F-250 Light Duty (1999 year). Manual — part 2

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

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.

0

0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0

MPH

20

km/h

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

LOW
FUEL

DOOR
AJAR

BRAKE

LOW

RANGE

4 X 4

!

ABS

+ -

L

E

F

H

RPM 1000

X

0

1

2

3

5

6

4

P R N

2 1

8

C

18

H

D

FUEL FILL

SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON

LOW

FUEL

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

Instrumentation

8

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

9

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

10

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.

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.

OVERDRIVE

ABS

Instrumentation

11