1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS transmission

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
*
[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
*
[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

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

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

88 %
*
[ER09400( ALL)01/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[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

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

116 [MC19900( M)01/96]Inspecting for Road Damage
[MC20000( M)01/96]
The suspension and steering linkage in your
vehicle should be inspected periodically for
abnormal looseness and damaged seals. Also be
alert for changes in steering action. Hard
steering, excessive free play or unusual sounds
when turning or parking indicate a need for
inspection or servicing.
[MC20100( M)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, inadvertent
sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a
collision involving the front end,
observe the steering wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel spokes seem to
be in a different position while going
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
%
*
[MC21300( ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
[MC21400( M)01/96]
Under normal driving conditions automatic
transmission fluid should not need changing.
Under severe duty conditions automatic
transmission fluid should be changed every
21,000 miles (34,000 km). However, if the
transmission is not working properly, for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid
leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
[MC21500( ALL)01/96]
Transmission fluid, filter and seal assembly
should be changed every 21,000 miles
(34,000 km) only under any of the following
conditions.
[MC21550( ALL)01/96]
q
Extended periods of high speed driving
during hot weather at/or above+90ÊF
(+30ÊC).
[MC21600( ALL)01/96]
q
Towing a trailer for distances over 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) per trip.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996