1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS service

42
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[TO05800( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
%*
[TO06500( ALL)01/96]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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[TO06600( ALL)01/96]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[TO06700( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
See Guarding Against Exhaust Fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
*
[TO06800( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
*
[TO07100( ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
*
[TO07200( ALL)01/96]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[TO07300( ALL)01/96]
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[TO07400( ALL)01/96]
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
*
[TO07500( ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.
File:08lttom.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:15 1996

45
Driving
%*
[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.
*
[GF00850( ALL)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[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.
*
[GF01250( M)01/96]
Rear Disc Brakes
*
[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
*
[GF01500( ALL)01/96]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
*
[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.
%*
[GF02900(BE M)01/96]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº
*
[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.
*
[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.
%*
[GF03400( ALL)01/96]
Stopping Distances
*
[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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[GF03500( ALL)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
%
*
[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
*
[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.
*
[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

57
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[GF20790( ALL)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF20795( ALL)01/96]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF20800( ALL)01/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[GF20805( ALL)01/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
*
[GF20810( ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
%
*
[GF20820( ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
[GF20830( M)01/96]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designed by
weight, not volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space with large or heavy loads.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire,
rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for
your vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. A Safety Compliance
Certification Label was supplied by Ford Motor
Company to the Motorhome Manufacturer. The
manufacturer uses this information and supplies
a Compliance Certification Label which is
located inside the vehicle to the left of the
driver.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

58
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[GF20835( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
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.
*
[GF20840( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Cargo should always be secured to
prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.
[GF20843( ALL)01/96]
Trucks, unlike passenger cars, are basically
custom vehicles designed to carry a load. Most
owners start with a base vehicle and add
production and dealer installed and/or
aftermarket components to suit their tastes and
purposes. Even trucks that are purchased for
personal transportation only are likely to have
considerable optional equipment, such as step
bumpers and light bars, for example.
*
[GF20845( ALL)01/96]
Each additional item of equipment affects how
much cargo a vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is
overloaded, performance will suffer and service
concerns may arise.
*
[GF20880( ALL)01/96]
Understanding Loading/Towing
Information
*
[GF20885( ALL)01/96]
The following terms are used to describe the
ability to carry or tow a load:
*
[GF20890( ALL)01/96]
q
Base Curb Weight
*
[GF20895( ALL)01/96]
q
Payload
*
[GF20900( ALL)01/96]
q
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

60 %
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[GF21020( ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[GF21030( ALL)01/96]
To avoid overloading a vehicle, the owner
should observe the manufacturer's specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The GVWR is the
maximum total weight of base vehicle,
passengers, optional components and cargo that
a particular vehicle was designed to carry.
%*
[GF21040( ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF21050( ALL)01/96]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded
down in the rear and riding high in the front.
This is a dangerous condition that usually means
that the rear suspension components are under
severe strain and that vehicle handling is
impaired. There is more to carrying a load than
just payload or GVWR.
*
[GF21060( ALL)01/96]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not
only gives the GVWR, it also gives the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) which is the
carrying capacity for each axle system. For
trucks, the rear axle will be designed to carry
more weight than the front.
*
[GF21070( ALL)01/96]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of
thelowest ratedaxle and suspension component
as well as other factors. This is why it's so
important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and
can lead to shortened service life or outright
failure.
*
[GF21080( ALL)01/96]
The capacity of the tires is included as part of
the axle and suspension system, which is to be
considered when determining the lowest rated
component. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific maximum tire
pressure.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996