1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS instrument panel

9
Instrumentation
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[IS00600( ALL)01/96]
The instrument panel (dashboard) on your
vehicle is divided into several different sections.
The illustrations on the following pages show
the major parts of the instrument panel that are
described in this chapter. Some items shown
may not be on all vehicles.
*
[IS00800( E M)01/96]
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together on the instrument panel.
We call this grouping a cluster. Your vehicle has
a mechanical cluster.
File:03ltism.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:17:22 1996

25
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[CF26900( ALL)01/96]
The Turn Signal Lever
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[CF27000( ALL)01/96]
You can use the turn signal lever on the left side
of the steering column to:
*
[CF27100( ALL)01/96]
q
operate the turn signals and cornering lamps
%*
[CF27500( ALL)01/96]
Turn Signals
*
[CF27600( ALL)01/96]
Move the lever up to signal a right turn. Move
it down to signal a left turn. The corresponding
indicator light in the instrument cluster will
flash.
*
[CF27700( ALL)01/96]
If the turn signal stays on after you turn, move
the lever back to the center (off) position.
*
[CF27800( ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0020081-C
Turn signal lever and functions
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[CF27900( ALL)01/96]
If the turn indicator light in the instrument
panel does not illuminate or remains on (doesn't
flash) when you signal a turn, the turn signaling
system is malfunctioning. Have this condition
corrected as soon as possible, but make sure that
you use the accepted hand signals in the
meantime.
File:05ltcfm.ex
Update:Thu Dec 12 13:31:05 1996

26 %
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[CF28000( ALL)01/96]
High Beams
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[CF28100( ALL)01/96]
To turn on the high beams, turn the headlamp
control knob to the headlamp ON position and
push the turn signal lever away from you until
it latches. When the high beams are ON, the
high beam indicator light on the instrument
panel comes on.
*
[CF28200( ALL)01/96]
To turn off the high beams, pull the lever
toward you until it latches. The high beam
indicator light turns off.
*
[CF28300( ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0020074-B
Headlamp high beam switch and turn signal lever
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[CF28400( ALL)01/96]
Flashing the Lights
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[CF28500( ALL)01/96]
To flash the headlamps, pull the lever toward
you for a moment and then release it. The
headlamps will flash whether the headlamp
knob is in the on or off position.
File:05ltcfm.ex
Update:Thu Dec 12 13:31:05 1996

27
%*
[CF28600( ALL)01/96]
Windshield Wipers and Washer
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[CF28700( ALL)01/96]
To turn on the windshield wipers, the ignition
key must be turned to the ON or ACC position.
*
[CF28800( ALL)01/96]
Turn the knob on the end of the turn signal
lever toward the front of the vehicle. You can
turn it to either the LO or HI speed position.
%*
[CF28900( ALL)01/96]
Variable Interval Wipers
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[CF29000( ALL)01/96]
In addition to two speed wipers, your vehicle is
equipped with wipers that you can set to
operate at varying intervals. For example, you
can set the interval so they wipe less often when
it drizzles or more often in heavier rain.
*
[CF29100( ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0020831-A
Interval wiper on turn signal lever
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[CF29200( ALL)01/96]
To set the interval wipers, rotate the knob at the
end of the turn signal lever toward or away
from the instrument panel to the interval
operation you desire.
*
[CF29300( ALL)01/96]
Windshield Washer
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[CF29400( ALL)01/96]
To clean the windshield, push in the end of the
wiper knob. For a constant spray, keep the knob
pushed in. After you release the knob, the
wipers operate for two to three cycles before
turning off (if wipers were off) or returning to
the selected setting.
File:05ltcfm.ex
Update:Thu Dec 12 13:31:05 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

55
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[GF08325( ALL)01/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
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[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)
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[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

105
%*
[MC09600( ALL)01/96]
Brake Fluid
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[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.
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[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

208 Index
Fuel.................. 128
calculating fuel economy........ 133
capacity............... 148
choosing the right fuel......... 129
filling your vehicle with fuel...... 128
filter, specifications.......... 147
fuel filler door release lever...... 128
fuel gauge............... 17
improving fuel economy........ 134
octane rating............. 129
quality..............129±130
running out of fuel.......... 133
safety information relating to
automotive fuels.......... 130
storing your vehicle.......... 153
treating emergencies.......... 130
Fuel cap................ 128
removing............... 128
replacing...........128±129,133
Fuel filler door............. 128
remote release............ 128
Fuel filter, specifications......... 147
Fuel gauge................ 17
Fuel pump shut-off switch
engine does not start.......... 77
starting after a collision......... 77
Fuse panel, instrument panel........ 80
Fuses
charts................. 85
checking and replacing....... 79,85
circuit breakers............. 87
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap).......... 128
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy) . . . 129, 133
Gasohol................ 130
Gasoline (see Fuel)............ 128
File:ltixm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:25:54 1996