1997 FORD F250 steering

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

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

236
*
[ER03200(FM)01/96]
However, you should know that the circuit
breakers will reset themselves and allow the
electrical parts to work again once the overload
on the circuit is removed. If the circuit breakers
continue to cut off electricity, have your vehicle's
electrical system checked.
*
[ER03250(FM)01/96]
If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the
same amperage rating. To remove a circuit
breaker mounted in the fuse panel, grip it with
your finger and thumb and pull it straight out
of its socket.
%
*
[ER03500(FM)02/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[ER03600(FM)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER03700(FM)01/96]
The Conventional Spare Tire
*
[ER03800(F )02/96]
If you have the conventional spare tire, you can
use it as a spare or as a regular tire. This spare
tire is identical to the other tires that come with
your vehicle, although the wheel may not match.
*
[ER04000(F )05/96]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
*
[ER04100(F )01/96]
Extended use of other than matching size spare
tires on a Traction-Lok 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.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com

255 [ER23600(F )03/96]
Towing Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles
[ER23650(F )05/96]
twenty pica chart:0020321-D% [ER23700(F )04/96]
Towing Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles With a
Lever-Operated Transfer Case
*
[ER23800(F )05/96]
q
Place transmission gearshift (automatic or
manual) in N (Neutral).
*
[ER23900(F )05/96]
q
Lock steering wheel straight ahead if vehicle
is to be towed with rear wheels off the
ground.
[ER24000(F )04/96]
q
Set manual locking hubs in FREE position or
disengage the automatic locking hubs by
shifting the transfer case to 2H and drive the
vehicle in the opposite direction for a
minimum of 10 feet (3 meters) in a straight
line.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com

280
%*
[MC18300(FM)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC18350(FM)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
*
[MC18400(FM)01/96]
To check the level of your power steering fluid:
*
[MC18450(FM)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC18500(FM)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC18550(F )01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[MC18650(FM)01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[MC18700(FM)01/96]
one third page art:0021016-B
Power steering dipstick
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

281
*
[MC18800(F )01/96]
quarter page art:0020386-B
Power steering reservoir
*
[MC19050(FM)01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
*
[MC19060(FM)03/96]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
*
[MC19070(FM)03/96]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
[MC19100(F )05/96]
Use only MERCONHAutomatic Transmission
Fluid.
*
[MC19250(FM)01/96]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[MC19400(FM)01/96]
NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel of your
vehicle with the engine off. It could
force power steering fluid out from the
reservoir cap or in extreme cases, it
could unseat the cap.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

372 Index
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 337
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........337, 344
D
Daytime running light system....... 63
Defects, reporting............ 333
Dipstick................ 265
automatic transmission fluid....282, 284
engine oil.............. 265
power steering fluid.......... 280
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 254
Dispute Settlement Board........ 338
Doors.................. 82
lubricant specifications......... 324
Driveline universal joint and slip yoke . . 271
Driving under special conditions..... 218
bad weather............. 219
heavy load.............. 175
high speed.............. 219
high water.............. 221
slippery roads............ 219
tips for safe driving.......... 218
Dual fuel tank selector switch....... 62
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 235
fuses...............225, 234
operating when the engine is off..... 68
power point outlet........... 66
Electronic AM radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 50
Electronic radio with cassette
(see Electronic sound system)...... 42
Electronic sound system
accessory delay............. 68
tuning the radio........ 29,44,51
warranty and service information..... 56
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com

382 Index
Power features
door locks............... 84
lumbar support............ 106
mirrors............... 79,81
seats................. 105
windows..............84±85
Power point electrical outlet........ 66
Power steering
dipstick............... 280
driving with power steering...... 151
fluid, checking and adding....... 280
fluid, refill capacity.......... 318
fluid, specifications.......... 324
servicing............... 151
Prop rod, hood............. 260
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems).... 27
Rear anti-lock brakes........... 146
description.............. 146
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 324
refill capacity............. 318
traction lok.............. 220
Rear window............... 84
washer reservoir........... 271
Refill capacities for fluids........ 318
Regulations, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration............ 333
Remote entry system............ 89
illuminated entry............ 92
locking/unlocking doors......... 89
panic alarm............... 90
replacement/additional transmitters.... 92
replacing the batteries.......... 91
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com