Page 249 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 250
*
[ER19450(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
*
[ER19500(FM)02/96]
FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 250
*
[ER19450(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
*
[ER19500(FM)02/96]](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-248.png)
250
*
[ER19450(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
*
[ER19500(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
%*
[ER19550(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[ER19600(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[ER19650(FM)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[ER19700(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not push-start your vehicle. You could
damage the catalytic converter. For further
information, seeJumper Cablesin the
Index.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com
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.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 251 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 252 %
*
[ER21200(FM)02/96]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[ER21300(FM)02/96]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect eithe FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 252 %
*
[ER21200(FM)02/96]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[ER21300(FM)02/96]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect eithe](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-250.png)
252 %
*
[ER21200(FM)02/96]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[ER21300(FM)02/96]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect either jumper cable
to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you
use the same cable for both positive
terminals.) Most jumper cables have a red
cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and
the black for the negative ones.
*
[ER21500(FM)02/96]
2. Connect the other end of the first cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
*
[ER21600(FM)02/96]
3. Connect one end of the second cable to the
negative (S) terminal of the booster battery
Ð NOT to the discharged battery.
*
[ER21700(FM)01/96]
4. Connect the other end of the second cable to
a good metallic surface on the engine or
frame of the disabled vehicle.
*
[ER21800(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect the end of the second
cable to the negative (S) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark may cause
an explosion of the gases that surround
the battery.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 252 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 253 [ER21900(FM)04/96]
one third page art:0020262-C
Attaching jumper cables
*
[ER22000(FM)02/96]
Jump-Starting
*
[ER22100(FM)02/96]
1. Make sure that the jumper cables are not in
the way of moving eng FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 253 [ER21900(FM)04/96]
one third page art:0020262-C
Attaching jumper cables
*
[ER22000(FM)02/96]
Jump-Starting
*
[ER22100(FM)02/96]
1. Make sure that the jumper cables are not in
the way of moving eng](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-251.png)
253 [ER21900(FM)04/96]
one third page art:0020262-C
Attaching jumper cables
*
[ER22000(FM)02/96]
Jump-Starting
*
[ER22100(FM)02/96]
1. Make sure that the jumper cables are not in
the way of moving engine parts, then start
the booster vehicle. Run the engine at a
moderate speed.
*
[ER22200(FM)02/96]
2. Let the discharged battery charge for a few
minutes and then start the disabled vehicle.
It may take a couple of tries before the
vehicle starts. If the vehicle does not start
after several attempts, there may be a
different problem.
*
[ER22300(FM)02/96]
3. When both vehicles are running, let them
idle for a few minutes to charge the
discharged battery.
%*
[ER22400(FM)02/96]
Removing jumper cables
*
[ER22500(FM)02/96]
1.Always remove the jumper cables in the
reverse order.Remove the negative (S) end
of the jumper cable from the metallic surface
on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
*
[ER22600(FM)03/96]
2. Remove the negative (S) cable from the
booster battery.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 253 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-252.png)
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
Page 254 of 377
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
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.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 256 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 257
Maintenance and Care
%*[MC00200(FM)01/96]Service Made Easy
*[MC00300(F )01/96]Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*[MC00400(F )01/96]1. When we can, we design parts that do notneed to b FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 257
Maintenance and Care
%*[MC00200(FM)01/96]Service Made Easy
*[MC00300(F )01/96]Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*[MC00400(F )01/96]1. When we can, we design parts that do notneed to b](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-255.png)
257
Maintenance and Care
%*[MC00200(FM)01/96]Service Made Easy
*[MC00300(F )01/96]Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*[MC00400(F )01/96]1. When we can, we design parts that do notneed to be serviced.
*[MC00500(F )01/96]2. We want to make servicing your vehicle aseasy as possible. To help you:
*[MC00600(F )01/96]qWe highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
*[MC00700(F )03/96]qWhen possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
*[MC00800(F )02/96]qWe give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in the Maintenance Schedule booklet.
*[MC00900(FM)01/96]This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*[MC01000(FM)01/96]If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check your Warranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see the Customer Assistance chapter of this
Owner Guide.
*[MC01100(FM)02/96]Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet be performed for
the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in the Owner Maintenance
Checklist , be alert for any unusual noise,
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com