1997 FORD F250 brakes

161 %
*
[GF14100(F )01/96]
Recommended Shift Speeds
[GF14600(F )04/96]
5.8L & 7.5L Engine with 5-Speed H.D.
Manual Overdrive Transmission (ZF
Transmission)
[GF14650(F )01/96]
twenty pica chart:0020143-C[GF14700(F )04/96]
NOTE: Refer to theDiesel Engine Owner's Guide
Supplementfor shift speed information
on vehicles equipped with 7.3L diesel
engines.
*
[GF14750(F )03/96]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill,
always downshift before the engine starts to lose
power. Downshifting reduces the chance of
stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration
to increase speed again.
*
[GF14800(F )01/96]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting
helps you keep a safe speed and helps prevent
unnecessary wear on the brakes.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

173
*
[GF19650(F )01/96]
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from
concealed objects such as rocks and stumps.
Know the terrain or examine maps of the area in
question before driving. Map out your route
beforehand. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all four
tires on the ground, and they must be rolling,
not sliding or spinning.
[GF19700(F )04/96]
Transmission upshift in 4x4 with transfer case in
4L may be quite firm due to large total gear
reduction. This condition is normal.
*
[GF19750(F )01/96]
Sand
*
[GF19800(F )01/96]
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels of the vehicle on the most solid area of
the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but
shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning the wheels.
*
[GF19850(F )01/96]
Mud and Water
*
[GF19900(F )01/96]
When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom of
the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
*
[GF19950(F )01/96]
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as
dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly, while applying light
pressure on the brake pedal.
*
[GF20000(F )01/96]
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess
mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts
causes an imbalance which could damage drive
components.
*
[GF20050(F )03/96]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is
submerged in water, their fluids should
be checked and changed, if necessary.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

177
*
[GF20750(F )01/96]
one third page art:0020774-A
Cargo tie-down bars - Flareside pickup box
*
[GF20770(F )05/96]
Trailer Towing
*
[GF20772(FM)03/96]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[GF20775(FM)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
[GF20780(F )01/96]
If your trailer is equipped with electric brakes,
auxiliary battery, or back-up lamps, the optional
7 wire trailer towing electrical hook-up will be
required on the vehicle.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

210 %
*
[GF21920(FM)01/96]
Hitches
*
[GF21940(F )01/96]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type
bumper hitch, or a hitch which attaches to the
axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable
if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
*
[GF21960(FM)01/96]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are
removed, make sure all mounting holes in the
underbody are properly sealed to prevent
noxious gases or water from entering.
*
[GF22000(F )01/96]
Step bumper (If equipped)
*
[GF22010(F )01/96]
The optional step bumpers have a built-in hitch
and only requires a ball with a one inch shank
diameter. This step bumper has a Class III
capability (5000 lb/2,270 kg trailer weight and
500 lb/680 kg tongue weight).
*
[GF22060(FM)01/96]
Safety chains
*
[GF22070(FM)01/96]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
and trailer. Cross chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect
safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook
retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
[GF22090(FM)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
*
[GF22100(FM)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[GF22110(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

213 [GF22295(FM)05/96]
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter
critical vehicle components, adversely affecting
driveability, emissions, and reliability.
[GF22300(FM)01/96]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[GF22310(FM)05/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule
booklet for additional information.
[GF22320(FM)01/96]
Trailer towing tips
*
[GF22330(FM)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF22340(FM)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
*
[GF22350(FM)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[GF22360(FM)01/96]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[GF22370(FM)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

219 % [GF24030(FM)04/96]
High Speed Driving
*
[GF24040(FM)03/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[GF24050(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
*
[GF24060(F )05/96]
Speed limiter
*
[GF24070(F )03/96]
All models are equipped with an Electronic
Engine Control (EEC) system which limits the
maximum engine speed and thus road speed in
top gear. Vehicle operation is normal since the
controlled maximum speed is above posted
highway speeds in North America.
%*
[GF24080(FM)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[GF24090(FM)01/96]
Slippery roads
*
[GF24100(FM)01/96]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[GF24110(FM)01/96]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[GF24120(FM)01/96]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[GF24130(FM)01/96]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
*
[GF24150(F )01/96]
q
To stop on ice, shift to N (Neutral) below 10
mph (16 km/h) and gently pump brakes
(except with 4WAL).
*
[GF24170(FM)01/96]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[GF24180(F )01/96]
q
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to
drive slowly away.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

221 %
*
[GF24270(FM)01/96]
High water
[GF24280(FM)04/96]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing
or of unknown depth.
*
[GF24290(FM)01/96]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel hubs.
*
[GF24300(FM)01/96]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[GF24310(FM)01/96]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
*
[GF24320(F )03/96]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is
submerged in water, their fluids should
be checked and changed, if necessary.
[GF24340(FM)04/96]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

269
*
[MC09700(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[MC09725(FM)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(FM)03/96]
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.
*
[MC09775(FM)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.
*
[MC09800(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[MC09825(FM)01/96]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
*
[MC09850(FM)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[MC09875(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com