1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS steering

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.
%
*
[GF05200( ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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

51 [GF07600( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The word ªOFFº located on the end of
the gearshift lever is the transmission
control indicator light (TCIL).
%*
[GF07625( ALL)01/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
*
[GF07650( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift is on the steering
column. The Transmission Control Switch and
indicator light are located on the end of the
gearshift lever. You can put the gearshift in any
of the several positions.
[GF07675( M)01/96]
one third page art:0020133-E
The positions of the column-mounted gearshift
%*
[GF07725( ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020771-C
Transmission Control Switch and indicator light (located
on the gearshift lever)
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

71
*
[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

73
%*
[GF23600( ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF23700( ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[GF23800( ALL)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[GF23900( ALL)01/96]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
*
[GF23910( ALL)01/96]
Wheel Spin
*
[GF23920( ALL)01/96]
q
Extreme acceleration can cause the rear
wheels to spin, perhaps resulting in reduced
steering control.
*
[GF23930( ALL)01/96]
If the wheels spin during vehicle start-up, shift
to a different gear:
*
[GF23950( ALL)01/96]
q
Electronic 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
E4OD: use 2 (Second)
*
[GF24010( ALL)01/96]
Move forward slowly and evenly. If this does
not work, try rocking the vehicle.
%*
[GF24030( ALL)01/96]
High Speed Driving
*
[GF24040( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[GF24050( 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.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

74 %
*
[GF24080( ALL)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[GF24090( ALL)01/96]
Slippery roads
*
[GF24100( ALL)01/96]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[GF24110( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[GF24120( ALL)01/96]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[GF24130( ALL)01/96]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[GF24140( M)01/96]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your front wheels
[GF24160( M)01/96]
q
To stop on ice, shift to N (Neutral) below 10
mph (16 km/h) and gently pump brakes.
*
[GF24170( ALL)01/96]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[GF24200( E M)01/96]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on
slippery roads, do not downshift into 1
(First) when you are moving faster than
20 mph (30 km/h).
%*
[GF24270( ALL)01/96]
High water
*
[GF24280( ALL)01/96]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing
or of unknown depth.
*
[GF24290( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel hubs.
*
[GF24300( ALL)01/96]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[GF24310( ALL)01/96]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

87 %
*
[ER03000( ALL)01/96]
Circuit Breakers
[ER03100( M)01/96]
If you need to check a circuit breaker that is on
the fuse panel, locate the circuit breaker
according to the instructions on the charts given
earlier in this chapter.
*
[ER03150( ALL)01/96]
Since you need diagnostic equipment to check
whether a circuit breaker works and such
equipment comes with instructions, we do not
discuss how to check circuit breakers.
*
[ER03200( ALL)01/96]
However, you should know that the circuit
breakers will reset themselves and allow the
electrical parts to work again once the overload
on the circuit is removed. If the circuit breakers
continue to cut off electricity, have your vehicle's
electrical system checked.
*
[ER03250( ALL)01/96]
If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the
same amperage rating. To remove a circuit
breaker mounted in the fuse panel, grip it with
your finger and thumb and pull it straight out
of its socket.
%
*
[ER03500( ALL)01/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[ER03600( ALL)01/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER03700( ALL)01/96]
The Conventional Spare Tire
[ER03900( M)01/96]
With the conventional spare tire, you can use it
as a spare or as a regular tire. This spare tire is
identical to the other tires that come with your
vehicle.
File:10lterm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:23:45 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

114
*
[MC18700( ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0021016-B
Power steering dipstick
[MC18900( M)01/96]
one third page art:0020729-C
Power steering reservoir
*
[MC19050( ALL)01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
% [MC19200( M)01/96]
q
Use only Motorcraft MERCONHAutomatic
Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or DDX or an
equivalent MERCONHapproved fluid.
*
[MC19250( ALL)01/96]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[MC19300( ALL)01/96]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996