Ford F-550 1999, F-450 1999, F-250 1999 Owner Manual

Before driving

Introduction 2

Instrumentation 5

Controls and features 22

Seating and safety restraints 82

Starting and driving

Starting 107

Driving 112

Roadside emergencies 144

Servicing

Maintenance and care 169

Capacities and specifications 212

Customer assistance 223

Reporting safety defects 235

Index 236

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.

Copyright娀1998 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.

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

Notice to owners of diesel-powered vehicles

Read the 7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplement for information regarding correct operation and maintenance of your diesel-powered light truck.

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.

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

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.

Introduction

If your vehicle is equipped with the Ford ambulance preparation package, it will be indicated on the Certification 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.

Notice to owners with vehicles equipped with Power Take Off (PTO) capability

Refer to the Driving chapter for more information and guidelines for operating vehicles equipped with PTO.

Instrumentation

Turn signal and

wiper/washer control

(pg. 72)

Instrument cluster

(pg. 8)

Speed control*

(pg. 67)

FUEL FILL

LOW FUEL

BRAKE

+ -

OFF

00000

0000

MPH

PRN 21

100

120

140

160

km/h

100

1000

SERVICE ENGINE SOON

FUEL

RESET

ABS

DOOR AJAR

LOW

RANGE

4 X 4

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

RPM

Headlamp control

* if equipped

(pg. 22)

Instrument panel dimmer

switch

(pg. 23)

Driver side air bag

(pg. 92)

Instrumentation

Gearshift lever

(pg. 116)

Electronic sound system

L - P

Climate control system

(pg. 24)

(pg. 29)

Passenger air bag deactivate switch

(pg. 96)

Auxiliary power point

(pg. 24)

4WD control *

(pg. 128)

Instrumentation

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

100

00000

0000

MPH

PRN 21

km/h

120

160

140

100

RPM

LOW

FUEL

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

1000

SERVICE ENGINE SOON

ABS

DOOR AJAR

LOW

RANGE

4 X 4

BRAKE

FUEL FILL

LOW FUEL

+ -

Low fuel

Illuminates as an early reminder of a low fuel condition indicated on the fuel gauge. The light comes on when there is approximately 1/16th of a tank indicated on the fuel gauge (refer to Fuel Gauge in this chapter for more information). The ignition must be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON position regardless of the fuel level.

Service engine soon (Federal only)

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD I). This OBD I system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD I system also assists the service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.

The Check Engine/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.

Instrumentation

What you should do if the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light illuminates

Light turns on solid:

This means that the OBD I 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.

These and other temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with good quality fuel. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the Check Engine/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 Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light remains on, 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.

Service engine soon (California only)

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

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

Instrumentation

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.

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.

Instrumentation

Transmission control indicator light (TCIL) (if equipped)

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.

Brake system warning

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

OVERDRIVE

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

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

ABS

Instrumentation

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.

High beams

Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

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.

Four wheel drive low (if equipped)

This light momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to ON. Illuminates when four-wheel drive low is engaged. If the light continues to flash have the system serviced.

LOW

RANGE

Four wheel drive indicator (if equipped)

This light momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to ON. Illuminates when 4x4 range is engaged.

4x4

Instrumentation

Door ajar

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

DOOR

AJAR

Oil pressure/Engine coolant

This light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position and the:

• engine coolant temperature is very high

• engine oil pressure is low

• engine is off

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 ignition key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the driver’s door is opened.

Headlamps on warning chime

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

Instrumentation

GAUGES

100

00000

0000

MPH

PRN 21

km/h

120

160

140

100

ABS

LOW

RANGE

DOOR AJAR

4 X 4

RPM

1000

SERVICE ENGINE SOON

BRAKE

FUEL FILL

LOW FUEL

+ -

Fuel gauge

Displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank (when the ignition 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.

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle speed.

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.

Odometer

Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

Instrumentation

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 in the red zone may damage the engine.

0000

MPH

00000

100

km/h

120

140

160

100

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.

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 (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.

TRIP COMPUTER (IF EQUIPPED)

The trip computer tells you about the condition of your vehicle through a constant monitor of vehicle systems. You may select display features on the trip computer for a display of status.

The appearance of your vehicle’s trip computer may differ depending on your vehicle’s option package, but the functions are the same.

The trip computer only operates with the ignition in the ON position. Trip computer features follow:

Selectable features

English/metric display

Press this control to change the trip computer display between metric and English units.

MODE

E/M

Instrumentation

Mode control

Each press of the MODE control will display a different feature as follows:

Average fuel economy. The display will indicate the vehicle’s average fuel economy in liters/100 km (or miles/gallon) since the average fuel economy was last reset.

If you calculate your average fuel economy by dividing liters of fuel used by 100 kilometers traveled (miles traveled by gallons used), your figure may be different than displayed for the following reasons:

• your vehicle was not perfectly level during fill-up

• differences in the automatic shut-off points on the fuel pumps at

service stations

• variations in top-off procedure from one fill-up to another

• rounding of the displayed values to the nearest 0.1 liter (gallon)

To reset the average fuel economy:

1. Press the MODE control repeatedly until average fuel economy is

displayed (this is the only resettable display).

