Page 217 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 217
*
[GF22770(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
[GF22780(F )04/96]
Vehicle Operation On the Road
[GF22790(F )04/96]
When op FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 217
*
[GF22770(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
[GF22780(F )04/96]
Vehicle Operation On the Road
[GF22790(F )04/96]
When op](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-216.png)
217
*
[GF22770(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
[GF22780(F )04/96]
Vehicle Operation On the Road
[GF22790(F )04/96]
When operating on the road, your engine may
run at a temperature higher than normal because
the attached snowplow blade will restrict airflow
to the radiator. So if you are driving more than
15 continuous miles (24 km), at temperatures
above freezing, angle the plow blade either full
left or full right to provide maximum airflow to
the radiator. Shorter trips of 15 miles (24 km) in
cold weather may be made at speeds up to
40 mph (64 km/h) without paying special
attention to plow blade position.
[GF22800(F )04/96]
Vehicle Operation While Plowing
[GF22810(F )04/96]
Guard against transmission and drivetrain
damage. When plowing small areas or heavy
snow, operate with the transfer case in 4L and a
vehicle speed of 0-5 mph (8 km/h). When
plowing larger areas or light snow, at higher
speeds, operate with the transfer case in 4H and
do not exceed 15 mph (24 km/h).
[GF22820(F )04/96]
Do not shift the transmission from forward to
reverse until the engine is at idle and the wheels
are stopped.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 218 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 218
%*
[GF23600(FM)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF23700(FM)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[GF23800(FM)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your pr FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 218
%*
[GF23600(FM)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF23700(FM)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[GF23800(FM)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your pr](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-217.png)
218
%*
[GF23600(FM)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF23700(FM)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[GF23800(FM)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[GF23900(FM)01/96]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
*
[GF23910(FM)01/96]
Wheel Spin
*
[GF23920(FM)01/96]
q
Extreme acceleration can cause the rear
wheels to spin, perhaps resulting in reduced
steering control.
[GF23930(FM)04/96]
If the wheels spin during vehicle start-up, shift
to a different gear:
[GF23950(FM)04/96]
q
Electronic 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
E4OD: use 2 (Second)
[GF23960(F )04/96]
q
Mazda R2 5-Speed Overdrive Manual: use 2
(Second)
[GF23970(F )04/96]
q
4-Speed Manual: use 3 (Third)
[GF23990(F )04/96]
q
Heavy Duty ZF S5-47 5-Speed Manual with
Overdrive (Unloaded): use 3 (Third)
[GF24000(F )04/96]
q
Heavy Duty ZF S5-47 5-Speed Manual with
Overdrive (loaded): use 2 (Second)
[GF24010(FM)04/96]
Move forward slowly and evenly. If this does
not work, try rocking the vehicle.
[GF24020(F )04/96]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to drive
away.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 219 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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
po FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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
po](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-218.png)
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
Page 220 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 220
*
[GF24190(F )01/96]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into Low with the
automatic transmission when moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into F FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 220
*
[GF24190(F )01/96]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into Low with the
automatic transmission when moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into F](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-219.png)
220
*
[GF24190(F )01/96]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into Low with the
automatic transmission when moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into First with the manual
transmission when moving faster than
5 mph (8 km/h).
[GF24210(F )04/96]
RWARNING
The rear antilock brake system may not
prevent brake lock-up on extremely
slippery surfaces. Rear brake lock-up may
also occur while driving in four-wheel
drive because the transfer case couples the
front and rear axles together.
%
*
[GF24230(F )03/96]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[GF24240(F )03/96]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor traction.
*
[GF24250(F )03/96]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
*
[GF24260(F )05/96]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 221 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 s FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 s](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-220.png)
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
Page 222 of 377
222 [GF24350(FM)04/96]Rocking the vehicle
[GF24360(F )04/96]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD LOW, when the
vehicle gets stuck and try to drive away.
[GF24370(FM)04/96]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may rock it out of the spot. Shift
in a steady rhythm between forward and reverse
gears. Allow the transmission to fully engage,
then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock
the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This
may overheat the engine and transmission,
causing damage to both. In addition, other
vehicle systems and components may also be
damaged.
*
[GF24380(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 223 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 224
*
[ER00250(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 224
*
[ER00250(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-222.png)
224
*
[ER00250(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
*
[ER00252(FM)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ER00255(FM)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ER00260(FM)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ER00265(FM)01/96]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
*
[ER00270(F )01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[ER00280(FM)03/96]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ER00285(FM)03/96]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving your vehicle.
[ER00290(FM)03/96]
quarter page art:0020107-A
Reset button for fuel pump shut-off switch
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 224 of 377
225
%*
[ER00300(FM)01/96]
Fuses, Fuse Links and Circuit
Breakers
[ER00400(FM)04/96]
Fuses, circuit breakers and fuse links protect
your vehicle's electrical system from overloading.
If electrical parts in your vehicle are not
working, the system may have been overloaded
and blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.
Before you replace or repair any electrical parts,
check the appropriate fuses or circuit breakers.
*
[ER00450(FM)01/96]
The following charts tell you which fuses or
circuit breakers protect each electrical part of
your vehicle. If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker
opens a circuit, all the parts of your vehicle that
use that circuit will not work.
*
[ER00550(FM)01/96]
Once you have determined which fuses or circuit
breakers to check, follow the procedures under
Checking and replacing fusesorChecking and
replacing circuit breakerslater in this chapter.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com