1997 FORD F250 Owners Manual

153 [GF07700(F )04/96]
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The positions of the column-mounted gearshift
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Transmission Control Switch and indicator light (located
on the gearshift lever)
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[GF07750(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
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.
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[GF07775(FM)05/96]
Once you place the gearshift securely into
position, gradually release the brake pedal and
use the accelerator as necessary.
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Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

154 %
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[GF07800(FM)05/96]
NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with a
brake-shift interlock feature. This
feature prevents you from shifting
from P (Park) unless you have the
brake pedal depressed. (The ignition
must be in the ON position.) If you
cannot shift from P (Park) with the
brake pedal depressed:
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[GF07825(FM)05/96]
1. Apply the parking brake.
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[GF07850(FM)05/96]
2. Remove the key.
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[GF07875(FM)05/96]
3. Insert the key and rotate it one position
clockwise (ignition in the OFF position).
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[GF07900(FM)05/96]
4. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral). (If the vehicle is shifted back to P
[Park], you must repeat the previous steps.)
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[GF07925(FM)05/96]
5. Start the vehicle.
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[GF07950(FM)05/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin
this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.
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[GF07975(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
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[GF08000(FM)05/96]
R (Reverse)
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[GF08025(FM)05/96]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
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Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
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155 %
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[GF08050(FM)05/96]
Driving
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[GF08075(FM)05/96]
When to usej(Overdrive)
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[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.
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[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
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[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.
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[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.
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[GF08275(FM)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
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[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.
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[GF08325(FM)05/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
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[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
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[GF08375(FM)05/96]
P (Park)
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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
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158
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[GF08550(FM)05/96]
Forced Downshifts
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[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.
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[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.
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[GF08650(FM)05/96]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall
condition can result in transmission
overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
%
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[GF12100(F )01/96]
Driving with a Manual
Transmission
%*
[GF12200(F )01/96]
Using the Clutch
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[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).
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[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

159
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[GF12600(F )01/96]
Driving with your foot resting on the clutch may
cause the vehicle to jerk sharply when pressing
or removing your other foot from the
accelerator.
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[GF12700(F )01/96]
Shifting the Gears
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[GF12800(F )01/96]
The gearshift for a manual transmission is
mounted on the floor. The gearshift pattern
consists of seven positions: Neutral, five forward
gears, and Reverse.
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[GF12900(F )01/96]
quarter page art:0020134-A
5-Speed Overdrive manual transmission shift pattern
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[GF13000(F )01/96]
Backing up
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[GF13100(F )01/96]
To shift into R (Reverse):
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[GF13200(F )01/96]
1. Push the clutch pedal in all the way to the
floor and hold it. If you do not hold the
clutch pedal in all the way, you may hear a
grinding noise when you shift.
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[GF13300(F )01/96]
2. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
Failure to do so may cause synchronizer
teeth damage, reducing the useful life of
your transmission.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
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160
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[GF13400(F )01/96]
3. Put the gearshift in Neutral and wait at least
3 seconds before shifting into R (Reverse) to
prevent a grinding noise. Do not release the
clutch.
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[GF13500(F )01/96]
4. Push the gearshift all the way to the right
and pull it back into Reverse.
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[GF13600(F )01/96]
With the 5-speed transmission you can engage R
(Reverse) only by moving the gearshift from the
left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) gears before you
shift into R (Reverse). This is a special lockout
feature that protects you from accidentally
shifting into R when you downshift from 5
(Fifth) gear.
*
[GF13700(F )01/96]
5. Once R (Reverse) is engaged, slowly release
the clutch pedal from the floor.
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[GF13800(F )01/96]
If R (Reverse) is not engaged, continue to push
the clutch pedal in while you put the gearshift
back into Neutral. Then, release the clutch pedal
for a moment and repeat steps 2 through 5.
*
[GF13900(F )01/96]
Upshifting/downshifting
[GF14000(F )04/96]
Upshift and Downshift at the speeds that are
specified in the charts available for your engine
and transmission.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com