F-250 Light Duty (1999 year). Manual — part 42

WRECKER TOWING

If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.

On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground and the rear wheels off the ground using a wheel lift or a
slingbelt with T-hooks.

On 4x4 vehicles, it is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a
wheel lift or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground.
However, a slingbelt with T-hooks and a wheel dolly can also be used.

Ford Motor Company provides a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.

Roadside emergencies

168

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS

To help you service your vehicle:
• We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy

location.

routine service easy.

If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your “Warranty Guide” to find out
which parts and services are covered.

Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE

Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
• Do not work on a hot engine.
• When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair

away from moving parts.

• Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed

space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.

• Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from

the battery and all fuel related parts.

If you disconnect the battery, the engine must “relearn” its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in the
Battery section in this chapter.

Maintenance and care

169

Working with the engine off
• Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).

2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.

3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
• Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake.

2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First).

3. Turn off the engine and remove the key.

4. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

Working with the engine on
• Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).

2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.

• Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in N
(Neutral).

2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.

Maintenance and care

170

OPENING THE HOOD

1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom left corner of the instrument
panel.

2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch located
under the right center of the hood.
Slide the handle to release the
auxiliary latch.

3. Lift the hood until the lift
cylinders hold it open.

Maintenance and care

171