Page 148 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 148
*
[GF03150(F )03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[GF03200(F )03/96]
If Brakes Pull
*
[GF03250( FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 148
*
[GF03150(F )03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[GF03200(F )03/96]
If Brakes Pull
*
[GF03250(](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-147.png)
148
*
[GF03150(F )03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[GF03200(F )03/96]
If Brakes Pull
*
[GF03250(F )03/96]
q
Check tire pressure.
*
[GF03300(F )03/96]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[GF03350(F )03/96]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles
(800 km), make 10 moderately fast stops from
40 mph (65 km/h) and then perform the
self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly
seat new brake linings and pads.
%*
[GF03400(FM)01/96]
Stopping Distances
*
[GF03450(FM)01/96]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
%*
[GF03500(FM)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
*
[GF03550(FM)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.
*
[GF03600(FM)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.
File:09ltgff.ex
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Page 151 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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)03/9 FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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)03/9](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-150.png)
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
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Page 157 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-156.png)
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.
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Page 163 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 i FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 i](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-162.png)
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
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Page 164 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 whi FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 whi](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-163.png)
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
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ProCarManuals.com
Page 165 of 377
165 [GF15950(F )04/96]
two third page art:0020792-C
Transfer case selections
*
[GF16000(F )01/96]
Four-wheel drive operation (4H or 4L) on dry
pavement is not recommended. Operating the
vehicle in four-wheel drive on dry pavement
will increase tire wear, decrease fuel economy,
and make four-wheel drive disengagement
difficult for the transfer case.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 169 of 377

169
case gets stuck in the N (neutral) position or is
difficult to shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be
necessary to let the vehicle roll slightly and/or
turn off the engine (particularly on vehicles
equipped with automatic transmissions).
[GF17050(F )04/96]
To shift into and out of N (neutral)
[GF17100(F )04/96]
To shift into N (neutral), stop the vehicle and
engage the parking brake. Place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on manual transmission vehicles. From
either the 4H or 4L position, push the transfer
case shift knob down (toward the ground) and
at the same time move the transfer case shift
lever to the N (neutral) position. The N (neutral)
position should only be used for vehicle towing
or transfer case mounted PTO use (transfer case
PTO opening available on F-350 as an option).
[GF17200(F )04/96]
NOTE: Dash mounted four wheel drive
indicator lights are off when your
vehicle is in neutral.
[GF17250(F )04/96]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L,
stop the vehicle and engage the parking brake.
Place the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL
or depress the clutch on manual transmission
vehicles. Push the transfer case knob down
(toward the ground) and at the same time move
the transfer case shift lever to the desired
position. If it is difficult to shift into either 4H or
4L, it may be necessary to let the vehicle roll
slightly and/or turn off the engine (particularly
on vehicles equipped with automatic
transmissions).
File:09ltgff.ex
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Page 170 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 170 % [GF17300(F )04/96]Lever Operated System With Manual
Locking Hubs
*
[GF17350(F )01/96]
To shift from 2H to 4H:
*
[GF17400(F )01/96]
Stop the vehicle and engage the manual locking
hubs by turning FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 170 % [GF17300(F )04/96]Lever Operated System With Manual
Locking Hubs
*
[GF17350(F )01/96]
To shift from 2H to 4H:
*
[GF17400(F )01/96]
Stop the vehicle and engage the manual locking
hubs by turning](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-169.png)
170 % [GF17300(F )04/96]Lever Operated System With Manual
Locking Hubs
*
[GF17350(F )01/96]
To shift from 2H to 4H:
*
[GF17400(F )01/96]
Stop the vehicle and engage the manual locking
hubs by turning both hub lock selector knobs
clockwise to the LOCK position. Move the
transfer case shift lever straight back to the 4H
position. After both hubs have been turned to
the LOCK position, shifts between 2H and 4H
(or 4H to 2H) may take place at any speed.
[GF17450(F )04/96]
one third page art:0020146-C
Locking hub positions
[GF17500(F )04/96]
q
Do not drive the vehicle in 4H or 4L with the
manual locking hubs in the FREE position.
[GF17550(F )04/96]
q
Do not drive the vehicle with the left and
right manual locking hubs set to different
positions.
*
[GF17600(F )01/96]
To shift from 4H to 2H:
*
[GF17650(F )03/96]
Move the transfer case shift lever forward to the
2H position. This can be done at any speed.
However, the front driveline will remain
engaged to the front wheels until the manual
locking hubs are disengaged. To disengage the
manual locking hubs, stop the vehicle and rotate
both hub lock selector knobs counterclockwise to
the FREE position.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com