service FORD F250 1997 User Guide

70
*
[CF24390(F )03/96]
If your vehicle's gearshift lever is mounted
on the floor:
*
[CF24400(F )03/96]
1. Put the gearshift in 1 (First).
*
[CF24410(F )03/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
*
[CF24420(F )03/96]
3. Set the parking brake fully before removing
your foot from the service brake.
*
[CF24430(F )03/96]
4. Push and hold in the key release button.
*
[CF24440(F )03/96]
5. Turn the key to LOCK.
*
[CF24450(F )03/96]
6. Remove the key.
*
[CF24460(F )03/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission) or 1
(First) (manual transmission).
*
[CF24480(F )05/96]
With the transfer case in N (Neutral), the vehicle
is free to move with either the automatic
transmission in P (Park) or with the manual
transmission in any driving gear.
*
[CF24490(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.
*
[CF24500(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets unattended in your vehicle.
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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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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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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.
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162
*
[GF14850(F )01/96]
When you come to a stop, do not downshift
through each gear. Disengage the clutch and use
the brake as necessary. Downshifting through
the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel economy.
*
[GF14900(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Continued use of a damaged or worn
clutch, prolonged clutch slippage or
downshifting at excessive speeds can
result in a failure of the engine,
transmission or clutch components.
*
[GF14950(F )01/96]
Transmission Function
[GF15000(F )04/96]
Upshift at the speeds specified in the chart
available for your engine and transmission. All
forward gears are synchronized allowing you to
shift into them with your vehicle in motion. The
clutch pedal should be fully depressed when
shifting.
*
[GF15050(F )03/96]
NOTE: Shifting during extremely low RPMs
can result in a momentary audible
rattle which disappears as vehicle
RPMs are increased. Shifting at higher
speeds will eliminate this sound.
*
[GF15100(F )01/96]
Parking
*
[GF15150(F )01/96]
To park your vehicle, apply the service brake
pedal, and shift into N (Neutral) while still
maintaining pressure on the service brake. Set
the parking brake fully. Shift into first and turn
off the ignition.
*
[GF15200(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it
may move unexpectedly and injure
someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the
parking brake fully.
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178
*
[GF20785(FM)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[GF20790(FM)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF20795(FM)05/96]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF20800(FM)05/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[GF20805(FM)05/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
*
[GF20810(FM)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
%
*
[GF20820(FM)01/96]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
*
[GF20825(F )01/96]
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.
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179
*
[GF20835(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
*
[GF20840(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
Cargo should always be secured to
prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.
*
[GF20842(FM)01/96]
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.
*
[GF20845(FM)01/96]
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.
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