2. Press the E/M and MODE

controls simultaneously. The display will illuminate the “AVG” indicator. While the indicator is lit, release both controls to reset the average fuel economy.

MODE

E/M

Fuel range. This displays the approximate number of kilometers (miles) left to drive before the fuel tank is empty. The indicated distance to empty may be inaccurate:

• with sustained, drastic changes in fuel economy (such as trailer towing), but will eventually recover.

Instrumentation

• if the vehicle is started while parked on an incline.

• if less than 30 liters (8 gallons) of fuel is added to the fuel tank.

The fuel range function will flash for 5 seconds at the following distances based on fuel remaining and fuel economy calculations:

• 80 km (50 miles)

• 40 km (25 miles)

• 16 km (10 miles)

Off. In this mode the display is off.

Outside air temperature

The temperature can be displayed in Centigrade or Fahrenheit by pressing the E/M control.

If the outside temperature falls below 3°C (38°F), the display will alternate from “ICE” to the outside temperature at a two second rate for one minute.

Compass

The compass display is contained in the overhead console. The vehicle heading is displayed as one of N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and NW.

The compass heading is displayed in average fuel economy modes, fuel range modes and temperature modes.

The compass reading may be affected when you drive near large buildings, bridges, power lines and powerful broadcast antenna. Magnetic or metallic objects placed in or on the vehicle may also affect compass accuracy. Adjustments may need to be made to the zone and calibration of the compass.

MODE

E/M

Instrumentation

Compass zone adjustment

1. Determine which magnetic zone

you are in for your geographic location by referring to the zone map.

2. Locate the trip computer on the

overhead console.

3. Turn ignition to the ON position.

4. Press and hold both trip

computer controls. After approximately four seconds, the trip computer will enter zone setting mode. Zone setting mode is indicated when the display lights the “ZONE” indicator.

5. Release both controls.

Subsequent pressing of either control will increment the zone. Press the control repeatedly until the correct zone setting for your geographic location is displayed on the trip computer.

6. To exit the zone setting mode and save the displayed zone in memory,

release both controls for greater than five seconds.

MODE

E/M

Instrumentation

Compass calibration adjustment

Perform this adjustment in an open area free from steel structures and high voltage lines.

For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical accessories (heater/air conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all vehicle doors are shut.

1. Locate the trip computer located in the overhead console.

2. Start the vehicle.

3. Press and hold both trip

computer controls. After approximately 8 seconds, the trip computer will enter CAL mode. CAL mode is indicated when the display lights the “CAL” indicator.

4. Release both controls. The display

will return to normal, except that the CAL indicator will remain lit until the compass is sucessfully calibrated.

5. Slowly drive the vehicle in a circle (less than 5 km/h [3 mph]) until

the CAL indicator turns off. It may take up to five circles to complete calibration.

6. The compass is now calibrated.

MODE

E/M

Controls and features

HEADLAMP CONTROL

Rotate the headlamp control to the first position to turn on the parking lamps. Rotate to the second position to also turn on the headlamps.

Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)

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

• the ignition must be in the ON position 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.

Flash to pass

Pull toward you to activate and release to deactivate.

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL

Use to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel during headlamp and parklamp operation.

• Rotate up to brighten.

• Rotate down to dim.

• Rotate to full up position (past

detent) to turn on interior lamps.

4WD CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)

This control operates the 4WD. Refer to the Driving chapter for more information.

Controls and features

PANEL

DIM

4X4

HIGH

2WD

LOW

Controls and features

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.

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM

Heater only system (if equipped)

Fan speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

POWER POINT

Temperature control

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.

Controls and features

• (Panel) -Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers.

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

•

• (Defrost) -Distributes outside air through the windshield

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select

• To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves

(Panel and 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 and defrost) -Distributes outside air through the floor

ducts and the windshield defroster ducts.

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

before driving. This will help to reduce your windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position.

climate control system in the OFF position.

airflow to the back seats (if equipped).

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.

Controls and features

Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel, as these objects may become projectiles in a collision or a sudden stop.

Manual heating and air conditioning system (if equipped)

A/C

Fan speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

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.

A/C

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 vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe” through the outside air inlet duct. In snowy or dirty conditions, leave the mode selector in the OFF position.

Controls and features

• 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.

•

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

•

(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.

periods of time only, use this mode to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

(Panel and 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.

(Floor and defrost) -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 reduce fogging.

(Defrost) -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 reduce fogging.

Controls and features

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select before driving. This will reduce 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).

• 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.

Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel, as these objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.

USING YOUR AUDIO SYSTEM

AM/FM Stereo

VOL

PUSH

TONE

CLK

1 2 3 4 AM/FM

AM/FM Stereo

VOL

PUSH

TONE

CLK

Controls and features

ST DX

TONE VOL

ST DX

SEEK

TUNE

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.

+ 218 hidden pages

Ford F-550 1999, F-450 1999, F-250 1999 Owner Manual

Contents

Introduction

Instrumentation

Controls and features