light FORD F250 1997 Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 1997, Model line: F250, Model: FORD F250 1997Pages: 377, PDF Size: 3.92 MB
Page 146 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 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
lub FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 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
lub](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-145.png)
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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Page 147 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 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 o FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 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 o](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-146.png)
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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Page 150 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 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 FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 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](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-149.png)
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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Page 152 of 377

152Temperature are used by the PCM to shift the
transmission into a higher or lower gear when
required for the best performance and fuel
economy. For example, you may notice that the
transmission will upshift to a higher gear more
quickly when the vehicle is first driven and has
not reached normal operating temperature.
[GF07550(FM)04/96]
The PCM also controls the transmission's Torque
Converter Clutch to further raise vehicle
performance and fuel economy. The Torque
Converter Clutch will engage when the
transmission operating temperature and other
conditions determined by the PCM have been
met. Engagement of the clutch may be noted as
a decrease in engine speed after an upshift has
completed or when the driver has depressed the
throttle while driving at a steady road speed.
[GF07575(FM)01/96]
To help in troubleshooting, the PCM continually
performs self-tests on the electronic control
system and if any faults are detected, will store
them in memory. The Transmission Control
Indicator Light (TCIL), which is located on the
gearshift lever, may flash steadily if a
malfunction has been detected. If the TCIL is
flashing, contact your Ford dealer as soon as
possible. If this condition persists, damage to the
transmission could occur.
[GF07600(FM)01/96]
NOTE: The word ªOFFº located on the end of
the gearshift lever is the transmission
control indicator light (TCIL).
%*
[GF07625(FM)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF07650(FM)04/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift is on the steering
column. The Transmission Control Switch and
indicator light are located on the end of the
gearshift lever. You can put the gearshift in any
of the several positions.
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Page 153 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 153 [GF07700(F )04/96]
one third page art:0021081-A
The positions of the column-mounted gearshift
% [GF07725(FM)04/96]
quarter page art:0020771-C
Transmission Control Switch and indicator light (locat FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 153 [GF07700(F )04/96]
one third page art:0021081-A
The positions of the column-mounted gearshift
% [GF07725(FM)04/96]
quarter page art:0020771-C
Transmission Control Switch and indicator light (locat](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-152.png)
153 [GF07700(F )04/96]
one third page art:0021081-A
The positions of the column-mounted gearshift
% [GF07725(FM)04/96]
quarter page art:0020771-C
Transmission Control Switch and indicator light (located
on the gearshift lever)
*
[GF07750(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
*
[GF07775(FM)05/96]
Once you place the gearshift securely into
position, gradually release the brake pedal and
use the accelerator as necessary.
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Page 155 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 155 %
*
[GF08050(FM)05/96]
Driving
%*
[GF08075(FM)05/96]
When to usej(Overdrive)
*
[GF08100(FM)01/96]
This is the normal driving position. As the
vehicle picks up speed, automatic upshifts to
second, FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 155 %
*
[GF08050(FM)05/96]
Driving
%*
[GF08075(FM)05/96]
When to usej(Overdrive)
*
[GF08100(FM)01/96]
This is the normal driving position. As the
vehicle picks up speed, automatic upshifts to
second,](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-154.png)
155 %
*
[GF08050(FM)05/96]
Driving
%*
[GF08075(FM)05/96]
When to usej(Overdrive)
*
[GF08100(FM)01/96]
This is the normal driving position. As the
vehicle picks up speed, automatic upshifts to
second, third and fourth gears will occur when
jOverdrive is chosen on the selector and the
transmission control switch has not been
pressed. The transmission will shift into the
correct gear when the right speed is achieved,
for the accelerator pedal position you have
chosen.
*
[GF08125(FM)05/96]
When to use Drive
*
[GF08150(FM)01/96]
You will note that there isn't a drive position on
your gearshift indicator. However, you will find
a Transmission Control Switch and an indicator
light labeled ªOverdriveº located on the end of
the gearshift lever. Press this switch and the
word ªOFFº will illuminate on the shift lever
knob. With the word ªOFFº illuminated, the
transmission will operate in gears one through
three. Operating in the Overdrive ªOFFº mode
gives more engine braking than Overdrive and
is useful for descending hills or when towing.
[GF08175(FM)01/96]
quarter page art:0020771-C
Transmission Control Switch and indicator light (located
on the gearshift lever)
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Page 156 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 156
*
[GF08200(FM)01/96]
To return the transmission to the normalj
Overdrive operation, press the transmission
control switch again. The Transmission Control
Indicator Light will not be illuminated wh FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 156
*
[GF08200(FM)01/96]
To return the transmission to the normalj
Overdrive operation, press the transmission
control switch again. The Transmission Control
Indicator Light will not be illuminated wh](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-155.png)
156
*
[GF08200(FM)01/96]
To return the transmission to the normalj
Overdrive operation, press the transmission
control switch again. The Transmission Control
Indicator Light will not be illuminated when
Overdrive operation resumes. This switch may
be used to select O/D ON or O/D OFF any
time the vehicle is being driven.
*
[GF08225(FM)01/96]
When starting your vehicle, the overdrive system
will automatically be in the normal overdrive
mode.
