1996 FORD F150 brakes

8require additional equipment for the way you
intend to use the vehicle. It is the responsibility
of the registered owner to determine the
applicability of such laws and regulations to
your intended use for the vehicle, and to
arrange for the installation of required
equipment. Your Ford dealer has information
about the availability of many items of
equipment which may be ordered for your
vehicle.
*
[IN06000( ALL)01/95]
Breaking Your Vehicle In
*
[IN06100( ALL)03/95]
Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or
break-in period during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in
period, you need to pay careful attention to how
you drive your vehicle.
%*
[IN06300( ALL)01/95]
q
Avoid sudden stops.Because your vehicle
has new brake linings, you should take these
steps:
*
[IN06400( ALL)01/95]
Ð Watch traffic carefully so that you can
anticipate when to stop.
*
[IN06500( ALL)01/95]
Ð Begin braking well in advance.
*
[IN06600( ALL)01/95]
Ð Apply the brakes gradually.
*
[IN06700( ALL)01/95]
The break-in period for new brake linings
lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or
1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.
*
[IN06750( ALL)12/93]
q
Wheel lug nuts must be retightened to proper
torque specifications at 500 miles/800 km of
new vehicle operation. Proper torque
specifications are provided in this guide. Also
retighten to proper torque specification at 500
miles/800 km after any wheel change or any
other time the wheel lug nuts have been
loosened.
File:ltinf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:20:54 1996

66
*
[LG03000( ALL)06/94]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[LG03100( ALL)06/93]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
*
[LG03200( ALL)03/95]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[LG03350( EF )06/92]
The red warning light for the brakes can show
three things Ð that either the parking brake is
not fully released, that the brake fluid level is
low in the master cylinder reservoir or the
vacuum pressure is low on diesel engine
vehicles. If the fluid level is low, the brake
system should be checked by a qualified service
technician.
*
[LG03400( ALL)05/94]
This light comes on when you turn the ignition
key to START to verify that the indicator bulb is
working. If the light stays on or comes on after
you have released the parking brake fully, have
the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[LG03500( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
*
[LG03600( ALL)11/89]
one inch art:0020044-A
Brake warning light symbols
File:ltlgf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:22:28 1996

184
*
[DR14700( F )03/94]
4.9L, 5.8L & 7.5L Engine with 5-Speed H.D.
Manual Overdrive Transmission (4x2 and
4x4) over 8500 GCW (ZF Transmission)
[DR14800( F )02/95]
twenty pica chart:0020143-C*
[DR14850( F )11/89]
NOTE: Refer to the Diesel Engine Owner's
Guide Supplement for shift speed
information on vehicles equipped with
7.3L diesel engines.
*
[DR15100(B F )03/95]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill,
always downshift before the engine starts to lose
power. Downshifting reduces the chance of
stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration
to increase speed again.
*
[DR15200(B F )03/95]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting
helps you keep a safe speed and helps prevent
unnecessary wear on the brakes.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

199
*
[DR19700(B F )08/94]
q
Manual locking hubs must be in LOCK
position before shifting into four-wheel drive.
*
[DR19800(B F )11/89]
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.
*
[DR19900(B F )05/90]
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.
*
[DR19925(B F )11/89]
Transmission upshift in 4x4 with transfer case in
4L may be quite firm due to large total gear
reduction. This condition is normal.
*
[DR20000(B F )11/89]
Sand
*
[DR20100(B F )11/89]
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.
*
[DR20200(B F )11/89]
Mud and Water
*
[DR20300(B F )12/89]
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.
*
[DR20400(B F )11/89]
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.
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Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

201
*
[DR21101(B F )11/89]
Driving on Snow or Ice
*
[DR21200(B F )10/90]
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.
*
[DR21300(B F )11/89]
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.
[DR21312(B F )05/95]
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.
*
[DR21325(B F )05/95]
RWARNING
All 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.
%
*
[DR21400( ALL)03/95]
Brakes
*
[DR21500( ALL)01/93]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[DR21525( F )05/94]
F-150/250/350
*
[DR21600( ALL)03/94]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic inspection
for pad wear.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

202
*
[DR21900(BEF )10/94]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[DR22000(BEF )03/95]
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 Lowin this chapter.
*
[DR22025( F )03/91]
Rear Disc Brakes (F-Super Duty and
F-Series Stripped Chassis Only)
*
[DR22050( EFM)04/95]
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.
*
[DR22100( ALL)11/89]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
*
[DR22200(BEF )08/94]
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.
*
[DR22300( ALL)11/89]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
*
[DR22400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

203
*
[DR22500( F )10/94]
Rear Anti-lock Brakes
*
[DR22600( F )02/92]
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.
*
[DR22800( EF )07/94]
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
snow or gravel, or severe pavement irregularities
could also cause you to lose steering control of
your vehicle.
*
[DR22900( EF )05/95]
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.
*
[DR22902( EF )05/95]
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.
*
[DR23100( F )11/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº (F-150/350 Only)
*
[DR23200(BEF )11/89]
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.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

204
*
[DR23250( ALL)11/89]
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.
*
[DR23300( ALL)02/95]
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.
*
[DR23400(BEF )11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[DR23500(BEF )07/92]
If Brakes Pull
*
[DR23600(BEF )07/92]
q
Check tire pressure
*
[DR23700(BEF )07/92]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[DR23800(BEF )05/95]
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.
*
[DR24000( ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR24100( ALL)11/89]
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.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996