power steering FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 1997 10.G Owners Manual

46
*
[GF01500( ALL)01/96]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
*
[GF01550( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
[GF01600( E M)01/96]
Hydraulic Brake Booster System
(Hydro Boost)
[GF01650( E M)01/96]
The Hydro Boost system receives its source of
power from the power steering system pump.
%*
[GF02900(BE M)01/96]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº
*
[GF03050( ALL)01/96]
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems ªlowº, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
*
[GF03100( ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes annoyingly loud or increases
significantly in frequency of occurrence, return
the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
%*
[GF03400( ALL)01/96]
Stopping Distances
*
[GF03450( ALL)01/96]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

49 [GF04650( M)01/96]
Checking Parking Brake and Transmission
Park Mechanism
[GF04700( M)01/96]
Periodically check the holding ability of the
parking brake by stopping on a steep hill and
restraining the vehicle by using only the parking
brake with the transmission in N (Neutral).
Check the holding ability of the P (Park)
mechanism (automatic transmissions) by
releasing all brakes after moving the
transmission selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
%
*
[GF05200( ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05350( ALL)01/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[GF05400( ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[GF05450( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, sliding into
curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the
steering wheel alignment. If the spokes
of the steering wheel seem to be in a
different position while going straight
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

113
%*
[MC18300( ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC18350( ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
*
[MC18400( ALL)01/96]
To check the level of your power steering fluid:
*
[MC18450( ALL)01/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC18500( ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
[MC18600( M)01/96]
3. Then turn the engine off and do not press
the brake pedal.
%*
[MC18650( ALL)01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

114
*
[MC18700( ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0021016-B
Power steering dipstick
[MC18900( M)01/96]
one third page art:0020729-C
Power steering reservoir
*
[MC19050( ALL)01/96]
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.
% [MC19200( M)01/96]
q
Use only Motorcraft MERCONHAutomatic
Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or DDX or an
equivalent MERCONHapproved fluid.
*
[MC19250( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC19300( ALL)01/96]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

115
*
[MC19350( ALL)01/96]
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 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
*
[MC19400( ALL)01/96]
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.
[MC19500( M)01/96]Suspension and Steering
[MC19600( M)01/96]
Modifications
[MC19700( M)01/96]
The suspension and steering systems on your
vehicle have been designed and tested to
provide both safe, predictable performance
whether loaded or empty as well as durable
load carrying capability. Any modifications to
the suspension or steering systems can reduce
your vehicle's performance capability and
adversely affect driver and passenger safety.
Ford recommends that you do not make
modifications such as adding or removing parts
(like lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by using
replacement parts not equivalent to the original
factory equipment.
[MC19800( M)01/96]
RWARNING
The low pressure gas shock absorbers are
charged with nitrogen gas to 90 psi (620
kPa). Do not attempt to heat, puncture or
open.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

200 Owner Maintenance Checks
*
[BK83900( ALL)06/95]
q
If any slipping or changes in the operation of
your transmission occur, check the
transmission fluid level.
*
[BK84000( ALL)06/95]
q
Check automatic transmission P (Park)
function.
*
[BK84100( ALL)04/93]
q
Check parking brake.
[BK84300( M)04/93]
q
Verify proper ªBrakeº bulb check response
when starting vehicle.
*
[BK84400( ALL)01/95]
At least monthly:
*
[BK84600( ALL)06/95]
q
Check coolant level in the coolant recovery
reservoir.
*
[BK84700( ALL)01/95]
q
Check the operation of all exterior lamps,
including the brakelamps, turn signals and
hazard warning flashers.
*
[BK84800( ALL)04/93]
q
Check for fluid leaks by inspecting the
surface beneath your vehicle for oil, coolant,
or other fluid drips. Clean water from the air
conditioning system is normal.
*
[BK84900( ALL)01/95]
At least twice a year:
(i.e., every Spring and Fall)
*
[BK85000( ALL)06/95]
q
Check power steering fluid level.
*
[BK85050( ALL)06/95]
q
Check windshield washer spray and wiper
operation. Clean wiper blades with clean
cloth dampened with washer fluid.
*
[BK85200( ALL)01/95]
q
Check radiator, heater and air-conditioning
hoses for leaks or damage.
*
[BK85300( ALL)06/95]
q
Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug
nuts.
*
[BK85400( ALL)04/93]
q
Clean body and door drain holes.
*
[BK85500( ALL)04/93]
q
Flush complete underside of vehicle.
File:18ltbkm.ex
Update:Thu Dec 12 13:32:30 1996

Index 205
Catalytic converter........... 135
Changing a tire.............. 87
Charging system gauge.......... 15
Charging system warning light....... 14
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing......... 87
see also fuses.............. 79
Cold engine starting............ 39
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 107
checking and adding......... 107
preparing for storage......... 153
proper solution............ 109
refill capacities............ 148
specifications...........110, 149
temperature gauge........... 18
warnings............... 107
Cooling fan................ 99
Crankcase emission filter......... 147
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.). . 158
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........158, 165
D
Daytime running light system....... 22
Defects, reporting............ 163
Dipstick................ 102
automatic transmission fluid....116, 118
engine oil.............. 102
power steering fluid......... 113
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)....... 97
Dispute Settlement Board........ 159
Doors, lubricant specifications...... 149
Driveline universal joint and slip yoke . . 107
Driving under special conditions...... 73
bad weather.............. 74
high speed............... 73
high water............... 74
slippery roads............. 74
File:ltixm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:25:54 1996

212 Index
O
Octane rating.............. 129
Odometer................. 20
description............... 20
trip odometer.............. 20
Oil filter..............104, 147
Oil (see Engine oil)........... 101
Oil viscosity.............. 101
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system . . . 139
Overdrive................. 53
Overseas offices............. 164
P
Parking brake
operation................ 47
warning light.............. 11
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)........ 147
PCV valve, specifications......... 147
Power steering
dipstick............... 113
driving with power steering....... 49
fluid, checking and adding....... 113
fluid, refill capacity.......... 148
fluid, specifications........114, 149
servicing................ 49
R
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 149
refill capacity............. 148
Refill capacities for fluids........ 148
Regulations, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration............ 163
Reporting safety defects......... 163
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints),
adult.................. 1
File:ltixm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:25:54 1996

214 Index
Starting your vehicle (continued)
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled.............. 92
Steering, power.............. 49
Steering wheel
horn.................. 29
locking................. 23
tilting................. 30
Storing your vehicle........... 152
T
Tail lamps, bulb replacement....... 141
Tilt steering wheel............. 30
Tires.................. 121
changing................ 87
checking the pressure......... 121
inspection and maintenance...... 121
replacing............... 124
rotating............... 123
spare tire................ 87
storing your vehicle.......... 154
tire grades.............. 124
treadwear.............. 124
wear bands.............. 124
wheel and tire matching........ 128
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing).... 56
Towing your vehicle............ 97
with a tow truck............ 97
Trailer towing............... 56
calculating maximum trailer weight . . 56, 62
tips.................. 70
Transmission
automatic operation........... 51
fluid, checking and adding (automatic) . 117
fluid, refill capacities......... 148
lubricant specifications......... 149
File:ltixm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:25:54 1996