1997 FORD F150 automatic transmission

Overdrive control
Activating overdrive
D(Overdrive) is the normal
drive position for the best fuel
economy.
The overdrive function allows
automatic upshifts to second, third
and fourth gear.
Deactivating overdrive
Press the transmission control
switch on the end of the gearshift
lever. The transmission control
indicator light (TCIL) (OFF) will
illuminate on the end of the
gearshift lever.
Transmission will operate in gears
one through three. To return to
normal overdrive mode, press the
transmission control switch again.
The TCIL (OFF) will no longer be
illuminated.
When you shut off and re-start
your vehicle, the transmission will
automatically return to normal
D(Overdrive) mode.
OVERDRIVE OFF
f12_activate_od f12_deactivate_od
Controls and features
38

theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and
vehicle accessories are off.
If starting a vehicle with an
automatic transmission:
²Make sure the parking brake is
set.
²Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
P
Starting
85

switch is turned to On) until the
parking brake is released.
²Automatic and manual
transmissions ± Fully depress
the parking brake pedal.
When you leave your
vehicle, place the gearshift
lever in P (Park). Set the
parking brake fully, and shut off
the engine. Never park your
vehicle in N (Neutral). If you do
not take these precautions, your
vehicle may move suddenly and
injure someone.
With the transfer case in N
(Neutral) the vehicle is free to
move with either the automatic
transmission in P (Park) or with
the manual transmission in any
driving gear.
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93

TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Automatic transmission
operation (if equipped)
Hold the brake pedal down
while you move the
gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and
injure someone.
Pull the gearshift lever towards
you and downward to move the
automatic gearshift.
P (Park)± Always come to a
complete stop before shifting into
or out of P (Park).
When you leave your
vehicle, place the gearshift
lever in P (Park). Set the
parking brake fully, and shut off
the engine. Never park your
vehicle in N (Neutral). If you do
not take these precautions, your
vehicle may move suddenly and
injure someone.
R (Reverse)± Always come to a
complete stop before shifting into
or out of R (Reverse).
f12_automatic
Driving
96

Each time the vehicle is started,
the transmission will automatically
return to normal overdrive mode.
2 (Second)± Use 2 (Second) to
start-up on slippery roads or to
provide additional engine braking
on downgrades. Transmission
operates in first and second gears.
1 (Low)± Use 1 (Low) to provide
maximum engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts can be made
by shifting to 2 (Second) or to
D(Overdrive). Selecting 1 (Low)
at higher speeds causes a shift to 2
(Second), and will shift to 1 (Low)
after vehicle decelerates to the
proper speed.
Brake-shift interlock
The brake-shift interlock feature
prevents you from shifting from P
(Park) unless the brake pedal is
depressed (with the ignition in the
On position). If you cannot move
the gearshift out of P (Park) with
the brake pedal depressed:
1. Turn ignition key to Off.
3
2
1
5
4
f12_brake_shift_interlock
Driving
98

Shifting from 4H (4WD High) to
2H (2WD High)
Move the transfer case lever to 2H
(2WD High) at a stop or any
forward speed up to 88 km/h (55
mph).
Shifting from 4H (4WD High) to
4L (4WD Low)
1. Depress the brake.
2. Place the gearshift lever in N
(Neutral) (automatic transmission)
or depress the clutch (manual
transmission).
3. Pull the transfer case shift lever
through N (Neutral) directly to 4H
(4WD High) or 4L (4WD Low).
Shifting from N (Neutral) to 4H
(4WD High) or 4L (4WD Low)
With the transfer case in N
(Neutral) the vehicle is free to
move with either the automatic
transmission in P (Park) or with
the manual transmission in any
gear.
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the brake.
2H
4H
4L N
2H
4H
4L N
f12_shifting_4h_4l
f12_shift_n_4h4l
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108

3. Place the gearshift in N
(Neutral) (automatic transmission)
or depress the clutch (manual
transmission).
4. Place the transfer case lever in
the desired gear.
Using the N (Neutral) position
This position should only be used
when towing the vehicle. Refer to
Wrecker towingin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not leave the vehicle
unattended with the
transfer case in the N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking
brake fully and turn off the
ignition when leaving the vehicle.
2H
4H
4L N
f12_neutral_tcase
f12_control_tracDriving
109

Shifting from 4H (4WD high) to
2H (2WD high)
Move the 4WD control to 2H at
any forward speed.
Shifting between 4H (4WD high)
and 4L (4WD low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Place the gearshift in N
(Neutral) (automatic transmission)
or depress the clutch (manual
transmission).
4. Move the 4WD control to the 4H
or 4L position.
Driving off-road with 4WD
Your vehicle is specially equipped
for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and has operating
characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional
vehicles, both on and off the road.
The following information will help
you learn to properly use 4WD.
2H4H
4L
2H4H
4L
f12_ct_4h_4l
f12_driving_offroad
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