trailer FORD F250 1997 User Guide

211 [GF22120(FM)01/96]
Trailer lamps
*
[GF22130(FM)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
[GF22150(F )01/96]
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).
*
[GF22160(F )01/96]
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.
[GF22170(F )01/96]
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.
[GF22180(F )01/96]
Always check trailer and vehicle functions (i.e.,
stop/turn signal, and running lights) before
operating your vehicle and trailer.
[GF22190(F )01/96]
If your vehicle fails to function properly, do not
operate your vehicle and trailer until corrections
are made.
*
[GF22200(FM)01/96]
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.
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Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
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212 %
*
[GF22210(FM)05/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF22220(FM)05/96]
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.
%*
[GF22230(FM)05/96]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[GF22240(F )05/96]
If your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
4-Speed Automatic (E4OD) transmission, operate
in Overdrive. Refer to the automatic
transmission operation earlier in this chapter.
*
[GF22270(FM)03/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into the 2 (Second) or 1
(Low) position.
[GF22280(F )01/96]
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
5-speed transmission, operate in 4th gear.
Overdrive (5th) gear should not be used when
towing.
[GF22290(F )01/96]
If additional braking is needed when descending
a steep grade with a trailer, downshift the
transmission into 3rd gear.
[GF22291(FM)05/96]
Launching or Retrieving a Boat
[GF22292(FM)05/96]
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval,
[GF22293(FM)05/96]
q
Do not allow the static water level to rise
above the bottom edge of the rear bumper,
and
[GF22294(FM)05/96]
q
Do not allow waves to break higher than 15
cm (six inches) above the bottom edge of the
rear bumper.
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Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
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213 [GF22295(FM)05/96]
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter
critical vehicle components, adversely affecting
driveability, emissions, and reliability.
[GF22300(FM)01/96]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[GF22310(FM)05/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule
booklet for additional information.
[GF22320(FM)01/96]
Trailer towing tips
*
[GF22330(FM)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF22340(FM)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
*
[GF22350(FM)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[GF22360(FM)01/96]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[GF22370(FM)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
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Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
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214
*
[GF22380(FM)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
*
[GF22400(F )01/96]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (PARK) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
function selector knob to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
*
[GF22410(FM)01/96]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as
follows:
*
[GF22420(FM)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF22430(FM)01/96]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
*
[GF22440(FM)01/96]
q
With the chocks in place, release the brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
*
[GF22450(F )01/96]
q
For automatic transmissions Ð apply the
parking brake by pressing the service brake
pedal down firmly with your right foot while
applying the parking brake pedal with your
left foot.
*
[GF22470(F )01/96]
For manual transmissions Ð apply the
service brake and shift into N (NEUTRAL)
while still maintaining pressure on the service
brake pedal. Set the parking brake fully.
*
[GF22480(F )01/96]
q
Shift an automatic transmission into Park (P).
Put the gearshift of a manual transmission in
Reverse. If your vehicle is equipped with
four-wheel drive make sure the transfer case
is not in Neutral.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
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282
%*
[MC21300(FM)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
[MC21360(F )05/96]
Your vehicle does not use up transmisison fluid.
However it is recommended that you check the
transmission fluid at least twice a year. If the
transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
[MC21450(F )05/96]
NOTE: For E4OD transmissions, there is no
30,000 mile (48,000 km) sheduled
transmission fluid change requirement.
[MC21490(F )05/96]
Severe Operating Conditions
[MC21500(FM)01/96]
Transmission fluid, filter and seal assembly
should be changed every 21,000 miles
(34,000 km) only under any of the following
conditions.
[MC21550(FM)01/96]
q
Extended periods of high speed driving
during hot weather at/or above+90ÊF
(+30ÊC).
[MC21600(FM)01/96]
q
Towing a trailer for distances over 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) per trip.
[MC21650(FM)01/96]
q
Accumulating 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or more
per month.
[MC21700(FM)01/96]
q
Continuous operation and/or extensive idling
(a delivery service as an example).
*
[MC21750(FM)04/96]
q
Operating in severe dust conditions.
[MC21800(FM)01/96]
NOTE: Use of a transmission fluid other than
specified could result in transmission
malfunction and/or failure. Refer to
ªAdding automatic transmission fluidº,
ªRefill capacitiesº and ªlubricant
specificationsº for further information.
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Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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283 %
*
[MC21850(FM)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
[MC21875(FM)01/96]
Transmission fluid should be checked at least
twice a year.
*
[MC21900(FM)01/96]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20
miles (30 km) of driving. However, if necessary,
you can check the fluid level without having to
drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal
operating temperature if outside temperatures
are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[MC21950(FM)01/96]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic during hot weather, or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow the fluid to cool before checking.
*
[MC22000(FM)05/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and move the transmission gearshift
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage. Securely latch
the transmission gearshift in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
[MC22050(F )04/96]
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with the 4x4 option
must have the 4x4 shift selector in any
position other than neutral.
*
[MC22100(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the
fluid level is below the bottom hole on
the dipstick and outside temperatures are
above50ÊF (10ÊC).
File:11ltmcf.ex
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380 Index
Lights, warning and indicator (continued)
hazard warning light.......... 74
high beam............... 20
oil pressure............... 19
overdrive off............. 153
rear ABS................ 16
safety belt............... 17
service engine soon........... 17
testing the warning lights....... 138
turn signal indicator........... 71
Load limits............... 175
GAWR................ 175
GVWR................ 175
trailer towing............. 178
Locking hubs
lever operated with automatic..... 167
lever operated with manual...... 170
Lubricant specifications......... 324
Lug nuts................ 240
standard............... 243
tightening sequence......240, 247±248
Lumbar support, seats.......... 106
Lumbar support pad........... 106
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
and Record booklet)........... 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 257
Manual transmission
clutch..............158, 270
driving................ 158
fluid, checking and adding....... 285
fluid capacities............ 318
lubricant specifications......... 324
shifting gears............. 159
shift speeds.............. 161
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com

