engine FORD F150 1997 10.G Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 1997, Model line: F150, Model: FORD F150 1997 10.GPages: 219, PDF Size: 2.21 MB
Page 96 of 219

N (Neutral)± Vehicle is free to
roll.
D(Overdrive)± The normal
driving position for the best fuel
economy. Transmission operates in
gears one through four.
D(Overdrive) can be deactivated
by pressing the transmission
control switch on the end of the
gearshift lever. The transmission
control indicator light (TCIL)
(OFF) on the end of the gearshift
lever will remain off.
D (Drive)± Not shown on the
display. Activate by pressing the
transmission control switch on the
end of the gearshift lever. The
TCIL (OFF) will illuminate on the
gearshift lever. Transmission
operates in gears one through
three. D (Drive) provides more
engine braking than
D(Overdrive) and is useful
whenever driving conditions (i.e.,
city traffic, hilly terrain, etc.) cause
the transmission to excessively
shift between
D(Overdrive) and
D (Drive). Also deactivate
D(Overdrive) when:
²driving with a heavy load
²towing a trailer up or down
steep hills
²additional engine braking is
desired.
To return to
D(Overdrive)
mode, press the transmission
control switch. The TCIL (OFF)
will no longer be illuminated.
OVERDRIVE OFF
Driving
97
Page 97 of 219

Each time the vehicle is started,
the transmission will automatically
return to normal overdrive mode.
2 (Second)± Use 2 (Second) to
start-up on slippery roads or to
provide additional engine braking
on downgrades. Transmission
operates in first and second gears.
1 (Low)± Use 1 (Low) to provide
maximum engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts can be made
by shifting to 2 (Second) or to
D(Overdrive). Selecting 1 (Low)
at higher speeds causes a shift to 2
(Second), and will shift to 1 (Low)
after vehicle decelerates to the
proper speed.
Brake-shift interlock
The brake-shift interlock feature
prevents you from shifting from P
(Park) unless the brake pedal is
depressed (with the ignition in the
On position). If you cannot move
the gearshift out of P (Park) with
the brake pedal depressed:
1. Turn ignition key to Off.
3
2
1
5
4
f12_brake_shift_interlock
Driving
98
Page 98 of 219

2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Turn ignition key to Lock and
remove the key.
4. Re-insert the ignition key and
turn it to Off.
5. Shift the transmission to N
(Neutral).
6. Start the vehicle.
If you need to use the above
procedure, it is possible that a fuse
has blown and your brakelamps
may not be functioning. Refer to
theRoadside emergencies
chapter for instructions on
replacing fuses.
Do not drive your vehicle
until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
Manual transmission operation
(if equipped)
Using the clutch
Vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission have a starter
interlock that prevents cranking
the engine unless the clutch pedal
is fully depressed.
3
2
1
5
4
f12_manual
f12_using_clutch
Driving
99
Page 100 of 219

3. Depress clutch pedal.
4. Turn ignition key to Start to
start the engine and let it idle for a
few seconds.
5. Release the brake pedal.
6. Release clutch slowly while
pressing down slowly on the
accelerator pedal.
²Do not drive with your foot
resting on the clutch pedal and
do not use the clutch to hold
your vehicle at a standstill while
waiting on a hill. These actions
will seriously reduce clutch life.
Recommended shift speeds
Upshift and downshift according to
the following charts for your
specific engine/drivetrain
combination:
34
5
2
1
f12_shift_speeds
Driving
101
Page 111 of 219

When using 4WD, maintain
steering wheel control at all times,
especially in rough terrain. Since
sudden changes in terrain can
result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the
steering wheel from the outside.
Do not grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle
damage from concealed objects
such as rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain
or examine maps of the area
before driving. Map out your route
before driving in the area. For
more information on driving
off-road, read the ªFour Wheelingº
supplement in your owner's
portfolio.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If the vehicle is stuck, shift the
transmission in a steady motion
between forward and reverse
gears. Allow the transmission to
engage, then press lightly on the
accelerator. DO NOT rock the
vehicle for more than a few
minutes. The transmission and
tires may be damaged or the
engine can overheat.
Do not spin the wheels at
over 35 mph (55 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to
keep all four wheels on the most
f12_driving_sand
Driving
112
Page 113 of 219

that could damage drive
components.
If the transmission and transfer
case are submerged in water, their
fluids should be checked and
changed, if necessary.
If the rear axle is submerged in
water, the rear axle lubricant
should be checked and changed, if
necessary. The rear axle is filled
with a synthetic lubricant and does
not normally require a lubricant
change for the life of the vehicle.
Rear axle lubricant quantities
should not need to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
Driving on hill or slope terrain
When driving on a hill, avoid
driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes. You could lose
traction and slip sideways. Drive
straight up, straight down or avoid
the hill completely. Know the
conditions on the other side of a
hill before driving over the crest.
When climbing a steep hill, start in
a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from
a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of
stalling.
f12_driving_hill
Driving
114
Page 117 of 219

