1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS Owners Manual

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

54 [GF08175( ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020771-CTransmission Control Switch and indicator light (located
on the gearshift lever)
*
[GF08200( ALL)01/96]
To return the transmission to the normalj
Overdrive operation, press the transmission
control switch again. The Transmission Control
Indicator Light will not be illuminated when
Overdrive operation resumes. This switch may
be used to select O/D ON or O/D OFF any
time the vehicle is being driven.
*
[GF08225( ALL)01/96]
When starting your vehicle, the overdrive system
will automatically be in the normal overdrive
mode.
*
[GF08250( ALL)01/96]
If the Transmission Control Indicator Light is
flashing on and off steadily, a transmission
system malfunction was detected. The
transmission will operate in a failure
management mode and may have harsh
engagements, firm shift feel, or abnormal shift
schedule. If this condition persists, damage to
the transmission could occur. Contact your
dealer as soon as possible.
*
[GF08275( ALL)01/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[GF08300( ALL)01/96]
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or
to provide additional engine braking on
downgrades. This position provides 2 (Second)
gear operation only.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

55
*
[GF08325( ALL)01/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[GF08350( ALL)01/96]
Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum engine
braking on steep downgrades. Upshifts from 1
(Low) can be made by manually shifting to 2
(Second) orj(Overdrive). Selection of 1 (Low)
gear provides only low gear operation from
start-up. Selection of 1 (Low) while at higher
speeds provides a shift to second gear, and a
shift to first gear will occur after the vehicle
decelerates to the proper speed.
*
[GF08375( ALL)01/96]
P (Park)
*
[GF08400( ALL)01/96]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). This position locks the
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning. To securely latch the gearshift in the P
(Park) position, pull it toward you, push it
completely counterclockwise against the stop,
and then push it toward the instrument panel.
*
[GF08425( ALL)01/96]
The gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if
you cannot rotate it in a clockwise direction
without lifting it toward you.
*
[GF08450( ALL)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.
*
[GF08525( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

56
*
[GF08550( ALL)01/96]
Forced Downshifts
*
[GF08575( ALL)01/96]
To gain extra acceleration injOverdrive or
Drive (O/D OFF), push the accelerator to the
floor. The transmission will automatically
downshift to the appropriate gear: third, second
or first.
*
[GF08600( ALL)01/96]
Power Braking
*
[GF08625( ALL)01/96]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without
vehicle movement (such as holding the brake) in
a forward or reverse gear causes transmission
stall.
*
[GF08650( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall
condition can result in transmission
overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
%
*
[GF20765( M)01/96]
Trailer Towing
*
[GF20770( ALL)01/96]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[GF20775( ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[GF20785( ALL)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

57
*
[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
*
[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

59
*
[GF20905( ALL)01/96]
q
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
*
[GF20910( ALL)01/96]
q
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
*
[GF20915( ALL)01/96]
q
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[GF20920( ALL)01/96]
q
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[GF20930( ALL)01/96]
q
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[GF20940( ALL)01/96]
q
Trailer Weight Range
*
[GF20950( ALL)01/96]
Base Curb Weight
*
[GF20960( ALL)01/96]
The Base Curb Weight is the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, coolants, lubricants,
emergency tools, spare wheel and tire. It also
includes any equipment that isstandardon that
model. It does not include passengers, cargo or
optional equipment installed by factory, dealer,
aftermarket supplier or customer.
*
[GF20970( ALL)01/96]
Payload
*
[GF20980( ALL)01/96]
Payload is the combined, maximum allowable
weight of cargo, occupants and optional
equipment that the truck is designed to carry. It
is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus the base
curb weight.
*
[GF20990( ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
*
[GF21000( ALL)01/96]
If you add base curb weight and the weight of a
load (including passengers, cargo and optional
equipment) being carried at a particular time,
you get the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
*
[GF21010( ALL)01/96]
It is important to remember that GVWis not a
limit or a specification.If an owner loads up a
vehicle and weighs it, that's the GVW at that
moment. If the owner piles on more of a load
and weighs it again, that becomes the GVW.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

60 %
*
[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