1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS brake light

11
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[IS01700( ALL)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
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[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.
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[IS02600( ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
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[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.
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[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.
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[IS03000( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
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[IS03100( ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0020044-A
Brake warning light symbols
File:03ltism.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:17:22 1996

22
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[CF14600(B FM)01/96]
half page art:0010194-E
Headlamp switch
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[CF14800( ALL)01/96]
Daytime Running Light System
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[CF14900( ALL)01/96]
(Canadian vehicles only)
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[CF15000( ALL)01/96]
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system turns
the high beam headlamps on, with a reduced
light output, when:
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[CF15100( ALL)01/96]
q
The headlamp system is in the OFF position,
and
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[CF15200( ALL)01/96]
q
The vehicle is running, and
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[CF15300( ALL)01/96]
q
The vehicle has a fully released parking
brake.
*
[CF15400( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: You may notice that the lights flicker
when the vehicle is turned on or off.
This is a normal condition.
File:05ltcfm.ex
Update:Thu Dec 12 13:31:05 1996

23
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[CF24100( ALL)01/96]
Ignition
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[CF24110( ALL)01/96]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
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[CF24120( ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020004-B
The positions of the key in the ignition lock cylinder.
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[CF24130( ALL)01/96]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
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[CF24140( ALL)01/96]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
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[CF24150( ALL)01/96]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transmission gearshift lever.
[CF24170( E M)01/96]
LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
gearshift.
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[CF24190( 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.
File:05ltcfm.ex
Update:Thu Dec 12 13:31:05 1996

28
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[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.
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[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.
%
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[CF29800( ALL)01/96]
Hazard Flasher
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[CF29900( ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher is used to alert other drivers
to hazardous situations.
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[CF30000( FM)01/96]
The flashers will continue to flash with the brake
pedal depressed.
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[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.
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[CF30300( ALL)01/96]
To use the hazard flasher:
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[CF30400( ALL)01/96]
1. Push in the flasher button; it will pop out
and the lamps will begin to flash.
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[CF30500( ALL)01/96]
2. To stop the flashers, push in the flasher
button again.
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[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

34
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[CF34600( ALL)01/96]
To reset the speed control to ahigher speed,
you can follow any of these procedures:
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[CF34700( ALL)01/96]
q
Accelerate to the desired speed using the
accelerator pedal, then press the SET ACCEL
switch and release it immediately.
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[CF34800( ALL)01/96]
q
Press and hold the SET ACCEL switch until
the vehicle accelerates to the desired speed,
then release the switch.
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[CF35000( ALL)01/96]
Turning the Speed Control Off
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[CF35100( ALL)01/96]
You can cancel the speed control while you are
driving.
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[CF35200( ALL)01/96]
q
Press the OFF switch. The speed control is
off. If you want to resume speed control,
press the ON switch and reset the speed
control by pressing the SET ACCEL button.
[CF35400( ALL)01/96]
q
Press the brake pedal slightly. The speed
control is suspended, but you can reset it by
pressing SET ACCEL or return to the
previous set speed with the RESUME switch.
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[CF35500(BE M)01/96]
In addition, the speed control is turned off each
time you turn the vehicle ignition off.
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[CF35600( ALL)01/96]
Driving uphill or on a steep grade
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[CF35700( ALL)01/96]
When the speed control is on, your vehicle may
significantly drop speed when driving uphill,
especially with a heavy load. If the speed drops
more than 8 to 14 mph (15 - 25 km/h) the
automatic speed control will, by design, be
canceled. You may have to temporarily resume
manual speed control while driving up a steep
grade in order to maintain the speed you desire.
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[CF35800( ALL)01/96]
Frequent shifting of an automatic transmission or
speed loss during speed control operation can be
eliminated by shifting out of overdrive into
drive (or by pressing the Transmission Control
Switch, if equipped). These conditions could
occur in hilly terrain or at higher elevations.
File:05ltcfm.ex
Update:Thu Dec 12 13:31:05 1996

38
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[TO01300( ALL)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
[TO01500( M)01/96]
1. Make sure you and all your passengers
buckle your safety belts.
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[TO01600( ALL)01/96]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
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[TO01800( E M)01/96]
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is set before you turn
the key.
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[TO02300( ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
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[TO02400( ALL)01/96]
To start your engine:
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[TO02500( ALL)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
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[TO02600( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
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[TO02700( ALL)01/96]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
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[TO02800( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
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[TO02900( ALL)01/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
File:08lttom.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:15 1996

46
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[GF01500( ALL)01/96]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
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[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
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[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.
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[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
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[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 %
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[GF03500( ALL)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
%
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[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