FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual

142normal idle speed. It should, however, slow
down after a short time. If it does not, have the
idle speed checked.
*
[TO05600(FM)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[TO05700(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[TO05800(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[TO05900(F )01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[TO06000(F )01/96]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[TO06100(F )01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[TO06200(F )01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
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143
*
[TO06300(F )01/96]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.
*
[TO06400(F )01/96]
NOTE: Be sure to disconnect the engine block
heater before driving your vehicle.
*
[TO06500(FM)12/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[TO06600(FM)01/96]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[TO06700(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO06800(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
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144
*
[TO07100(FM)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
*
[TO07200(FM)01/96]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[TO07300(FM)01/96]
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[TO07400(FM)01/96]
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
*
[TO07500(FM)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.
*
[TO07600(FM)01/96]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, adjust
the heating or air conditioning system to bring
in outside air.
*
[TO07800(F )01/96]
q
HEATING Ð Set fan speed at MEDIUM or
HIGH, the function selector knob on VENT,
FLOOR, MIX, or the DEFROST symbol and
the temperature control knob on any desired
position.
[TO08100(F )04/96]
q
AIR CONDITIONING Ð Set the fan speed at
MEDIUM or HIGH, the function selector
knob on NORM or VENT and the
temperature control knob on any desired
position.
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223
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[ER00205(FM)01/96]
If the Engine Cranks but Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
%*
[ER00210(FM)01/96]
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
*
[ER00220(FM)03/96]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does
not start even after a small collision, the fuel
pump shut-off switch may have been activated.
The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop
the fuel pump when your vehicle has been
involved in a substantial jolt.
*
[ER00225(FM)03/96]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must
reset the switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle.
[ER00230(F )04/96]
one third page art:0020005-C
Fuel pump shut-off switch location
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145
Driving
*
[GF00200(F )03/96]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary
depending on which type of transmission your
vehicle has.
[GF00300(F )04/96]
q
an Electronic 4-speed Automatic Transmission
(E4OD)
*
[GF00400(F )03/96]
q
a manual transmission
*
[GF00450(F )03/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
Powertrain Control Module that limits engine
and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out mode to
promote durability.
%
*
[GF00500(FM)05/96]
Brakes
*
[GF00850(FM)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
[GF00900(F )04/96]
F-250/350
*
[GF00950(F )01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic inspection
for pad wear.
*
[GF01050(F )03/96]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[GF01100(F )03/96]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment occurs when the brakes
are applied while ªbacking up.º If normal
operation does not include much backing, adjust
the brakes when they seem ªlow,º using the
procedure underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLowºin this chapter.
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146 [GF01200(F )04/96]Rear Disc Brakes (F-Super Duty and
F-Series Stripped Chassis Only)
[GF01300(FM)04/96]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lubrication of the caliper slide rails and
inspection for pad wear.
*
[GF01350(FM)01/96]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
*
[GF01400(F )03/96]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two
independent hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic
circuit supplies fluid to the front disc brakes and
the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
rear drum brakes. These two circuits are
supplied by a common hydraulic brake fluid
reservoir, with a fluid level sensor.
*
[GF01500(FM)01/96]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
*
[GF01550(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
%*
[GF01700(F )01/96]
Rear Anti-lock Brakes
[GF01800(F )04/96]
Except for F-Super Duty and F-Series
Commercial and Motorhome Stripped Chassis,
F-Series Light Trucks are equipped with a Rear
Antilock Brake System. This system prevents at
least one and often both rear wheels from
locking up when the brakes are applied in a
panic stop, for example.
*
[GF01900(F )01/96]
Even with the Anti-lock Brake System, you
should be careful when braking. Front brake
lock up on any surface, even on smooth
pavement causes loss of steering control. Heavy
braking on roads with loose surfaces such as
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147
snow or gravel, or severe pavement irregularities
could also cause you to lose steering control of
your vehicle.
*
[GF01950(F )03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
*
[GF02000(F )03/96]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
[GF02950(F )04/96]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº (F-250/350 Only)
%*
[GF03000(F )03/96]
If brakes do not grip well, it may indicate the
rear drum brakes need adjustment. To do this,
drive the vehicle in reverse at 5 mph (8 km/h)
on level, dry pavement. Stop the vehicle by
firmly applying the brakes. Repeat this
procedure four or five times.
*
[GF03050(FM)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(FM)04/96]
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.
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148
*
[GF03150(F )03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[GF03200(F )03/96]
If Brakes Pull
*
[GF03250(F )03/96]
q
Check tire pressure.
*
[GF03300(F )03/96]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[GF03350(F )03/96]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles
(800 km), make 10 moderately fast stops from
40 mph (65 km/h) and then perform the
self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly
seat new brake linings and pads.
%*
[GF03400(FM)01/96]
Stopping Distances
*
[GF03450(FM)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.
%*
[GF03500(FM)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
*
[GF03550(FM)01/96]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[GF03600(FM)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal. This will increase your vehicle's stopping
distance and may also cause brake damage.
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149
*
[GF03650(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep
hill, shift to a lower gear. Do not apply
your brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
%
*
[GF03750(FM)01/96]
Using the Parking Brake
*
[GF03800(F )03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
*
[GF03850(F )01/96]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below
the bottom of the instrument panel to the left of
service brake and/or clutch pedals. To set the
parking brake while parking your vehicle, press
the brake pedal with your right foot and hold it
while you push the parking brake pedal down
firmly and fully with your left foot.
[GF04000(FM)04/96]
one third page art:0020893-A
Parking Brake
*
[GF04200(F )03/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
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150 [GF04300(F )05/96]When the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are
disconnected from the rest of the driveline.
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the
automatic transmission is in P (Park) or the
manual transmission is in gear.
*
[GF04350(F )05/96]
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.
[GF04400(FM)04/96]
To release the parking brake, press the service
brake pedal with your right foot and pull the
parking brake release lever.
*
[GF04500(FM)02/96]
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.
*
[GF04550(F )03/96]
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.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
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