1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS service

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
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[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
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[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

78
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[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:
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[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

88 %
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[ER09400( ALL)01/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
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[ER09500( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: To lift your vehicle by other than the
front or rear jacking points, be sure to
use only hoist adapters with a wide
contact surface.
*
[ER09700( E M)01/96]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. Put the gearshift in P (Park). Set the
parking brake and block the wheel that is
diagonally opposite the tire that you are
changing.
[ER10600( FM)01/96]
On F-Super Duty vehicles, the parking brake is
on the transmission. Therefore, the vehicle will
not be prevented from moving when a rear
wheel is lifted, even if the vehicle is in Park and
the parking brake is applied. Be sure to block
both directions of the wheel that is diagonally
opposite to the wheel that is being lifted.
*
[ER10700( FM)01/96]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
[ER10800( M)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put any part of your body under
the vehicle. Do not start the engine when
your vehicle is on the jack. Never raise
your vehicle by using a bumper jack.
[ER10900( M)01/96]
The jack is only for changing the tire in
emergencies. The Ford F-Super Duty Jack is
recommended. Use safety stands if you want to
service the vehicle.
[ER11000( M)01/96]
If an alternative jack is used, it must have a
curved surface swivel head compatible with the
stripped chassis jacking surfaces and must have
a minimum load rating of 4 tons. Do not use a
button head type jack.
File:10lterm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:23:45 1996

93 %
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[ER19600( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[ER19650( ALL)01/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[ER19750( ALL)01/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in
the order they are given. If in doubt, call for
road service.
*
[ER19800( ALL)01/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
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[ER19850( ALL)01/96]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
*
[ER19900( ALL)01/96]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[ER19950( ALL)01/96]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
File:10lterm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:23:45 1996

97
%*
[ER23100( ALL)01/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
[ER23200(B FM)01/96]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact
a professional towing service or, if you are a
member, your roadside assistance center.
Recommended towing options include wheel lift
towing or flat bed towing.
[ER23500( ALL)01/96]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator
what kind of vehicle you have. A towing
manual is available from Ford Motor Company
for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for
the proper hook-up and towing procedures for
your vehicle.
File:10lterm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:23:45 1996

99
Maintenance and Care
%*
[MC00200( ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
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[MC00900( ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*
[MC01000( ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
*
[MC01100( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your
vehicle. In addition to the conditions listed in
theOwner Maintenance Checklist, be alert for any
unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that
your vehicle may need service. If you do notice
something unusual, see that your vehicle is
serviced promptly.
%
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[MC01200( ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
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[MC01300( ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
*
[MC01400( ALL)01/96]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[MC01500( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

106
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[MC09800( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
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[MC09825( ALL)01/96]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
*
[MC09850( ALL)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[MC09875( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
[MC09925( M)01/96]
one third page art:0020867-B
Brake master cylinder
[MC09950( M)01/96]
Parking Brake Reservoir
[MC09975( M)01/96]
To inspect the parking brake fluid, refer to the
1997 Ford Service Manualor a qualified service
technician.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

109
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[MC12600( ALL)01/96]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
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[MC12650( ALL)01/96]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press, turn,
and remove cap.
*
[MC12700( ALL)01/96]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
%*
[MC12750( ALL)01/96]
Freezing Protection
*
[MC12800( ALL)01/96]
The factory-installed solution of Ford Premium
Cooling System Fluid and water will protect
your vehicle toS35ÊF (S37ÊC).Check the freeze
protection rating of the engine coolant at least
once a year, just before winter.
*
[MC12850( ALL)01/96]
Add engine coolant only to the coolant
reservoir.If the coolant level is low, add to the
reservoir a 50/50 mixture of water and the type
of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may
add water by itself only in an emergency, but
you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture as
soon as possible. Check the engine coolant again
the next few times you drive your vehicle.
*
[MC12900( ALL)01/96]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an
optimized formula that will protect all metals
and rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for
four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use
supplemental coolant additives in your gasoline
powered vehicle. These additives may harm
your engine cooling system. Follow the
recommended service interval for changing your
engine coolant.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996