four wheel drive FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 1997, Model line: F250, Model: FORD F250 1997Pages: 377, PDF Size: 3.92 MB
Page 8 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 5
*
[II04070(F )05/96]
You may purchase Ford ESP from any
participating Ford Motor Company dealer. There
are several Ford ESP plans available in various
time-and-mileage combinations. Each plan can be FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 5
*
[II04070(F )05/96]
You may purchase Ford ESP from any
participating Ford Motor Company dealer. There
are several Ford ESP plans available in various
time-and-mileage combinations. Each plan can be](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-7.png)
5
*
[II04070(F )05/96]
You may purchase Ford ESP from any
participating Ford Motor Company dealer. There
are several Ford ESP plans available in various
time-and-mileage combinations. Each plan can be
tailored to fit your own driving needs, including
reimbursement benefits for towing and rental.
(In Hawaii, rules vary. See your dealer for
details.)
*
[II04080(F )05/96]
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive
peace-of-mind protection throughout the United
States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,100 participating Ford Motor
Company dealers.
*
[II04090(F )05/96]
NOTE: Repairs performed outside the United
States and Canada are not eligible for
ESP coverage.
*
[II04110(F )05/96]
This information is subject to change. Ask your
dealer for complete details about Ford ESP
coverage.
%
*
[II04300(F )01/96]
Special Notices
%*
[II04450(F )01/96]
NOTICE TO OWNERS OF
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES
%*
[II04500(F )05/96]
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or an accident. Be sure to read the
Additional Special Driving Instructions for
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle Operatorsin this book
and the special supplement included with
four-wheel drive vehicles entitled4-Wheeling.
File:02ltiif.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:39:40 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 151 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 151
%*
[GF05200(FM)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300(FM)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05350(FM)03/9 FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 151
%*
[GF05200(FM)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300(FM)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05350(FM)03/9](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-150.png)
151
%*
[GF05200(FM)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300(FM)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05350(FM)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[GF05400(FM)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[GF05450(FM)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, sliding into
curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the
steering wheel alignment. If the spokes
of the steering wheel seem to be in a
different position while going straight
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
% [GF07425(F )04/96]Automatic Transmission
Operation (E4OD)
[GF07475(F )04/96]
The E4OD transmission is an electronically
controlled four speed automatic transmission
with overdrive. Transmission operation is
controlled by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM).
[GF07525(FM)04/96]
The PCM will automatically adjust transmission
operation to make up for varying conditions.
Several sensors located on the engine and
transmission such as Throttle Position, Engine
Speed, Vehicle Speed and Transmission
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 163 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 Manual 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.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 164 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 164 %
*
[GF15700(F )01/96]
4x4 Systems Ð Lever Operated
*
[GF15800(F )01/96]
The lever operated transfer case can be placed
into four positions. The 2H position is the
two-wheel drive position in whi FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 164 %
*
[GF15700(F )01/96]
4x4 Systems Ð Lever Operated
*
[GF15800(F )01/96]
The lever operated transfer case can be placed
into four positions. The 2H position is the
two-wheel drive position in whi](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-163.png)
164 %
*
[GF15700(F )01/96]
4x4 Systems Ð Lever Operated
*
[GF15800(F )01/96]
The lever operated transfer case can be placed
into four positions. The 2H position is the
two-wheel drive position in which power is
delivered only to the rear axle. The 4H position
provides four-wheel drive with power delivered
to the front and rear axles for increased traction.
The 4L position provides four-wheel drive with
power delivered to the front and rear axles
when the above average power is required at
reduced speeds. In the N (neutral) position, there
is no power delivered to either axle.
[GF15850(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.
*
[GF15900(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.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 165 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 165 [GF15950(F )04/96]
two third page art:0020792-C
Transfer case selections
*
[GF16000(F )01/96]
Four-wheel drive operation (4H or 4L) on dry
pavement is not recommended. Operating the
vehicle in fou FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 165 [GF15950(F )04/96]
two third page art:0020792-C
Transfer case selections
*
[GF16000(F )01/96]
Four-wheel drive operation (4H or 4L) on dry
pavement is not recommended. Operating the
vehicle in fou](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-164.png)
165 [GF15950(F )04/96]
two third page art:0020792-C
Transfer case selections
*
[GF16000(F )01/96]
Four-wheel drive operation (4H or 4L) on dry
pavement is not recommended. Operating the
vehicle in four-wheel drive on dry pavement
will increase tire wear, decrease fuel economy,
and make four-wheel drive disengagement
difficult for the transfer case.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 169 of 377

169
case gets stuck in the N (neutral) position or is
difficult to shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be
necessary to let the vehicle roll slightly and/or
turn off the engine (particularly on vehicles
equipped with automatic transmissions).
[GF17050(F )04/96]
To shift into and out of N (neutral)
[GF17100(F )04/96]
To shift into N (neutral), stop the vehicle and
engage the parking brake. Place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on manual transmission vehicles. From
either the 4H or 4L position, push the transfer
case shift knob down (toward the ground) and
at the same time move the transfer case shift
lever to the N (neutral) position. The N (neutral)
position should only be used for vehicle towing
or transfer case mounted PTO use (transfer case
PTO opening available on F-350 as an option).
[GF17200(F )04/96]
NOTE: Dash mounted four wheel drive
indicator lights are off when your
vehicle is in neutral.
[GF17250(F )04/96]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L,
stop the vehicle and engage the parking brake.
Place the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL
or depress the clutch on manual transmission
vehicles. Push the transfer case knob down
(toward the ground) and at the same time move
the transfer case shift lever to the desired
position. If it is difficult to shift into either 4H or
4L, it may be necessary to let the vehicle roll
slightly and/or turn off the engine (particularly
on vehicles equipped with automatic
transmissions).
