1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS warning light

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 %
*
[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
*
[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
*
[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

58
*
[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

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

75 [GF24330( M)01/96]
NOTE: If the transmission is submerged in
water, the fluid should be checked and
changed, if necessary.
*
[GF24340( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
*
[GF24350( ALL)01/96]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[GF24370( ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may rock it out of the spot. Shift
in a steady rhythm between forward and reverse
gears. Allow the transmission to fully engage,
then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock
the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This
may overheat the engine and transmission,
causing damage to both. In addition, other
vehicle systems and components may also be
damaged.
*
[GF24380( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

78
*
[ER00250( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
*
[ER00252( ALL)01/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ER00255( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ER00260( ALL)01/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ER00265( ALL)01/96]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
[ER00275( M)01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to RUN for a few
seconds, then turn it OFF. (Do not start the
engine.)
*
[ER00280( ALL)01/96]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
[ER00285( ALL)01/96]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving your vehicle.
[ER00295( M)01/96]
quarter page art:0020107-A
Reset button for fuel pump shut-off switch
File:10lterm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:23:45 1996