1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS brake light

48
*
[GF04000(B FM)01/96]
one third page art:0020893-A
Parking Brake
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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

53
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[GF07975( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
%*
[GF08000( ALL)01/96]
R (Reverse)
*
[GF08025( ALL)01/96]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
%*
[GF08050( ALL)01/96]
Driving
%*
[GF08075( ALL)01/96]
When to usej(Overdrive)
*
[GF08100( ALL)01/96]
This is the normal driving position. As the
vehicle picks up speed, automatic upshifts to
second, third and fourth gears will occur when
jOverdrive is chosen on the selector and the
transmission control switch has not been
pressed. The transmission will shift into the
correct gear when the right speed is achieved,
for the accelerator pedal position you have
chosen.
*
[GF08125( ALL)01/96]
When to use Drive
*
[GF08150( ALL)01/96]
You will note that there isn't a drive position on
your gearshift indicator. However, you will find
a Transmission Control Switch and an indicator
light labeled ªOverdriveº located on the end of
the gearshift lever. Press this switch and the
word ªOFFº will illuminate on the shift lever
knob. With the word ªOFFº illuminated, the
transmission will operate in gears one through
three. Operating in the Overdrive ªOFFº mode
gives more engine braking than Overdrive and
is useful for descending hills or when towing.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

70 [GF22120( ALL)01/96]Trailer lamps
*
[GF22130( ALL)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
[GF22140( M)01/96]
NOTE: Do not connect a trailer lighting system
directly to the lighting system of the
vehicle. See your local recreational
vehicle dealer or rental trailer agency
for correct type of wiring and relays
for your trailer and heavy-duty
flashers. Incorrect installation may
result in either a false warning or no
warning in the lamp outage warning
system.
*
[GF22200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
%*
[GF22210( ALL)01/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF22220( ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
%*
[GF22230( ALL)01/96]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[GF22250( M)01/96]
If your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
4-Speed Automatic (E4OD) transmission, operate
in Overdrive. Refer to the automatic
transmission operation earlier in this chapter.
[GF22260( M)01/96]
For normal driving conditions, operate in
Overdrive. Refer to the E4OD transmission
operation earlier in this chapter.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

71
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[GF22270( ALL)01/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1
(Low).
[GF22300( ALL)01/96]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[GF22310( ALL)01/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
[GF22320( ALL)01/96]
Trailer towing tips
*
[GF22330( ALL)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF22340( ALL)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
*
[GF22350( ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[GF22360( ALL)01/96]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[GF22370( ALL)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

72
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[GF22380( ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
[GF22390( E M)01/96]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (Park) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
Function Selector Lever to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
*
[GF22410( ALL)01/96]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as
follows:
*
[GF22420( ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF22430( ALL)01/96]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
*
[GF22440( ALL)01/96]
q
With the chocks in place, release the brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
[GF22460( E M)01/96]
q
Apply the parking brake by pressing the
brake pedal down firmly with your right foot
while applying the parking brake pedal with
your left foot.
*
[GF22490( E M)01/96]
q
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
*
[GF22500( ALL)01/96]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
*
[GF22510( ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF22520( ALL)01/96]
q
Start the engine.
*
[GF22530( ALL)01/96]
q
Shift transmission into gear and release the
parking brake.
*
[GF22540( ALL)01/96]
q
Release the brake pedal and move the vehicle
uphill to free the wheel chocks.
*
[GF22550( ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold while
another person retrieves the chocks.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

102 %
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[MC07000( ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC07100( ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[MC07200( ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC07300( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[MC07500( E M)01/96]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[MC07600( ALL)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[MC07700( ALL)01/96]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[MC07800( ALL)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

105
%*
[MC09600( ALL)01/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC09625( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level
indicator in the master cylinder which lights the
BRAKE warning light on the instrument panel
when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[MC09650( ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
*
[MC09675( ALL)01/96]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You
can do this by looking at the fluid level in the
plastic brake fluid reservoir on the master
cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
*
[MC09700( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[MC09725( ALL)01/96]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
%*
[MC09750( ALL)01/96]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the filler cap from the reservoir. Fill the
reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB
or DOT 3 equivalent fluid meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[MC09775( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If brake fluid is spilled on painted
surfaces, it must be flushed and wiped
away immediately. Brake fluid may
dissolve the paint finish on your
vehicle.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

113
%*
[MC18300( ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC18350( ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
*
[MC18400( ALL)01/96]
To check the level of your power steering fluid:
*
[MC18450( ALL)01/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC18500( ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
[MC18600( M)01/96]
3. Then turn the engine off and do not press
the brake pedal.
%*
[MC18650( ALL)01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996