1997 Ford F250 Owner's Manual - Page 280

Power steering reservoir 5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking the level, until you reach the FULL HOT range. Do not overfill. When you are finished, put the dipstick back in and make sure that it fits snugly. 6. If you check the power steering fluid when it is cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will only be accurate if the fluid temperature is approximately 50 to 85˚F (10 to 30˚C). Use only MERCONă Automatic Transmission Fluid. If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive your vehicle for a long period of time before adding fluid. This can damage the power steering pump. NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel of your vehicle with the engine off. It could force power steering fluid out from the reservoir cap or in extreme cases, it could unseat the cap. 281