1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS brake fluid

11
%*
[IS01700( ALL)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[IS01800( ALL)01/96]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
%*
[IS02600( ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[IS02700(B M)01/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[IS02900( ALL)01/96]
This light comes on when you turn the ignition
key to START to verify that the indicator bulb is
working. If the light stays on or comes on after
you have released the parking brake fully, have
the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[IS03000( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
*
[IS03100( ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0020044-A
Brake warning light symbols
File:03ltism.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:17:22 1996

28
*
[CF29500( ALL)01/96]
Do not try to clean the windshield when the
washer fluid container is empty or activate the
washers at any time for more than 15 seconds
continuously. This could damage the washer
pump system.
*
[CF29600( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always warm up the windshield with the
defroster before you use the washer fluid.
In freezing weather, the washer solution
may freeze on the windshield and obscure
your vision.
%
*
[CF29800( ALL)01/96]
Hazard Flasher
*
[CF29900( ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher is used to alert other drivers
to hazardous situations.
*
[CF30000( FM)01/96]
The flashers will continue to flash with the brake
pedal depressed.
*
[CF30200( ALL)01/96]
The flashers work whether your vehicle is
running or not. The flashers work for up to two
hours when the battery is fully charged and in
good condition without draining the battery
excessively. If the flashers run for longer than
two hours or if the battery is not fully charged,
the battery can be drained.
*
[CF30300( ALL)01/96]
To use the hazard flasher:
*
[CF30400( ALL)01/96]
1. Push in the flasher button; it will pop out
and the lamps will begin to flash.
*
[CF30500( ALL)01/96]
2. To stop the flashers, push in the flasher
button again.
*
[CF30600( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The flasher button will be sticking up
slightly higher when on than when off.
File:05ltcfm.ex
Update:Thu Dec 12 13:31:05 1996

45
Driving
%*
[GF00500( ALL)01/96]
Brakes
[GF00550( M)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with the following
features:
[GF00600( M)01/96]
q
Front self-adjusting disc brakes.
[GF00650( M)01/96]
q
Rear self-adjusting disc brakes.
[GF00700( M)01/96]
q
Independent front and rear hydraulic brake
circuits with a common fluid reservoir and
fluid level sensor in the master cylinder.
[GF00750( M)01/96]
q
Hydro boost.
[GF00800( M)01/96]
q
Parking brake.
*
[GF00850( ALL)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[GF01000( M)01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lubrication of the caliper slide rails and
inspection for pad wear.
*
[GF01250( M)01/96]
Rear Disc Brakes
*
[GF01300( EFM)01/96]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lubrication of the caliper slide rails and
inspection for pad wear.
*
[GF01350( ALL)01/96]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
[GF01450( M)01/96]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two
independent hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic
circuit supplies fluid to the front disc brakes and
the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
rear disc brakes. These two circuits are supplied
by a common hydraulic brake fluid reservoir,
with a fluid level sensor.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

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

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

105
%*
[MC09600( ALL)01/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC09625( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level
indicator in the master cylinder which lights the
BRAKE warning light on the instrument panel
when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[MC09650( ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
*
[MC09675( ALL)01/96]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You
can do this by looking at the fluid level in the
plastic brake fluid reservoir on the master
cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
*
[MC09700( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[MC09725( ALL)01/96]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
%*
[MC09750( ALL)01/96]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the filler cap from the reservoir. Fill the
reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB
or DOT 3 equivalent fluid meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[MC09775( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If brake fluid is spilled on painted
surfaces, it must be flushed and wiped
away immediately. Brake fluid may
dissolve the paint finish on your
vehicle.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

106
*
[MC09800( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[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

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