Ford F-250 Super Duty (1999 year). Manual — part 47

Checking and adding manual transmission fluid

1. Clean the filler plug.

2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.

3. Fluid level should be at bottom of
the opening.

4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.

5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.

Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to the Capacities
and specifications chapter.

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185

Checking and adding transfer case fluid

1. Clean the filler plug.

2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.

3. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.

Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to the Capacities
and specifications chapter.

DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE

Maintenance and care

186

BATTERY

Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.

Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.

If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.

If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.

For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.

If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.

Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted

substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.

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187

When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,

resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.

Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes

when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.

Because your vehicle’s engine is also electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed,
the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability and performance. To begin this process:

1. Set your parking brake.

2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.

3. Let the engine idle for at least one minute.

4. The relearning process will automatically complete as you drive the
vehicle.
• The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to

relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.

• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle quality

of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle trim is
eventually relearned.

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.

Maintenance and care

188