warning FORD F250 1996 Manual PDF

207
*
[DR24975(B F )05/95]
RWARNING
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the transfer case in the N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake
fully and turn off the ignition when
leaving the vehicle.
*
[DR25000(B FM)03/93]
To release the parking brake, press the service
brake pedal with your right foot and pull the
parking brake release lever.
*
[DR25050( ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[DR25100( ALL)01/95]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
*
[DR25200( ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
*
[DR25250( ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR25301( ALL)05/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[DR25350( ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com

208
*
[DR25501( ALL)02/95]
Wheel Spin
*
[DR25550( ALL)11/92]
q
Extreme acceleration can cause the rear
wheels to spin, perhaps resulting in reduced
steering control.
*
[DR25601( ALL)05/90]
If the wheels spin during vehicle start-up, shift
to a different gear:
*
[DR25750(B F )03/93]
q
Automatic Overdrive 4R7OW: use 2 (Second)
*
[DR25800( ALL)03/93]
q
Electronic 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
E4OD: use 2 (Second)
*
[DR25950(B F )05/90]
q
Mazda R2 5-Speed Overdrive Manual: use 2
(Second)
*
[DR26001( F )01/93]
q
4-Speed Manual: use 3 (Third)
*
[DR26050( EF )05/90]
q
3-Speed Automatic (C6): use 2 (Second)
*
[DR26201( F )01/89]
q
Heavy Duty ZF S5-42 5-Speed Manual with
Overdrive (Unloaded): use 3 (Third)
*
[DR26250( F )01/89]
q
Heavy Duty ZF S5-42 5-Speed Manual with
Overdrive (loaded): use 2 (Second)
*
[DR26301( ALL)01/89]
Move forward slowly and evenly. If this does
not work, try rocking the vehicle.
*
[DR26401(B F )05/91]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to drive
away.
*
[DR26550( ALL)05/90]
High Speed Driving
*
[DR26575( ALL)05/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[DR26601( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com

209
*
[DR26625(BEF )12/91]
Speed limiter
*
[DR26652(BEF )03/94]
All models are equipped with an electronic
engine control system (EEC) which limits the
maximum engine speed and thus road speed in
top gear. Vehicle operation is normal since the
controlled maximum speed is above posted
highway speeds in North America.
%*
[DR26701( ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR26750( ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR26801( ALL)03/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[DR26850( ALL)03/95]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[DR26901( ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR26951( ALL)01/95]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
*
[DR27025( ALL)07/94]
q
To stop on ice, shift to Neutral below 10 mph
(16 km/h) and gently pump brakes. (Except
with 4WAL)
*
[DR27050( ALL)02/93]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR27101(B F )05/91]
q
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to
drive slowly away.
*
[DR27150(B F )05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into Low with the
automatic transmission when moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into First with the manual
transmission when moving faster than
5 mph (8 km/h).
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com

210
*
[DR27350(B F )06/94]
RWARNING
The rear antilock brake system may not
prevent brake lock-up on extremely
slippery surfaces. Rear brake lock-up may
also occur while driving in four-wheel
drive because the transfer case couples the
front and rear axles together.
*
[DR27450(BEF )03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[DR27501(BEF )03/95]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor traction.
*
[DR27550(BEF )03/93]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
*
[DR27601(BEF )05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
%*
[DR27651( ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR27675( ALL)06/92]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing
or of unknown depth.
*
[DR27701( ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel hubs.
*
[DR27750( ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com

211
*
[DR27801( ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
*
[DR27820( ALL)07/94]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is
submerged in water, their fluids should
be checked and changed, if necessary.
*
[DR27825( ALL)03/93]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
*
[DR27850( ALL)11/89]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[DR27901(B F )05/90]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD LOW, when the
vehicle gets stuck and try to drive away.
*
[DR27950( ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may rock it out of the spot. Shift
in a steady rhythm between forward and reverse
gears. Allow the transmission to fully engage,
then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock
the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This
may overheat the engine and transmission,
causing damage to both. In addition, other
vehicle systems and components may also be
damaged.
*
[DR27975( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(56 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com

