only when the headlamps are in the

position.

Pull headlamp control towards you to turn foglamps on. The foglamp indicator light

(located to the

right of the control) will illuminate.

Daytime running light (Canadian vehicles only)

The daytime running light system turns the headlamps on, with a reduced light output, when:

• the vehicle is running

• the parking brake is released

• the headlamp system is in the

OFF position

PULL

FOR

FOG

PULL

FOR

FOG

Controls and features

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.

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL

Use to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel.

• Rotate up to brighten.

• Rotate down to dim.

AUTOLAMP CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)

The autolamp system provides light sensitive automatic on-off control of the exterior lights normally controlled by the headlamp control.

The autolamp system also keeps the lights on for a preselected period of time after the ignition switch is turned to OFF.

• To turn autolamps on, rotate the control up. The preselected time lapse is adjustable up to approximately three minutes by continuing to rotate the control upward.

• To turn autolamps off, rotate the control down until it clicks.

• A small LED illuminates next to the autolamp control to indicate that the headlamps have been turned on by the autolamps.

• Foglamps are not controlled by the autolamps. In order to turn on the foglamps, you must turn the lamp switch to the

position and pull for fog.

4WD CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)

This control operates the 4WD. Refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter for more information.

AUXILIARY POWER POINT

Controls and features

The auxiliary power point is located on the instrument panel.

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

AUDIO SYSTEM

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

Controls and features

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM Heater only system

(if equipped)

COOL WARM

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.

Mode selector control

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

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

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

PANEL

OFF

PANEL &

FLOOR

FLR

& DEF

DEF

COOL WARM

PANEL

OFF

PANEL &

FLOOR

FLR

& DEF

DEF

• PANEL & FLOOR-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers and the floor ducts.

• FLOOR-Allows for maximum heating. Distributes outside air through the floor ducts.

• FLOOR & DEF-Distributes outside air through the floor ducts and the windshield defroster ducts.

• DEF through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield.

-Distributes outside air

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 (if equipped).

Controls and features

• 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 speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

COOL WARM

OFF

PANEL &

PANEL

A/C

MAX

A/C

FLOOR

& DEF

DEF

FLR

Temperature control knob

Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle.

Mode selector control

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

The air conditioning compressor will operate in all modes except PANEL and FLOOR. 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.

Under normal conditions, your vehicle’s climate control system should be left in any position other than MAX A/C or OFF when the

Controls and features

COOL WARM

OFF

PANEL &

PANEL

A/C

MAX

A/C

FLOOR

FLR

& DEF

DEF

Controls and features

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 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.

• 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.

• PANEL-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.

• PANEL & FLOOR-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers 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 instrument panel registers.

• FLOOR-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.

• FLR & DEF-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, 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.

• DEF 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.

-Distributes outside

Controls and features

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select DEF

before driving. This will 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 (if eqipped).

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

• 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.

• 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.

POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION

Controls and features

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.

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.

OFF

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.

OFF

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.

Controls and features

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

Do not use the speed

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

Controls and features

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.

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

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

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