1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS Owners Manual

117 [MC21650( ALL)01/96]
q
Accumulating 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or more
per month.
[MC21700( ALL)01/96]
q
Continuous operation and/or extensive idling
(a delivery service as an example).
*
[MC21750( ALL)01/96]
q
Operating in severe dust conditions.
[MC21800( ALL)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.
%*
[MC21850( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
[MC21875( ALL)01/96]
Transmission fluid should be checked at least
twice a year.
*
[MC21900( ALL)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( ALL)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( ALL)01/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage. Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

118
*
[MC22100( ALL)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).
*
[MC22150( ALL)01/96]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out
and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
*
[MC22200( ALL)01/96]
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperature, the fluid level should be within the
crosshatched area on the dipstick. When the
vehicle has not been driven, and outside
temperature is above50ÊF (10ÊC), thefluid level
should be between the holes on the dipstick.
%*
[MC22250( ALL)01/96]
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[MC22300( ALL)01/96]
The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick.
Before adding any fluid, be sure that the
correct type will be used.
*
[MC22350( ALL)01/96]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level to the correct
area on the dipstick. If an overfill occurs, excess
fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
%*
[MC22400( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

119 [MC22450(B FM)01/96]
one third page art:0020946-A
Automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[MC23200( ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC23250( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. When the original
equipment battery is replaced under warranty, it
may be replaced by a Motorcraft
Low-Maintenance Battery.
*
[MC23300( ALL)01/96]
The Low-Maintenance Battery has removable
vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and
for adding water, if necessary. The electrolyte
level should be checked at least every 24 months
or 24,000 miles (40,000 km) in temperatures up
to 90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore often in temperatures
above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the electrolyte level in
each cell up to the level indicator. Do not
overfill.
*
[MC23350( ALL)01/96]
If the level gets low, you can add tap water to
the battery, provided the water isn't hard or
doesn't have a high mineral or alkali content.
However, if possible you should refill the battery
with distilled water. If the battery needs water
quite often, have the charging system checked
for a possible malfunction.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

120 %
*
[MC23400( ALL)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC23450( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[MC23500( ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
*
[MC23750( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Batteries normally produce explosive gases
which can cause personal injury. Do not
allow flames, sparks or lit tobacco to come
near the battery. Always cover your face
and protect your eyes and also provide
ventilation.
%*
[MC23800( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[MC23850( ALL)01/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[MC23900( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

121
%*
[MC24900( ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[MC24950( ALL)01/96]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel
tank. If one tire looks lower than the others,
check the pressure in all of them. Always follow
these precautions:
*
[MC25000( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep your tires inflated to the pressures that
are recommended.(SeeChecking the pressure
of the tireslater in this chapter.)
[MC25100( M)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits that are
recommended.
*
[MC25150( ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly
distributed.
*
[MC25200( ALL)01/96]
q
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[MC25250( ALL)01/96]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires
may fail or go flat.
*
[MC25300( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[MC25350( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
%*
[MC25400( ALL)01/96]
Checking the pressure of the tires
*
[MC25450( ALL)01/96]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all
your vehicle's tires, including the spare. Use an
accurate tire pressure gauge. Check the tire
pressure when tires are cold, that is, after the
vehicle has been parked for at least one hour or
has been driven less than 3 miles (5 km). You
can find the proper cold pressure on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

122
*
[MC25500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
[MC25550( ALL)01/96]
Tire inspection and maintenance
*
[MC25600( ALL)01/96]
Inspect the tire treads, and remove stones, nails,
glass or other objects that may be wedged in the
tread grooves. Check for holes or cuts that may
permit air to leak from the tire, and make the
necessary repairs.
*
[MC25650( ALL)01/96]
Inspect the tire side walls for cuts, bruises and
other damage. If you suspect internal damage to
the tire, have it demounted and checked. You
may need to repair or replace it.
*
[MC25700( ALL)01/96]
Wheel Inspection and Maintenance
*
[MC25750( ALL)01/96]
Check for damage that would affect the runout
of the wheels. Wobble or shimmy will eventually
damage the wheel bearings.
*
[MC25800( ALL)01/96]
Front wheel bearings require periodic repacking
and adjustment as specified in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet. Loose or worn front
wheel bearings tend to let the vehicle wander or
shimmy, and can eventually cause excessive tire
wear.
*
[MC25850( ALL)01/96]
Whenever a wheel is removed and then
re-installed, always remove any corrosion that
may be present on the mounting surface of the
wheel and/or the surface of the hub, drum or
rotor that contacts the wheel.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

123
*
[MC25900( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Installing wheels without a good
metal-to-metal contact at the wheel
mounting surface can cause the wheel lug
nuts to loosen and could allow the wheel
to come off while the vehicle is in motion.
*
[MC25950( EFM)01/96]
Also retighten at 500 miles (800 km) after any
wheel change or any time the lug nuts are
loosened.
%*
[MC26150( ALL)01/96]
Tire Rotation
*
[MC26200( ALL)01/96]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires
perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly
and last longer, rotate them at the mileage
shown in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet which came with your vehicle.
[MC26250( M)01/96]
Your front tires should be rotated from side to
side. If the spare tire is used in the rotation, the
pattern should be: left front to right front; right
front to the spare and the spare to left front.
[MC26450( M)01/96]
NOTE: Do not rotate the dual rear tires.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

124 %
*
[MC26850( ALL)01/96]
Replacing the Tires
*
[MC26900( ALL)01/96]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (2 mm) of tread left.
*
[MC26950( ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0060006-A
Wear band
*
[MC27000( ALL)01/96]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly,
you may need to replace them before a wear
band appears across the entire tread. Some spots
wear more heavily than others.
*
[MC27050( ALL)01/96]
Your wheels and tires are match-mounted for
improved ride. Before you begin to repair a tire,
mark the wheel and tire so that they are
properly aligned when remounted. This will
ensure that the tires will continue to give you
the same ride level.
*
[MC27100( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix
radial, bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use
only the tire sizes that are listed on the
tire pressure decal. Make sure that all tires
are the same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire
combinations recommended on the decal.
If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and
safely.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996