Page 172 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 172 [GF18000(F )04/96]NOTE: Dash mounted four wheel drive
indicator lights are off when your
vehicle is in neutral.
*
[GF18050(F )01/96]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L,
stop the vehicle FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 172 [GF18000(F )04/96]NOTE: Dash mounted four wheel drive
indicator lights are off when your
vehicle is in neutral.
*
[GF18050(F )01/96]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L,
stop the vehicle](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-171.png)
172 [GF18000(F )04/96]NOTE: Dash mounted four wheel drive
indicator lights are off when your
vehicle is in neutral.
*
[GF18050(F )01/96]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L,
stop the vehicle and engage the parking brake.
Place the automatic transmission into N
(Neutral) or depress the clutch on manual
transmission vehicles. Push 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).
% [GF19350(F )04/96]Driving Off Road with 4-Wheel
Drive
[GF19400(F )04/96]
Most vehicles with four-wheel drive are
especially equipped for driving on sand, snow,
mud, or rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat different from
conventional vehicles, both off and on the road.
The driving tips below will help you learn to
use four-wheel drive.
[GF19450(F )04/96]
q
Do not use 4WD LOW on dry, hard-surfaced
roads.
*
[GF19500(F )01/96]
q
Special maintenance procedures are necessary
after operating with drive components in
water.
*
[GF19550(F )01/96]
q
Manual locking hubs must be in LOCK
position before shifting into four-wheel drive.
[GF19600(F )04/96]
When using four-wheel drive, maintain steering
wheel control at all times, especially in rough
terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can
result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make
sure you grip the steering wheel rim from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes.
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Page 211 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 211 [GF22120(FM)01/96]
Trailer lamps
*
[GF22130(FM)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
[GF22150(F )01/96]
Your vehicle has been equipped for use with a
4-wire FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 211 [GF22120(FM)01/96]
Trailer lamps
*
[GF22130(FM)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
[GF22150(F )01/96]
Your vehicle has been equipped for use with a
4-wire](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-210.png)
211 [GF22120(FM)01/96]
Trailer lamps
*
[GF22130(FM)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
[GF22150(F )01/96]
Your vehicle has been equipped for use with a
4-wire trailer tow electrical system (running
lamps, right hand stop/turn, left hand
stop/turn, and ground).
*
[GF22160(F )01/96]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring
provides two circuits (right hand and left hand)
to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357)
on the trailer. Never add more than one trailer
light bulb to one circuit.
[GF22170(F )01/96]
A wire harness (Ford part number
F5TB-13A576-A) has been provided that connects
to the frame wire harness at the rear of the
vehicle and is compatible with most 4-wire
trailer tow electrical systems.
[GF22180(F )01/96]
Always check trailer and vehicle functions (i.e.,
stop/turn signal, and running lights) before
operating your vehicle and trailer.
[GF22190(F )01/96]
If your vehicle fails to function properly, do not
operate your vehicle and trailer until corrections
are made.
*
[GF22200(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
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Page 216 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 216 [GF22710(F )04/96]q
If necessary, add weight to the rear of the
vehicle or bed to obtain the above and to
comply with U.S. Federal Hydraulic Brake
Requirements, when aftermarket equipment is
added FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 216 [GF22710(F )04/96]q
If necessary, add weight to the rear of the
vehicle or bed to obtain the above and to
comply with U.S. Federal Hydraulic Brake
Requirements, when aftermarket equipment is
added](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-215.png)
216 [GF22710(F )04/96]q
If necessary, add weight to the rear of the
vehicle or bed to obtain the above and to
comply with U.S. Federal Hydraulic Brake
Requirements, when aftermarket equipment is
added.
[GF22720(F )04/96]
q
The Front Axle Accessory Reserve Capacity
and the Total Accessory Reserve Capacity
listed on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label will help you to determine if the
addition of a snowplow will overload the
vehicle. The total of the weights of all
permanently installed accessories including
the snowplow mount, but not the snowplow
or any other easily removable accessories
must not exceed the Total Accessory Reserve
Capacity. Additionally, the portion of these
weights distributed to the front axles must
not exceed the Front Axle Accessory Reserve
Capacity.
[GF22730(F )04/96]
q
The weight of the snowplow and related
equipment should be properly matched to the
load capacity of your vehicle. The weight of
the installed equipment must not load the
vehicle beyond the GAWR and GVWR listed
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
[GF22750(F )04/96]
Equip your vehicle with lights that conform to
Federal and local regulations for snowplowing.
See your dealer for the correct type of wiring.
