1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS brake

38
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[TO01300( ALL)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
[TO01500( M)01/96]
1. Make sure you and all your passengers
buckle your safety belts.
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[TO01600( ALL)01/96]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
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[TO01800( E M)01/96]
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is set before you turn
the key.
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Starting Your Engine
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[TO02400( ALL)01/96]
To start your engine:
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[TO02500( ALL)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
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[TO02600( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
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[TO02700( ALL)01/96]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
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[TO02800( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
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[TO02900( ALL)01/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
File:08lttom.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:15 1996

39 %
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[TO03000( ALL)01/96]
For a cold engine:
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[TO03100( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
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[TO03200( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
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[TO03300( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfifteen (15) secondsat a time.
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[TO03400( ALL)01/96]
For a warm engine:
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[TO03500( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.
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[TO03600( ALL)01/96]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
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[TO03700( ALL)01/96]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.
File:08lttom.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:15 1996

40 %
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[TO03800( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with a
brake-shift interlock feature. This
feature prevents you from shifting
from P (Park) unless you have the
brake pedal depressed. (The ignition
must be in the ON position.) If you
cannot shift from P (Park) with the
brake pedal depressed:
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[TO03900( ALL)01/96]
1. Apply the parking brake.
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[TO04000( ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the key.
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[TO04200( ALL)01/96]
4. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral). (If the vehicle is shifted back to P
[Park], you must repeat the previous steps.)
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[TO04300( ALL)01/96]
5. Start the vehicle.
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[TO04400( ALL)01/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin
this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.
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[TO04500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
File:08lttom.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:15 1996

45
Driving
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[GF00500( ALL)01/96]
Brakes
[GF00550( M)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with the following
features:
[GF00600( M)01/96]
q
Front self-adjusting disc brakes.
[GF00650( M)01/96]
q
Rear self-adjusting disc brakes.
[GF00700( M)01/96]
q
Independent front and rear hydraulic brake
circuits with a common fluid reservoir and
fluid level sensor in the master cylinder.
[GF00750( M)01/96]
q
Hydro boost.
[GF00800( M)01/96]
q
Parking brake.
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[GF00850( ALL)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
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[GF01000( M)01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lubrication of the caliper slide rails and
inspection for pad wear.
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[GF01250( M)01/96]
Rear Disc Brakes
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[GF01300( EFM)01/96]
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.
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[GF01350( ALL)01/96]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
[GF01450( M)01/96]
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 disc brakes. These two circuits are supplied
by a common hydraulic brake fluid reservoir,
with a fluid level sensor.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

46
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[GF01500( ALL)01/96]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
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[GF01550( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
[GF01600( E M)01/96]
Hydraulic Brake Booster System
(Hydro Boost)
[GF01650( E M)01/96]
The Hydro Boost system receives its source of
power from the power steering system pump.
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[GF02900(BE M)01/96]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº
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[GF03050( ALL)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.
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[GF03100( ALL)01/96]
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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[GF03400( ALL)01/96]
Stopping Distances
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[GF03450( ALL)01/96]
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:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

47 %
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Applying the Brakes
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[GF03550( ALL)01/96]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
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[GF03600( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal. This will increase your vehicle's stopping
distance and may also cause brake damage.
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[GF03650( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep
hill, shift to a lower gear. Do not apply
your brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
[GF03700( M)01/96]
When front or rear brake linings are replaced, it
is essential that authorized Ford service
replacement or equivalent linings be installed.
This will assure that the vehicle stopping
distances are not adversely affected and will
maintain the proper balance between front and
rear wheel braking.
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[GF03750( ALL)01/96]
Using the Parking Brake
[GF03900( E M)01/96]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below
the bottom of the instrument panel to the left of
the service brake. To set the parking brake while
parking your vehicle, press the brake pedal with
your right foot and hold it while you push the
parking brake pedal down firmly with your left
foot.
[GF03950( M)01/96]
The BRAKE warning light will go on as soon as
you start to move the parking brake pedal. The
brake will not prevent the vehicle from moving
unless you push it down firmly and fully.
Remove your foot from the service brake pedal
and make sure there is no vehicle movement.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

48
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[GF04000(B FM)01/96]
one third page art:0020893-A
Parking Brake
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[GF04250( E M)01/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
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[GF04400(B FM)01/96]
To release the parking brake, press the service
brake pedal with your right foot and pull the
parking brake release lever.
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[GF04500( ALL)01/96]
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.
[GF04600( M)01/96]
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 transmission
mounted parking brake assembly, the stopping
distance will increase greatly and the handling
of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

49 [GF04650( M)01/96]
Checking Parking Brake and Transmission
Park Mechanism
[GF04700( M)01/96]
Periodically check the holding ability of the
parking brake by stopping on a steep hill and
restraining the vehicle by using only the parking
brake with the transmission in N (Neutral).
Check the holding ability of the P (Park)
mechanism (automatic transmissions) by
releasing all brakes after moving the
transmission selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
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[GF05200( ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
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[GF05300( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
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[GF05350( ALL)01/96]
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.
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[GF05400( ALL)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.
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[GF05450( ALL)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.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996