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 168 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 168
*
[GF16650(F )01/96]
To shift from 4H to 2H:
[GF16700(F )04/96]
Move the transfer case shift lever straight
forward to the 2H position. This can be done at
any speed. To disengage the automatic lo FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 168
*
[GF16650(F )01/96]
To shift from 4H to 2H:
[GF16700(F )04/96]
Move the transfer case shift lever straight
forward to the 2H position. This can be done at
any speed. To disengage the automatic lo](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-167.png)
168
*
[GF16650(F )01/96]
To shift from 4H to 2H:
[GF16700(F )04/96]
Move the transfer case shift lever straight
forward to the 2H position. This can be done at
any speed. To disengage the automatic locking
hubs, operate the vehicle in 2H in the opposite
direction for approximately 10 feet (3 meters).
*
[GF16750(F )05/96]
For example:
[GF16800(F )04/96]
If you were driving the vehicle forward in
4H, the automatic locking hubs will
disengage the next time the vehicle is driven
in reverse in 2H for approximately 10 feet (3
meters).
[GF16850(F )04/96]
If you were driving the vehicle in reverse in
4H, the automatic locking hubs will
disengage the next time the vehicle is driven
forward in 2H for approximately 10 feet (3
meters).
[GF16900(F )04/96]
Ð Operating in 2H with the hubs locked
increases fuel consumption, noise, vibration, and
wear. For prolonged 2H operation on dry
pavement, disengage the automatic locking hubs.
*
[GF16950(F )01/96]
To shift between 4H and 4L:
[GF17000(F )04/96]
Stop the vehicle and place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on manual transmission vehicles. Push the
transfer case shift knob down (toward the
ground) and at the same time pull or push the
lever straight forward or rearward (depending
on the desired position, 4H or 4L) in order to
shift the transfer case. This shift should be in
one continuous motion without pausing in the N
(neutral) position. Pausing in the neutral position
can result in gear clash and difficult shifting. If,
while shifting between 4H and 4L, the transfer
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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).
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Page 171 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 171
*
[GF17700(F )01/96]
Operating in 2H with the hubs in the LOCK
position increases fuel consumption, noise,
vibration, and wear. For prolonged 2H operation
on dry pavement, set the manual locking h FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 171
*
[GF17700(F )01/96]
Operating in 2H with the hubs in the LOCK
position increases fuel consumption, noise,
vibration, and wear. For prolonged 2H operation
on dry pavement, set the manual locking h](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-170.png)
171
*
[GF17700(F )01/96]
Operating in 2H with the hubs in the LOCK
position increases fuel consumption, noise,
vibration, and wear. For prolonged 2H operation
on dry pavement, set the manual locking hubs
to the FREE position.
*
[GF17750(F )01/96]
To shift between 4H and 4L:
[GF17800(F )04/96]
Stop the vehicle and place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on manual transmission vehicles. Push the
transfer case shift knob down (toward the
ground) and at the same time pull or push the
lever straight forward or rearward (depending
on the desired position 4H or 4L) in order to
shift the transfer case. This shift should be with
one continuous motion without pausing in the N
(neutral) position. Pausing in the neutral position
can result in gear clash and difficult shifting. If,
while shifting between 4H and 4L, the transfer
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 transmission).
[GF17850(F )04/96]
To shift to N (neutral) from either 4H or 4L
[GF17900(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 only).
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Page 175 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 175
*
[GF20600(F )01/96]
All utility-type and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
have special design and equipment features to
make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specif FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 175
*
[GF20600(F )01/96]
All utility-type and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
have special design and equipment features to
make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specif](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-174.png)
175
*
[GF20600(F )01/96]
All utility-type and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
have special design and equipment features to
make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them higher centers of
gravity than ordinary passenger cars.
*
[GF20650(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are
NOT designed for cornering at speeds as
high as passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles.
%
*
[GF20700(F )01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF20710(F )01/96]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
*
[GF20715(F )01/96]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limits than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
*
[GF20720(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
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Page 177 of 377
177
*
[GF20750(F )01/96]
one third page art:0020774-A
Cargo tie-down bars - Flareside pickup box
*
[GF20770(F )05/96]
Trailer Towing
*
[GF20772(FM)03/96]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[GF20775(FM)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
[GF20780(F )01/96]
If your trailer is equipped with electric brakes,
auxiliary battery, or back-up lamps, the optional
7 wire trailer towing electrical hook-up will be
required on the vehicle.
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Page 178 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 178
*
[GF20785(FM)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 178
*
[GF20785(FM)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-177.png)
178
*
[GF20785(FM)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[GF20790(FM)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF20795(FM)05/96]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF20800(FM)05/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[GF20805(FM)05/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
*
[GF20810(FM)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
%
*
[GF20820(FM)01/96]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
*
[GF20825(F )01/96]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by
weight, not volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space with large or heavy loads.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire,
rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for
your vehicle at the assembly plant on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. The Certification
Label is located on the left front door lock facing
or the door latch post pillar.
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Page 180 of 377
180
*
[GF20850(F )01/96]
The following is a typical example of a Safety
Compliance Certification Label and an
explanation of how this information should be
used:
*
[GF20870(F )01/96]
half page art:0020152-C
Safety Compliance Certification Label
*
[GF20875(F )01/96]
Do not use the sample numbers on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label shown. Use the
actual numbers from your vehicle certification
label.
*
[GF20880(FM)01/96]
Understanding Loading/Towing
Information
*
[GF20885(FM)01/96]
The following terms are used to describe the
ability to carry or tow a load:
*
[GF20890(FM)01/96]
q
Base Curb Weight
*
[GF20895(FM)01/96]
q
Payload
*
[GF20900(FM)01/96]
q
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
*
[GF20905(FM)01/96]
q
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com