[GF22760(F )04/96]
Do not plow snow until your vehicle has been
driven 500 miles (800 km). Maintain the vehicle
and snowplow equipment in accordance with
their respective manufacturer's recommendations.
Refer to the notes under Scheduled Maintenance
Services when plowing snow for extended
periods.
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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
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Page 248 of 377
249
*
[ER17900(FM)01/96]
Also retighten to the specified torque at 500
miles (800 km) of operation after any wheel
change or any time the lug nuts are loosened.
*
[ER18000(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Failure to retighten wheel lug nuts at
mileages specified could allow wheels to
come off while the vehicle is in motion.
% [ER18300(F )04/96]
twelve pica chart:0020320-B%*
[ER19300(FM)02/96]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
[ER19350(F )04/96]
NOTE: Read the7.3L Diesel Engine Owner's
Guide Supplementfor information on
jump-starting your diesel-powered light
truck.
*
[ER19400(FM)02/96]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the
lights on or any electrical equipment on after
you turn the engine off. If this happens, you
may be able to jump-start your vehicle with a
booster battery.
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Page 250 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 251
*
[ER19750(FM)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cab FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 251
*
[ER19750(FM)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cab](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-249.png)
251
*
[ER19750(FM)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in
the order they are given. If in doubt, call for
road service.
%*
[ER19800(FM)02/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[ER19850(FM)02/96]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
*
[ER19900(FM)02/96]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[ER19950(FM)02/96]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[ER21000(FM)02/96]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
*
[ER21100(FM)02/96]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles.
Turning on the fan helps protect the
electrical system from voltage surges. Turn
off all other switches and lights in both
vehicles to prevent possible damage to either
vehicle's electrical systems.
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Page 255 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 256
*
[ER24100(F )05/96]
NOTE: Confirm by observation that the front
driveshaft is not rotating prior to
towing with the rear wheels off the
ground.
[ER24200(F )04/96]
q
Place transfer case in N (Neut FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 256
*
[ER24100(F )05/96]
NOTE: Confirm by observation that the front
driveshaft is not rotating prior to
towing with the rear wheels off the
ground.
[ER24200(F )04/96]
q
Place transfer case in N (Neut](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-254.png)
256
*
[ER24100(F )05/96]
NOTE: Confirm by observation that the front
driveshaft is not rotating prior to
towing with the rear wheels off the
ground.
[ER24200(F )04/96]
q
Place transfer case in N (Neutral).
[ER24300(F )04/96]
NOTE: The transfer case neutral setting is
located between 4H and 4L. In order to
place the transfer case in neutral, first
place the lever in the 4H position, then
push down (toward the ground) on the
shift knob and at the same time pull
slightly rearward until the lever is
between the 4H and 4L position. With
the ignition in the on position, both
4x4 and LOW RANGE indicator lights
will be off when the transfer case is in
neutral. These lights will also be off
when the transfer case is in the 2H
position.
[ER24400(F )04/96]
There are no wrecker or recreational vehicle
towing restrictions on method or distance if the
above preparations are made.
[ER24500(F )04/96]
q
Vehicle speed should not exceed 55 mph
(88 km/h). This applies with the front wheels
off the ground, the rear wheels off the
ground, or both front and rear wheels on the
ground.
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Page 267 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 268 [MC09000(F )04/96]If the above conditions do not apply, change
the engine oil and oil filter every 6 months or
5,000 miles (8,000 km), whichever comes first.
*
[MC09100(FM)02/96]
Refer to theMaint FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 268 [MC09000(F )04/96]If the above conditions do not apply, change
the engine oil and oil filter every 6 months or
5,000 miles (8,000 km), whichever comes first.
*
[MC09100(FM)02/96]
Refer to theMaint](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-266.png)
268 [MC09000(F )04/96]If the above conditions do not apply, change
the engine oil and oil filter every 6 months or
5,000 miles (8,000 km), whichever comes first.
*
[MC09100(FM)02/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
[MC09200(F )04/96]
NOTE: Refer to thePower Stroke Diesel Engine
Owner's Guide Supplementfor oil
viscosity, filter application and oil and
filter change intervals.
%*
[MC09300(FM)04/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
*
[MC09400(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC09500(FM)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
*
[MC09600(FM)01/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC09625(FM)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level
indicator in the master cylinder which lights the
BRAKE warning light on the instrument panel
when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[MC09650(FM)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
*
[MC09675(FM)01/96]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You
can do this by looking at the fluid level in the
plastic brake fluid reservoir on the master
cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com