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 172 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 172 [GF18000(F )04/96]NOTE: Dash mounted four wheel drive
indicator lights are off when your
vehicle is in neutral.
*
[GF18050(F )01/96]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L,
stop the vehicle FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 172 [GF18000(F )04/96]NOTE: Dash mounted four wheel drive
indicator lights are off when your
vehicle is in neutral.
*
[GF18050(F )01/96]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L,
stop the vehicle](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-171.png)
172 [GF18000(F )04/96]NOTE: Dash mounted four wheel drive
indicator lights are off when your
vehicle is in neutral.
*
[GF18050(F )01/96]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L,
stop the vehicle and engage the parking brake.
Place the automatic transmission into N
(Neutral) or depress the clutch on manual
transmission vehicles. Push the transfer case shift
lever to the desired position. If it is difficult to
shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be necessary to
let the vehicle roll slightly and/or turn off the
engine (particularly on vehicles equipped with
automatic transmissions).
% [GF19350(F )04/96]Driving Off Road with 4-Wheel
Drive
[GF19400(F )04/96]
Most vehicles with four-wheel drive are
especially equipped for driving on sand, snow,
mud, or rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat different from
conventional vehicles, both off and on the road.
The driving tips below will help you learn to
use four-wheel drive.
[GF19450(F )04/96]
q
Do not use 4WD LOW on dry, hard-surfaced
roads.
*
[GF19500(F )01/96]
q
Special maintenance procedures are necessary
after operating with drive components in
water.
*
[GF19550(F )01/96]
q
Manual locking hubs must be in LOCK
position before shifting into four-wheel drive.
[GF19600(F )04/96]
When using four-wheel drive, maintain steering
wheel control at all times, especially in rough
terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can
result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make
sure you grip the steering wheel rim from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 173 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 173
*
[GF19650(F )01/96]
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from
concealed objects such as rocks and stumps.
Know the terrain or examine maps of the area in
question before driving. Map out your FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 173
*
[GF19650(F )01/96]
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from
concealed objects such as rocks and stumps.
Know the terrain or examine maps of the area in
question before driving. Map out your](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-172.png)
173
*
[GF19650(F )01/96]
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from
concealed objects such as rocks and stumps.
Know the terrain or examine maps of the area in
question before driving. Map out your route
beforehand. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all four
tires on the ground, and they must be rolling,
not sliding or spinning.
[GF19700(F )04/96]
Transmission upshift in 4x4 with transfer case in
4L may be quite firm due to large total gear
reduction. This condition is normal.
*
[GF19750(F )01/96]
Sand
*
[GF19800(F )01/96]
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels of the vehicle on the most solid area of
the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but
shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning the wheels.
*
[GF19850(F )01/96]
Mud and Water
*
[GF19900(F )01/96]
When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom of
the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
*
[GF19950(F )01/96]
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as
dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly, while applying light
pressure on the brake pedal.
*
[GF20000(F )01/96]
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess
mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts
causes an imbalance which could damage drive
components.
*
[GF20050(F )03/96]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is
submerged in water, their fluids should
be checked and changed, if necessary.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 174 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 174 [GF20055(F )05/96]NOTE: Change rear axle lubricant if the axle
has been submerged in water.
[GF20100(F )04/96]
NOTE: Refer to the Diesel Engine Owners
Guide Supplement for driving through
deep wa FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 174 [GF20055(F )05/96]NOTE: Change rear axle lubricant if the axle
has been submerged in water.
[GF20100(F )04/96]
NOTE: Refer to the Diesel Engine Owners
Guide Supplement for driving through
deep wa](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-173.png)
174 [GF20055(F )05/96]NOTE: Change rear axle lubricant if the axle
has been submerged in water.
[GF20100(F )04/96]
NOTE: Refer to the Diesel Engine Owner's
Guide Supplement for driving through
deep water information.
%
*
[GF20150(F )01/96]
Additional Special Driving
Instructions for 4-Wheel Drive
Vehicle Operators
*
[GF20250(F )01/96]
Driving on Hill or Slope Terrain
[GF20300(F )04/96]
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise
or turning on steep slopes, you could lose
traction and slip sideways. Drive straight up,
straight down or avoid the hill completely.
Know the conditions on the other side of a hill
before driving over the crest.
*
[GF20350(F )01/96]
When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear,
rather than finding it necessary to downshift
from a higher gear after the ascent has started.
This reduces strain on the engine and the
possibility of stalling.
*
[GF20400(F )01/96]
When descending a steep hill avoid sudden
braking. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will
help slow the vehicle and still maintain steering
control.
*
[GF20450(F )01/96]
Driving on Snow or Ice
[GF20500(F )04/96]
A four-wheel drive vehicle has advantages over
two-wheel drive vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle. If so equipped,
keep the vehicle in four-wheel drive if icy or
slippery conditions exist.
*
[GF20550(F )01/96]
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick
changes of direction on snow or ice. Apply the
accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 175 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 175
*
[GF20600(F )01/96]
All utility-type and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
have special design and equipment features to
make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specif FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 175
*
[GF20600(F )01/96]
All utility-type and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
have special design and equipment features to
make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specif](/img/11/57800/w960_57800-174.png)
175
*
[GF20600(F )01/96]
All utility-type and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
have special design and equipment features to
make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them higher centers of
gravity than ordinary passenger cars.
*
[GF20650(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are
NOT designed for cornering at speeds as
high as passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles.
%
*
[GF20700(F )01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF20710(F )01/96]
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.
*
[GF20715(F )01/96]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limits than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
*
[GF20720(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com