1997 FORD F150 jacking

particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor
traction.
AIR SUSPENSION (IF
EQUIPPED)
The air suspension system for the
rear wheels is designed to keep
your vehicle at a constant level by
adding or releasing air from the
rear springs to compensate for
increases or decreases in vehicle
load.
Normal vehicle operation does not
require any action by the driver.
The air suspension switch is
located behind an access panel
underneath the passenger side
instrument panel.
Press the air suspension switch to
OFF when jacking or hoisting your
vehicle.
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior
to jacking, hoisting or towing
your vehicle.
OFF
f12_air_suspension
f12_transmission
Driving
95

Tire change procedure
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Activate the hazard flashers.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the gearshift in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or R
(Reverse) (manual transmission).
For 4WD vehicles equipped with
Lever-operated transfer case, make
sure that the lever is not in the N
(Neutral) position.
5. Block the diagonally opposite
wheel.
6. Remove the jack and lug wrench
from under the passenger seat.
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior
to jacking, hoisting or towing
your vehicle.
To avoid injury, never run
the engine with one wheel
off the ground, such as when
changing a tire.
f12_removing_spare
Roadside emergencies
143

²Front (4WD)
²Rear
Never use the differential as a
jacking point.
Roadside emergencies
146

9. To stow the flat tire, lay the tire
on the ground with the inboard
side facing up. Install the retainer
through the wheel center and slide
the wheel under the vehicle. Turn
the spare handle clockwise until
the tire is raised to its original
position underneath the vehicle.
The spare handle ratchets when
the tire is raised to the stowed
position. It will not allow you to
overtighten.
10. Unblock the wheel.
11. Stow the jacking equipment
under the passenger seat and stow
the jack handle in the engine
compartment.
12. As soon as possible, tighten the
wheel nuts with a torque wrench
to 115±165 Nm (85±115 lb-ft).
JUMP STARTING YOUR
VEHICLE
The gases around the
battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle
damage.
Do not push-start your
vehicle. You could damage
the catalytic converter. For
further information, seeJumper
Cablesin the Index.
com_jump-starting.01
Roadside emergencies
148