1997 FORD F250 ignition

141
*
[TO04400(FM)05/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin
this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.
*
[TO04500(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
[TO04600(FM)04/96]
For cold or warm engines:
*
[TO04700(FM)01/96]
If the engine still does not start after two
attempts:
*
[TO04800(FM)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[TO04900(FM)01/96]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[TO05000(FM)01/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[TO05100(FM)01/96]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[TO05200(FM)03/96]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up.
*
[TO05300(FM)05/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
*
[TO05500(F )01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
File:08lttof.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:44:45 1996
ProCarManuals.com

150 [GF04300(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.
*
[GF04350(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.
[GF04400(FM)04/96]
To release the parking brake, press the service
brake pedal with your right foot and pull the
parking brake release lever.
*
[GF04500(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[GF04550(F )03/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

154 %
*
[GF07800(FM)05/96]
NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with a
brake-shift interlock feature. This
feature prevents you from shifting
from P (Park) unless you have the
brake pedal depressed. (The ignition
must be in the ON position.) If you
cannot shift from P (Park) with the
brake pedal depressed:
*
[GF07825(FM)05/96]
1. Apply the parking brake.
*
[GF07850(FM)05/96]
2. Remove the key.
*
[GF07875(FM)05/96]
3. Insert the key and rotate it one position
clockwise (ignition in the OFF position).
*
[GF07900(FM)05/96]
4. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral). (If the vehicle is shifted back to P
[Park], you must repeat the previous steps.)
*
[GF07925(FM)05/96]
5. Start the vehicle.
*
[GF07950(FM)05/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin
this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.
*
[GF07975(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
%*
[GF08000(FM)05/96]
R (Reverse)
*
[GF08025(FM)05/96]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

162
*
[GF14850(F )01/96]
When you come to a stop, do not downshift
through each gear. Disengage the clutch and use
the brake as necessary. Downshifting through
the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel economy.
*
[GF14900(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Continued use of a damaged or worn
clutch, prolonged clutch slippage or
downshifting at excessive speeds can
result in a failure of the engine,
transmission or clutch components.
*
[GF14950(F )01/96]
Transmission Function
[GF15000(F )04/96]
Upshift at the speeds specified in the chart
available for your engine and transmission. All
forward gears are synchronized allowing you to
shift into them with your vehicle in motion. The
clutch pedal should be fully depressed when
shifting.
*
[GF15050(F )03/96]
NOTE: Shifting during extremely low RPMs
can result in a momentary audible
rattle which disappears as vehicle
RPMs are increased. Shifting at higher
speeds will eliminate this sound.
*
[GF15100(F )01/96]
Parking
*
[GF15150(F )01/96]
To park your vehicle, apply the service brake
pedal, and shift into N (Neutral) while still
maintaining pressure on the service brake. Set
the parking brake fully. Shift into first and turn
off the ignition.
*
[GF15200(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it
may move unexpectedly and injure
someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the
parking brake fully.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

163 [GF15250(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.
*
[GF15300(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.
%
*
[GF15400(F )01/96]
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
System (If equipped)
*
[GF15500(F )01/96]
When you select the 4WD mode, your light
truck uses all four wheels to power itself. This
increases traction, enabling you to drive your
4x4 over terrain and road conditions two-wheel
drive vehicles cannot.
*
[GF15600(F )01/96]
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a
transfer case that allows you to select four-wheel
drive when necessary. Methods for engaging and
disengaging 4WD and low range will depend on
which system your vehicle has.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

164 %
*
[GF15700(F )01/96]
4x4 Systems Ð Lever Operated
*
[GF15800(F )01/96]
The lever operated transfer case can be placed
into four positions. The 2H position is the
two-wheel drive position in which power is
delivered only to the rear axle. The 4H position
provides four-wheel drive with power delivered
to the front and rear axles for increased traction.
The 4L position provides four-wheel drive with
power delivered to the front and rear axles
when the above average power is required at
reduced speeds. In the N (neutral) position, there
is no power delivered to either axle.
[GF15850(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.
*
[GF15900(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.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

173
*
[GF19650(F )01/96]
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from
concealed objects such as rocks and stumps.
Know the terrain or examine maps of the area in
question before driving. Map out your route
beforehand. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all four
tires on the ground, and they must be rolling,
not sliding or spinning.
[GF19700(F )04/96]
Transmission upshift in 4x4 with transfer case in
4L may be quite firm due to large total gear
reduction. This condition is normal.
*
[GF19750(F )01/96]
Sand
*
[GF19800(F )01/96]
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels of the vehicle on the most solid area of
the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but
shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning the wheels.
*
[GF19850(F )01/96]
Mud and Water
*
[GF19900(F )01/96]
When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom of
the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
*
[GF19950(F )01/96]
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as
dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly, while applying light
pressure on the brake pedal.
*
[GF20000(F )01/96]
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess
mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts
causes an imbalance which could damage drive
components.
*
[GF20050(F )03/96]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is
submerged in water, their fluids should
be checked and changed, if necessary.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com