1997 FORD F250 automatic transmission

150 [GF04300(F )05/96]When the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are
disconnected from the rest of the driveline.
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the
automatic transmission is in P (Park) or the
manual transmission is in gear.
*
[GF04350(F )05/96]
RWARNING
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.
[GF04400(FM)04/96]
To release the parking brake, press the service
brake pedal with your right foot and pull the
parking brake release lever.
*
[GF04500(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[GF04550(F )03/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

151
%*
[GF05200(FM)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300(FM)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05350(FM)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[GF05400(FM)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[GF05450(FM)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, sliding into
curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the
steering wheel alignment. If the spokes
of the steering wheel seem to be in a
different position while going straight
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
% [GF07425(F )04/96]Automatic Transmission
Operation (E4OD)
[GF07475(F )04/96]
The E4OD transmission is an electronically
controlled four speed automatic transmission
with overdrive. Transmission operation is
controlled by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM).
[GF07525(FM)04/96]
The PCM will automatically adjust transmission
operation to make up for varying conditions.
Several sensors located on the engine and
transmission such as Throttle Position, Engine
Speed, Vehicle Speed and Transmission
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

155 %
*
[GF08050(FM)05/96]
Driving
%*
[GF08075(FM)05/96]
When to usej(Overdrive)
*
[GF08100(FM)01/96]
This is the normal driving position. As the
vehicle picks up speed, automatic upshifts to
second, third and fourth gears will occur when
jOverdrive is chosen on the selector and the
transmission control switch has not been
pressed. The transmission will shift into the
correct gear when the right speed is achieved,
for the accelerator pedal position you have
chosen.
*
[GF08125(FM)05/96]
When to use Drive
*
[GF08150(FM)01/96]
You will note that there isn't a drive position on
your gearshift indicator. However, you will find
a Transmission Control Switch and an indicator
light labeled ªOverdriveº located on the end of
the gearshift lever. Press this switch and the
word ªOFFº will illuminate on the shift lever
knob. With the word ªOFFº illuminated, the
transmission will operate in gears one through
three. Operating in the Overdrive ªOFFº mode
gives more engine braking than Overdrive and
is useful for descending hills or when towing.
[GF08175(FM)01/96]
quarter page art:0020771-C
Transmission Control Switch and indicator light (located
on the gearshift lever)
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

156
*
[GF08200(FM)01/96]
To return the transmission to the normalj
Overdrive operation, press the transmission
control switch again. The Transmission Control
Indicator Light will not be illuminated when
Overdrive operation resumes. This switch may
be used to select O/D ON or O/D OFF any
time the vehicle is being driven.
*
[GF08225(FM)01/96]
When starting your vehicle, the overdrive system
will automatically be in the normal overdrive
mode.
[GF08250(FM)04/96]
If the Transmission Control Indicator Light is
flashing on and off steadily, a transmission
system malfunction was detected. The
transmission will operate in a failure
management mode and may have harsh
engagements, firm shift feel, or abnormal shift
schedule. If this condition persists, damage to
the transmission could occur. Contact your
dealer as soon as possible.
*
[GF08275(FM)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[GF08300(FM)01/96]
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or
to provide additional engine braking on
downgrades. This position provides 2 (Second)
gear operation only.
*
[GF08325(FM)05/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[GF08350(FM)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.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

157
*
[GF08375(FM)05/96]
P (Park)
*
[GF08400(FM)05/96]
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(FM)05/96]
The gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if
you cannot rotate it in a clockwise direction
without lifting it toward you.
*
[GF08450(FM)05/96]
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.
[GF08475(F )05/96]
When the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are
disconnected from the rest of the driveline.
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the
automatic transmission is in P (Park) or the
manual transmission is in gear.
*
[GF08500(F )05/96]
RWARNING
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.
*
[GF08525(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

158
*
[GF08550(FM)05/96]
Forced Downshifts
*
[GF08575(FM)05/96]
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.
*
[GF08625(FM)05/96]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without
vehicle movement (such as holding the brake) in
a forward or reverse gear causes transmission
stall.
*
[GF08650(FM)05/96]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall
condition can result in transmission
overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
%
*
[GF12100(F )01/96]
Driving with a Manual
Transmission
%*
[GF12200(F )01/96]
Using the Clutch
*
[GF12300(F )01/96]
Make sure the gearshift lever is in the N
(Neutral) position and your right foot is holding
down the brake pedal. Then press the clutch
pedal to the floor with your left foot. Manual
transmission vehicles have a starter interlock
switch. The starter will not crank until the clutch
pedal is fully depressed. Start the engine and
allow it to idle for a few seconds. Move the
gearshift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
*
[GF12400(F )01/96]
To move the vehicle, release the clutch slowly
and at the same time press down slowly on the
accelerator so that the vehicle accelerates.
*
[GF12500(F )01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold
your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch
life.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

163 [GF15250(F )05/96]
When the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are
disconnected from the rest of the driveline.
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the
automatic transmission is in P (Park) or the
manual transmission is in gear.
*
[GF15300(F )05/96]
RWARNING
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.
%
*
[GF15400(F )01/96]
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
System (If equipped)
*
[GF15500(F )01/96]
When you select the 4WD mode, your light
truck uses all four wheels to power itself. This
increases traction, enabling you to drive your
4x4 over terrain and road conditions two-wheel
drive vehicles cannot.
*
[GF15600(F )01/96]
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a
transfer case that allows you to select four-wheel
drive when necessary. Methods for engaging and
disengaging 4WD and low range will depend on
which system your vehicle has.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

164 %
*
[GF15700(F )01/96]
4x4 Systems Ð Lever Operated
*
[GF15800(F )01/96]
The lever operated transfer case can be placed
into four positions. The 2H position is the
two-wheel drive position in which power is
delivered only to the rear axle. The 4H position
provides four-wheel drive with power delivered
to the front and rear axles for increased traction.
The 4L position provides four-wheel drive with
power delivered to the front and rear axles
when the above average power is required at
reduced speeds. In the N (neutral) position, there
is no power delivered to either axle.
[GF15850(F )05/96]
When the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are
disconnected from the rest of the driveline.
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the
automatic transmission is in P (Park) or the
manual transmission is in gear.
*
[GF15900(F )05/96]
RWARNING
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.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com