Index 385
Spark plugs, specifications........ 317
Special driving conditions........ 218
Special notice
ambulance conversions......... 6
diesel-powered vehicles......... 7
four wheel drive vehicles........ 5
Special Notice:four-wheel drive vehicles . . 174
Specification chart, lubricants....... 324
Speed control
turning off............... 77
when towing a trailer......... 212
Speedometer............... 23
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle..... 138
starting a cold engine......... 139
starting after a collision........ 223
starting a warm engine........ 140
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 249
Steering, power............. 151
Steering wheel
horn.................. 75
locking................ 67
tilting................. 76
Storage compartments, center console.... 87
Storing your vehicle........... 330
T
Tailgate................. 82
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 307
cleaning............... 314
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 57
Testing the warning lights........ 138
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints)......... 133
File:ltixf.ex
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ProCarManuals.com

386 Index
Tilt steering wheel............. 76
Tires.................. 287
changing............... 236
checking the pressure......... 287
cleaning............... 315
inspection and maintenance...... 287
replacing............... 289
rotating............... 288
snow tires and chains......... 292
spare tire.............236±237
storing your vehicle.......... 332
tire grades............289±290
treadwear............289±290
wear bands.............. 289
Towing your vehicle........... 254
using wheel dollies.......... 254
with a tow truck........... 254
Traction control............. 220
Traction-lok rear axle.......... 220
Trailer towing
calculating maximum trailer weight . . . 184
tips................. 212
Transfer case
fluid checking............ 285
lever operated............ 164
Transmission
automatic operation.......... 152
fluid, checking and adding (automatic) . 283
fluid, checking and adding (manual) . . 285
fluid, refill capacities......... 318
lubricant specifications......... 324
manual operation........... 158
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
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