1997 FORD F250 warning light

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

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

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

230 [ER01300(FM)01/96]Power Distribution Box
*
[ER01350(FM)01/96]
The high current fuses contained in the Power
Distribution Box protect your vehicle's main
electrical systems from overloads; these fuses
provide the connection between the battery and
your vehicle's electrical systems.
*
[ER01400(FM)03/96]
The high current fuses are coded as follows: 30
amp Ð light green, 40 amp Ð orange, 50 amp
Ð red, 60 amp Ð blue.
*
[ER01450(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Always disconnect the battery before
servicing high current fuses.
*
[ER01500(FM)01/96]
Ford recommends that high current fuses be
replaced by a qualified technician.
*
[ER01550(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace the cover to the Power
Distribution Box before reconnecting the
battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
*
[ER01600(FM)01/96]
A blown high current fuse may be replaced but
will continue to blow until the cause of the
overload condition is corrected.
*
[ER01650(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.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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.
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

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

295
*
[MC31200(FM)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
*
[MC31300(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
*
[MC31400(F )01/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal
condition. It may be caused by:
*
[MC31500(F )01/96]
q
Too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions.
The service stations sometimes sell winter
grade fuel in the summer.
*
[MC31600(F )01/96]
q
Pulling a heavy load on hot days, or at high
altitudes.
*
[MC31700(F )01/96]
q
Extended periods of idling with the engine
RPM increased above the normal idle range.
*
[MC31800(F )01/96]
q
Parking vehicle in full sunlight for extended
periods on extremely hot days.
%*
[MC32000(FM)01/96]
Choosing the Right Fuel
[MC32100(F )04/96]
NOTE: Read the7.3L Diesel Engine Owner
Guide Supplementfor information
regarding correct fuel requirements for
your diesel-powered vehicle.
*
[MC32200(FM)03/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. Using leaded fuel
is prohibited by federal law and could damage
your vehicle. The damage may not be covered
by your warranty.
*
[MC32250(FM)04/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel
containing manganese-based additives such as
MMT. Additionally, vehicles certified to
California emission standards (indicated on the
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com