212
*
[DR28050(BEF )03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR28101(BEF )01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
*
[DR28150(BEF )01/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limit than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR28201(BEF )02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR28250(B F )03/91]
Heavy duty front suspension package
(option)
*
[DR28301(B F )03/91]
This optional front suspension package is
designed to handle the additional loads that will
be imposed on the vehicle by adding aftermarket
equipment, such as a snowplow. Refer to the
Safety Compliance Certification Label for details.
*
[DR28350( F )03/91]
Securing loads in cargo area
*
[DR28450( F )03/91]
To prevent damage to the pickup box and cab,
secure any movable cargo pieces using ropes or
straps and the tie down holes in the stake
pockets of the steel pickup box or the tie-down
bars in the flareside pickup box.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com

215
*
[DR29350( ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
*
[DR29401( ALL)06/92]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
*
[DR29450(BEF )03/91]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by
weight, not volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space with large or heavy loads.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire,
rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for
your vehicle at the assembly plant on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. The Certification
Label is located on the left front door lock facing
or the door latch post pillar.
*
[DR29501( ALL)12/91]
Trucks, unlike passenger cars, are basically
custom vehicles designed to carry a load. Most
owners start with a base vehicle and add
production and dealer installed and/or
aftermarket components to suit their tastes and
purposes. Even trucks that are purchased for
personal transportation only are likely to have
considerable optional equipment, such as step
bumpers and light bars, for example.
*
[DR29525( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Passengers should not be allowed to ride
in the cargo area. Persons not riding in a
seat with a fastened seat belt are much
more likely to suffer serious injury in a
collision. Cargo should always be secured
to prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.
*
[DR29551( ALL)03/91]
Each additional item of equipment affects how
much cargo a vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is
overloaded, performance will suffer and service
concerns may arise.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com

224
*
[DR32201( ALL)01/93]
Trailers
*
[DR32251( ALL)10/94]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper
weight on the tongue (usually 10% of the trailer
weight). Load-equalizing hitches on large rigs
may transfer weight to each of the vehicle's
axles. This weight must be included in capacity
calculations when determining if the vehicle is
loaded within safe limits.
*
[DR32301( ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[DR32350( ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR32401( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight could
result in engine damage, transmission/axle
damage, structural damage, loss of control,
and personal injury.
*
[DR32450( ALL)03/91]
Using the Safety Compliance Certification Label
find the axle code number and the engine type
for your vehicle.
*
[DR32500( ALL)03/91]
Use the appropriate Maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) chart to find the
Maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear
axle ratio.
*
[DR32551( ALL)03/91]
Subtract your Loaded Vehicle Weight from the
Maximum GCWR found in the chart. This is the
maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under
Trailer Weight on the chart.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com

243
*
[DR37550(B F )03/91]
NOTE: The rated capacities (as shown in this
guide) for trailer towing with the
factory bumper are only valid when
the trailer hitch ball is installed
directly into the ball hole in the
bumper. Addition of bracketry to either
lower the hitch ball position or extend
the hitch ball rearward will
significantly increase the loads on the
bumper and its attachments. This can
result in the failure of the bumper or
the bumper attachments. Use of any
type of hitch extensions should be
considered abuse.
*
[DR37575(B F )03/91]
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball
position a frame mounted trailer hitch must be
installed.
*
[DR37800(ALL )11/89]
Safety Chains
*
[DR37900( ALL)12/92]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
and trailer. Cross chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect
safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook
retainers. Never attach chains to the bumper.
*
[DR38000(ALL )01/93]
Trailer Brakes
*
[DR38100( ALL)03/95]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[DR38200( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
*
[DR38300(ALL )01/93]
Trailer Lamps
*
[DR38400( ALL)11/89]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com

244 [DR38417(B F )05/95]Your vehicle has been equipped for use with a
4-wire trailer tow electrical system (running
lamps, right hand stop/turn, left hand
stop/turn, and ground).
*
[DR38425(BEF )03/91]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring
provides two circuits (right hand and left hand)
to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357)
on the trailer. Never add more than one trailer
light bulb to one circuit.
[DR38429(B F )05/95]
A wire harness (Ford part number
F5TB-13A576-A) has been provided that connects
to the frame wire harness at the rear of the
vehicle and is compatible with most 4-wire
trailer tow electrical systems.
[DR38431(B F )05/95]
Always check trailer and vehicle functions (i.e.,
stop/turn signal, and running lights) before
operating your vehicle and trailer.
[DR38433(B F )05/95]
If your vehicle fails to function properly, do not
operate your vehicle and trailer until corrections
are made.
*
[DR38450( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
*
[DR38500(ALL )01/95]
Driving while you tow
*
[DR38520( ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com