ranges from zero to the
maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
Do not use replacement tires with
lower weight capacities than the
original because they may lower
the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with
a higher weight limit than the
originals do not increase the
GVWR and GAWR limitations.
Calculating the load your
vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the Safety Compliance
Certification Label to find the axle
code number and engine type for
your vehicle.
2. Use the appropriate maximum
gross combined weight rating
(GCWR) chart to find the
maximum GCWR for your type
engine and rear axle ratio.
3. Weigh your vehicle as you
customarily operate the vehicle
without cargo. To obtain correct
weights, try taking your vehicle to
a shipping company or an
inspection station for trucks.
4. Subtract your loaded vehicle
weight from the maximum GCWR
on the following charts. This is the
f12_calculating_load
Driving
118
Page 118 of 219

maximum trailer weight your
vehicle can tow and must fall
below the maximum shown under
maximum trailer weight on the
chart.
Trailer towing table (F-150 4x2 automatic transmission)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR kg (lb)Maximum
trailer weight
kg (lb)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer
m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab F-150
4.2L 3.08 4,077 (9,000) 2,177 (4,800) 5.52 (60)
4.2L 3.55 4,530 (10,000) 2,582 (5,800) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.08 4,530 (10,000) 2,582 (5,700) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 5,209 (11,500) 3,261 (7,200) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.08 4,983 (11,000) 2,948 (6,500) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.55 5,753 (12,700) 3,268 (8,000) 5.52 (60)
SuperCab F-150
4.2L 3.08 4,077 (9,000) 2,086 (4,600) 5.52 (60)
4.2L 3.08 4,530 (10,000) 2,540 (5,600) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 4,530 (10,000) 2,491 (5,500) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 5,209 (11,500) 3,171 (7,000) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.08 4,983 (11,000) 2,857 (6,300) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.55 5,753 (12,700) 3,628 (8,000) 5.52 (60)
Trailer towing table (F-150 4x2 manual transmission)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR kg (lb)Maximum
trailer weight
kg (lb)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer
m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab F-150
4.2L 3.08 2,944 (6,500) 1,041 (2,300) 5.52 (60)
4.2L 3.55 3,533 (7,800) 1,630 (3,600) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.08 2,944 (6,500) 997 (2,200) 5.52 (60)
Driving
119
Page 119 of 219

Trailer towing table (F-150 4x2 manual transmission)
4.6L 3.55 3,533 (7,800) 1,587 (3,500) 5.52 (60)
SuperCab F-150
4.2L 3.08 2,944 (6,500) 951 (2,100) 5.52 (60)
4.2L 3.55 3,533 (7,800) 1,540 (3,400) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.08 2,944 (6,500) 907 (2,000) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 3,533 (7,800) 1496 (3,300) 5.52 (60)
Trailer tow table (F-150 4x4 automatic transmission)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR kg (lb)Maximum
trailer weight
kg (lb)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer
m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab F-150
4.2L 3.08 4,077 (9,000) 1,995 (4,400) 5.52 (60)
4.2L 3.55 4,530 (10,000) 2,449 (5,400) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.08 4,530 (10,000) 2,404 (5,300) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 5,209 (11,500) 3,084 (6,800) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.08 4,983 (11,000) 2,721 (6,000) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.55 5,753 (12,700) 3,492 (7,700) 5.52 (60)
SuperCab F-150
4.6L 3.08 4,530 (10,000) 2,313 (5,100) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 5,209 (11,500) 2,993 (6,600) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.08 4,983 (11,000) 2,721 (6,000) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.55 5,753 (12,700) 3,492 (7,700) 5.52 (60)
Trailer towing table (F-150 4x4 manual transmission)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR kg (lb)Maximum
trailer weight
kg (lb)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer
m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab F-150
4.2L 3.08 2,944 (6,500) 861 (1,900) 5.52 (60)
Driving
120
Page 120 of 219

Trailer towing table (F-150 4x4 manual transmission)
4.2L 3.55 3,533 (7,800) 1,451 (3,200) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.08 2,944 (6,500) 816 (1,800) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 3,533 (7,800) 1,406 (3,100) 5.52 (60)
SuperCab F-150
4.6L 3.08 2,944 (6,500) 771 (1,700) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 3,533 (7,800) 1,360 (3,000) 5.52 (60)
Trailer towing table (F-250 4x2 automatic transmission)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR kg (lb)Maximum
trailer weight
kg (lb)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer
m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab F-250
4.6L 3.31 4,756 (10,500) 2,630 (5,800) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.73 5,436 (12,000) 3,311 (7,300) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.31 5,436 (12,000) 3,265 (7,200) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 6,115 (13,500) 3,946 (8,600) 5.52 (60)
SuperCab F-250
4.6L 3.31 4,756 (10,500) 2,585 (5,700) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.73 5,436 (12,000) 3,265 (7,200) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.31 5,436 (12,000) 3,220 (7,100) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 6,115 (13,500) 3,900 (8,600) 5.52 (60)
Trailer towing table (F-250 4x2 manual transmission)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR kg (lb)Maximum
trailer weight
kg (lb)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer
m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab F-250
4.6L 3.31 3,261 (7,200) 1,179 (2,600) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.73 3,533 (7,800) 1,451 (3,200) 5.52 (60)
SuperCab F-250
Driving
121