F-250 Light Duty (1999 year). Manual — part 27

2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.

If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission:
• Make sure the parking brake is

set.

• Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park).
If starting a vehicle with a manual transmission:
• Make sure the parking brake is set.
• Push the clutch pedal to the

floor.

3. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5 (START).

1

2

3

4

5

Starting

108

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to
illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
• If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the

light may not illuminate.

STARTING THE ENGINE

1. Turn the key to 5 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
4 (ON).

2. If the temperature is above –12°C (10°F) and the engine does not
start within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait ten
seconds and try again.

3. If the temperature is below -12°C (10°F) and the engine does not
start in fifteen seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait ten
seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts,
depress the accelerator and start the engine while holding the
accelerator down to the floor. Release the accelerator when the engine
starts.

4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking
brake.

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

3

2

1

5

4

Starting

109

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)

An engine block heater warms the
engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster
and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an
engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region
where temperatures reach -23°C
(-10°F) or below.

For best results, plug the heater in
at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for
longer than three hours will not harm the engine, so the heater can be
plugged in the night before starting the vehicle.

To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)

adapters.

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do

not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and
could kill you.

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
• the vehicle is raised for service.
• the sound of the exhaust system changes.
• the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.

Starting

110

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).

Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air.

Improve vehicle ventilation by
keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves and other debris.

Starting

111