1997 FORD E SERIES transmission

5. Shift the transmission to N
(Neutral).
6. Start the vehicle.
If you need to use the above
procedure, it is possible that a fuse
has blown and your brakelamps
may not be functioning. Refer to
theRoadside emergencies
chapter for instructions on
replacing fuses.
Do not drive your vehicle
until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
VEHICLE LOADING
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.
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize
yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight:Weight of
the vehicle including any
standard equipment, fluids,
lubricants, etc. It does not
include passengers or
aftermarket equipment.
eco_heavy-load
Driving
86

it does not shift and change the
weight on the hitch.
Towing a trailer places an
additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transmission, axle, brakes,
tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any
towing operation.
Do not exceed the GVWR
or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight could result
in engine damage,
transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of
control, and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for
towing a trailer, and make sure it
is properly attached to your
vehicle. See your dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer if you require
assistance.
Hitches
Do not use or install hitches that
clamp onto the bumper or to the
axle. Underbody hitches are
acceptable if installed properly.
Step bumper (if equipped)
Step bumpers have a built-in hitch
and only require a ball with a 2.5
cm (1 in.) shank diameter. Step
eco_preparing_tow
eco_hitch
eco_step-bumper
Driving
95

hilly country or on hot days.
Speed control may shut off if you
are towing on very long, steep
grades.
When towing a trailer
If towing a trailer and your vehicle
is not equipped with the Ford
trailer tow package, an auxiliary
transmission fluid cooler is
recommended.
²Use D (Drive) rather than
D(Overdrive) while towing up
or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting
and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission
cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
²Allow more room for stopping
with a trailer attached.
²Practice turning, stopping and
backing in an area before
starting on a trip to get the feel
of the vehicle/trailer
combination.
²When turning, drive slightly
beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs and other obstacles.
²When stopped in traffic for long
periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift in P (Park)
to increase idle speed. This aids
engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not
be parked on a grade. If you
eco_when_towing
Driving
97

Number Fuse amperage
ratingCircuits protected
8 30 amp Noise supression
capacitor, ignition coil
positive feed, PCM
relay diode/PCM
power relay, fuel
heater (diesel), glow
plug relay (diesel)
9 30 amp Wiper control module,
wiper motor
10 20 amp Headlamp switch
(exterior lamps),
Multi-function switch
(flash-to-pass)
11 15 amp Stoplight switch, brake
pressure switch,
multi-function switch
12 15 amp Digital transmission
range sensor (backup
lamps), auxiliary
battery relay
13 15 amp A/C mode switch,
blend door actuator
14 5 amp Instrument cluster (air
bag and charge
indicator lamps)
15 5 amp Trailer tow battery
charge relay (coil)
16 30 amp Power seats
17 - Not used
18 - Not used
19 10 amp Air bag module
20 5 amp Overdrive cancel
switch
Roadside emergencies
106

Number Fuse amperage
ratingCircuits protected
21 30 amp Power windows
22 - Not used
23 20 amp Cigar lighter, data link
connector
24 5 amp Illuminated entry
25 10 amp Left headlamp (low
beam)
26 - Not used
27 - Not used
28 25 amp Instrument panel
power point
29 - Not used
30 15 amp Headlamps (high
beam), Daytime
running lamps (DRL),
high beam indicator
31 10 amp Right headlamp (low
beam), Daytime
running lamps (DRL)
32 - Not used
33 - Not used
34 10 amp Digital transmission
range sensor (start
control)
35 - Not used
36 5 amp Panel illumination
37 - Not used
38 10 amp Air bag module
39 - Not used
40 30 amp Modified vehicle
41 30 amp Modified vehicle
42 - Not used
Roadside emergencies
107

²Apply the parking brake
²Block the wheel that is
diagonally opposite the tire you
are changing
On E-Super Duty vehicles, the
parking brake is on the
transmission. Therefore, the
vehicle will not be prevented from
moving when a rear wheel is lifted,
even if the parking brake is
applied. Be sure to block both
directions of the wheel that is
diagonally opposite to the wheel
that is being lifted.
Roadside emergencies
115

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
COMPONENTS
1. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
2. Engine oil filler
3. Automatic transmission fluid
dipstick
4. Air cleaner
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake master cylinder
8. Engine coolant recovery
reservoir
9. Battery
91234
5
6
7
8
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Maintenance and care
129

CHECKING AND ADDING
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
Service the automatic transmission
according to the scheduled
intervals in the9Service Guide.9
Before adding any fluid, make sure
the correct type will be used. This
information is indicated on the
dipstick.
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the bottom hole on
the blade type dipstick (4R70W
transmission) or below the COLD
area on the bullet type dipstick
(E4OD transmission) and outside
temperatures are above 10ÉC
(50ÉF).
Your vehicle does not use up
transmission fluid. However, it is
recommended that you check the
transmission fluid at least twice a
year. The fluid level should be
checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly
or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
It is preferable to check the
transmission fluid level at normal
operating temperature, after
approximately 32 km (20 miles) of
driving. However, you can check
the fluid level without driving to
obtain a normal operating
temperature if the outside
temperature is above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
If your vehicle has been operated
for an extended period at high
Maintenance and care
141