1997 FORD F250 towing

238 [ER07900(F )04/96]5. Remove the wheel retainer from the center
bolt. If necessary, use the tapered end of the
wrench inserted in the retainer for more
leverage.
[ER08000(F )04/96]
6. Remove the spare tire from the channel
assembly.
[ER08100(F )04/96]
RWARNING
Never allow any part of your body to
extend under the channel with mounted
spare tire during removal or installation.
[ER08200(F )04/96]
To stow the spare tire:
[ER08300(F )04/96]
1. Position the spare tire so it is balanced on
the channel assembly.
[ER08400(F )04/96]
2. Screw the retainer on the center bolt and
tighten until the wheel is secured to the
channel.
[ER08500(F )04/96]
3. Put the tapered end of the lug nut wrench
into the channel assembly tube and lift and
line up the channel and eyebolt, so the
shoulder of the eyebolt is pushed all the way
into the slot.
[ER08600(F )04/96]
4. Tighten the eyebolt with the tapered end of
the wrench until the spare tire cannot be
moved by hand pressure. Adjustment of the
driver side channel ball end bolt is not
required when stowing an original
equipment size wheel and tire.
[ER08700(F )04/96]
Position of eyebolt
[ER08800(F )04/96]
After the eyebolt has been tightened it should be
at a right angle to the slot. That is, it should be
at 90 degrees to the center line of slot, if not,
tighten it to that position. This is necessary to
prevent channel separation and/or loss of the
spare tire if the spare becomes loose in the
channel.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com

254
*
[ER22700(FM)02/96]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER22800(FM)02/96]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[ER22900(FM)02/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while
to let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions.
Drive it around for a while with all electrical
accessories turned off to let the battery recharge.
Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all
drive modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to
use a battery charger to fully recharge the
battery.
*
[ER23000(FM)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
%
*
[ER23100(FM)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
[ER23350(F )03/96]
The recommended method to tow your vehicle
is with flatbed or wheel lift equipment.
However, slingbelt towing is acceptable.On
vehicles equipped with an air dam,the towbar
will deform the rubber air dam.
*
[ER23500(FM)01/96]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator
what kind of vehicle you have. A towing
manual is available from Ford Motor Company
for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for
the proper hook-up and towing procedures for
your vehicle.
*
[ER23550(F )05/96]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to the
bumper when you tow your vehicle. This
could damage the bumper and cause an
accident.
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

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.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
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282
%*
[MC21300(FM)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
[MC21360(F )05/96]
Your vehicle does not use up transmisison fluid.
However it is recommended that you check the
transmission fluid at least twice a year. If the
transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
[MC21450(F )05/96]
NOTE: For E4OD transmissions, there is no
30,000 mile (48,000 km) sheduled
transmission fluid change requirement.
[MC21490(F )05/96]
Severe Operating Conditions
[MC21500(FM)01/96]
Transmission fluid, filter and seal assembly
should be changed every 21,000 miles
(34,000 km) only under any of the following
conditions.
[MC21550(FM)01/96]
q
Extended periods of high speed driving
during hot weather at/or above+90ÊF
(+30ÊC).
[MC21600(FM)01/96]
q
Towing a trailer for distances over 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) per trip.
[MC21650(FM)01/96]
q
Accumulating 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or more
per month.
[MC21700(FM)01/96]
q
Continuous operation and/or extensive idling
(a delivery service as an example).
*
[MC21750(FM)04/96]
q
Operating in severe dust conditions.
[MC21800(FM)01/96]
NOTE: Use of a transmission fluid other than
specified could result in transmission
malfunction and/or failure. Refer to
ªAdding automatic transmission fluidº,
ªRefill capacitiesº and ªlubricant
specificationsº for further information.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
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335
Customer Assistance
[HS00200(FM)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210(FM)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first.
To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto
Club in the United States or Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada), contact
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Additional
Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00215(FM)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220(FM)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225(FM)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230(FM)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235(FM)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240(FM)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
File:14lthsf.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:26:19 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

Index 373
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)...... 42
Emergencies, roadside
battery acid spills.........250, 287
fuel................. 297
jump-starting............. 249
towing................ 254
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 149
Emission control system......... 302
catalytic converter.......... 302
emissions warranty....... 4,302, 304
Engine
check engine warning light....... 17
diesel................. 7
does not start............ 223
fuel injected engine, starting....137, 139
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 223
preparing to start.........137±138
refill capacities............ 318
service points............ 261
starting............... 139
starting after a collision........ 223
storing your vehicle........330±331
Engine block heater........... 142
Engine coolant............. 274
checking and adding......... 274
disposal...........268, 277, 284
preparing for storage......... 331
proper solution......268, 276±277, 284
recovery reservoir........261, 275
refill capacities............ 318
specifications...........277, 324
temperature gauge........... 21
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 21
description............... 21
mechanical............... 21
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com