1998 Ford F150 Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 176

Maintenance and care the electrolyte 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 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. 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 terminal(s) and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion. If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled after the battery is replaced. Because your vehicle's engine is 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 176