[GF08250(FM)04/96]
If the Transmission Control Indicator Light is
flashing on and off steadily, a transmission
system malfunction was detected. The
transmission will operate in a failure
management mode and may have harsh
engagements, firm shift feel, or abnormal shift
schedule. If this condition persists, damage to
the transmission could occur. Contact your
dealer as soon as possible.
*
[GF08275(FM)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[GF08300(FM)01/96]
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or
to provide additional engine braking on
downgrades. This position provides 2 (Second)
gear operation only.
*
[GF08325(FM)05/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[GF08350(FM)01/96]
Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum engine
braking on steep downgrades. Upshifts from 1
(Low) can be made by manually shifting to 2
(Second) orj(Overdrive). Selection of 1 (Low)
gear provides only low gear operation from
start-up. Selection of 1 (Low) while at higher
speeds provides a shift to second gear, and a
shift to first gear will occur after the vehicle
decelerates to the proper speed.
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Page 163 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 163 [GF15250(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 i FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 163 [GF15250(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 i](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-162.png)
163 [GF15250(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.
*
[GF15300(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.
%
*
[GF15400(F )01/96]
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
System (If equipped)
*
[GF15500(F )01/96]
When you select the 4WD mode, your light
truck uses all four wheels to power itself. This
increases traction, enabling you to drive your
4x4 over terrain and road conditions two-wheel
drive vehicles cannot.
*
[GF15600(F )01/96]
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a
transfer case that allows you to select four-wheel
drive when necessary. Methods for engaging and
disengaging 4WD and low range will depend on
which system your vehicle has.
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Page 166 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 166 [GF16050(F )04/96]NOTE: All transfer cases on F-350 4x4 trucks
are equipped with an opening for a
power take-off (PTO). If this opening
is used for a transfer case mounted
PTO, additional transfer FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 166 [GF16050(F )04/96]NOTE: All transfer cases on F-350 4x4 trucks
are equipped with an opening for a
power take-off (PTO). If this opening
is used for a transfer case mounted
PTO, additional transfer](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-165.png)
166 [GF16050(F )04/96]NOTE: All transfer cases on F-350 4x4 trucks
are equipped with an opening for a
power take-off (PTO). If this opening
is used for a transfer case mounted
PTO, additional transfer case lubricant
is required. Refer to the Refill
Capacities section for lubricant fill
requirements. Vehicles equipped with
an E4OD automatic transmission and a
7.3L diesel engine will require exhaust
modification for PTO clearance. For
vehicles equipped with an E4OD
automatic transmission: If a transfer
case mounted PTO is operated with the
transfer case shift lever in neutral, a
Vehicle Speed Sensor Self-test error
may be set in the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) causing the
transmission to function abnormally,
and the Transmission Control Indicator
Light (TCIL) may flash on and off
repeatedly. Normal transmission
function should return when the
transfer case has been engaged and the
vehicle is driven. If the TCIL continues
to flash or the transmission continues
to operate abnormally contact your
Ford dealer as soon as possible.
% [GF16100(F )04/96]
4x4 system indicator lights
[GF16150(F )04/96]
A 4x4 light and a LOW RANGE light are
located at the lower right of the instrument
cluster.
[GF16200(F )04/96]
q
2H position Ð Neither the 4X4 or the LOW
RANGE lights are lit.
[GF16250(F )04/96]
q
4H position Ð Only the 4x4 light is lit.
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Page 167 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 167 [GF16300(F )04/96]
q
N position Ð Neither the 4x4 or LOW
RANGE lights are lit.
[GF16350(F )04/96]
q
4L position Ð Both the 4x4 and the LOW
RANGE lights are lit.
% [GF16400(F )04/96]
Lever Operat FORD F250 1997 Owners Guide 167 [GF16300(F )04/96]
q
N position Ð Neither the 4x4 or LOW
RANGE lights are lit.
[GF16350(F )04/96]
q
4L position Ð Both the 4x4 and the LOW
RANGE lights are lit.
% [GF16400(F )04/96]
Lever Operat](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-166.png)
167 [GF16300(F )04/96]
q
N position Ð Neither the 4x4 or LOW
RANGE lights are lit.
[GF16350(F )04/96]
q
4L position Ð Both the 4x4 and the LOW
RANGE lights are lit.
% [GF16400(F )04/96]
Lever Operated System With Automatic
Locking Hubs
*
[GF16450(F )01/96]
To shift from 2H to 4H:
[GF16500(F )04/96]
Stop the vehicle and move the transfer case shift
lever straight back to the 4H position, the
automatic locking hubs will engage when the
vehicle is driven. When the automatic locking
hubs are engaged, shifts between 2H and 4H
may take place at any speed.
[GF16550(F )04/96]
q
The automatic locking hubs may disengage in
2H if the vehicle's direction is momentarily
reversed, or the vehicle is allowed to roll
slightly in the opposite direction. If a
grinding noise occurs when shifting from 2H
to 4H while the vehicle is moving, one or
both of the automatic locking hubs have been
disengaged and the transfer case shift lever
should be switched back to the 2H position.
To shift back into 4H, stop the vehicle and
move the transfer case shift lever straight
back to the 4H position.
[GF16600(F )04/96]
q
When the vehicle is stopped while in 4H and
the vehicle's direction is reversed from the
previous direction, the automatic locking hubs
momentarily disengage and then re-engage.
The automatic locking hubs may click as they
automatically engage in the new direction.
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