Page 93 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 92
*
[CF67400(F )01/96]
quarter page art:0020790-A
Replacing the batteries
%*
[CF67500(F )01/96]
Replacing lost transmitters
*
[CF67600(F )01/96]
In the event a transmitter is lost, you should
take al FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 92
*
[CF67400(F )01/96]
quarter page art:0020790-A
Replacing the batteries
%*
[CF67500(F )01/96]
Replacing lost transmitters
*
[CF67600(F )01/96]
In the event a transmitter is lost, you should
take al](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-92.png)
92
*
[CF67400(F )01/96]
quarter page art:0020790-A
Replacing the batteries
%*
[CF67500(F )01/96]
Replacing lost transmitters
*
[CF67600(F )01/96]
In the event a transmitter is lost, you should
take all your vehicle's transmitters to your
dealer to have the remote entry system
deprogrammed for the lost transmitter. This is
necessary to prevent further unauthorized use of
the lost transmitter.
*
[CF67700(F )01/96]
You can also purchase additional transmitters
(up to 4 transmitters can be used) from your
dealer. You will need to take all your
transmitters to the dealer so they can program
them to the remote entry system all at the same
time.
%*
[CF68000(F )01/96]
Illuminated Entry System (If equipped)
[CF68100(F )01/96]
This system will provide illumination of the
vehicle's interior courtesy lamps when either
outside front door handle is pulled or when the
Remote Entry System is used to unlock the door
or sound the Personal Alarm. The system will
automatically turn off after approximately 25
seconds or when the ignition is turned to the
START or ACCESSORY position.
[CF68200(F )04/96]
NOTE: The inside lights will not turn off if
you have turned them on with the
dimmer knob or if any door is open.
File:05ltcff.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:42:43 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 94 of 377
93 % [CF68300(F )04/96]
Battery Saver (with Remote Entry Ð If
equipped)
[CF68400(F )04/96]
When the ignition is turned off, the vehicle will
turn off battery voltage to all of these lights after
45 minutes: glove box, engine compartment,
overhead console, mirror, courtesy and
interior (including cargo) lamps.
*
[CF68500(F )01/96]
This will prevent draining of the battery if these
lights have been left on inadvertently or if a
door is not completely closed. Battery voltage to
these lamps will be restored when the remote
entry transmitter is used, any door is opened, or
the ignition key is turned on again.
File:05ltcff.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:42:43 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 107 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 107
%*
[SS10500(F )02/96]
Important Safety Belt Information
*
[SS10600(F )02/96]
The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 107
%*
[SS10500(F )02/96]
Important Safety Belt Information
*
[SS10600(F )02/96]
The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-106.png)
107
%*
[SS10500(F )02/96]
Important Safety Belt Information
*
[SS10600(F )02/96]
The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada the law requires their use.
*
[SS10700(F )02/96]
Safety belts provide best restraint when:
*
[SS10750(F )03/96]
RWARNING
All occupants of the vehicle, including the
driver, should always wear their safety
belts, failure to do so may increase the
risk of personal injury in the event of a
collision.
*
[SS10800(F )02/96]
q
the seatback is upright
*
[SS10900(F )02/96]
q
the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)
*
[SS11000(F )02/96]
q
the lap belt is snug and low on the hips
*
[SS11100(F )02/96]
q
the shoulder belt is snug against the chest
*
[SS11200(F )02/96]
q
the knees are straight forward
*
[SS11300(F )02/96]
To help you remember to fasten your safety belt,
a warning light may come on and a chime may
sound. SeeSafety Belt Warning Light and Chimein
theInstrumentationchapter.
*
[SS11500(F )02/96]
See the following sections in this chapter for
directions on how to properly use these safety
belts. Also seeSafety Restraints for Childrenin this
chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.
File:06ltssf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:44:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 137 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 138
[TO01000(FM)01/96]
Starting your vehicle
%*
[TO01100(FM)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[TO01200(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 138
[TO01000(FM)01/96]
Starting your vehicle
%*
[TO01100(FM)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[TO01200(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-136.png)
138
[TO01000(FM)01/96]
Starting your vehicle
%*
[TO01100(FM)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[TO01200(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO01300(FM)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[TO01400(F )01/96]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
*
[TO01600(FM)01/96]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
*
[TO01700(F )01/96]
3.If you have an automatic transmission,
make sure that the gearshift lever is in P
(Park) and the parking brake is set before
you turn the key.
*
[TO01900(F )01/96]
4.If you have a manual transmission,make
sure that the parking brake is fully set, push
the clutch pedal to the floor, and put the
gearshift into Neutral before you turn the
key. (Remember, the starter will operate only
if the clutch pedal is pushed in all the way).
%*
[TO02000(F )01/96]
Testing the Warning Lights
*
[TO02100(F )02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
[TO02200(F )04/96]
If your Brake Warning Light does light up with
the key in the ON position, you may not have
fully released the parking brake or the brake
fluid may be low.
File:08lttof.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:44:45 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 138 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 139 %
*
[TO02300(FM)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
*
[TO02400(FM)01/96]
To start your engine:
*
[TO02500(FM)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 139 %
*
[TO02300(FM)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
*
[TO02400(FM)01/96]
To start your engine:
*
[TO02500(FM)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-137.png)
139 %
*
[TO02300(FM)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
*
[TO02400(FM)01/96]
To start your engine:
*
[TO02500(FM)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
*
[TO02600(FM)01/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[TO02700(FM)01/96]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
*
[TO02800(FM)01/96]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
*
[TO02900(FM)01/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
%*
[TO03000(FM)01/96]
For a cold engine:
*
[TO03100(FM)01/96]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
*
[TO03200(FM)01/96]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
*
[TO03300(FM)01/96]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfifteen (15) secondsat a time.
File:08lttof.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:44:45 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 140 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-139.png)
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
Page 146 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 146 [GF01200(F )04/96]Rear Disc Brakes (F-Super Duty and
F-Series Stripped Chassis Only)
[GF01300(FM)04/96]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lub FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 146 [GF01200(F )04/96]Rear Disc Brakes (F-Super Duty and
F-Series Stripped Chassis Only)
[GF01300(FM)04/96]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lub](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-145.png)
146 [GF01200(F )04/96]Rear Disc Brakes (F-Super Duty and
F-Series Stripped Chassis Only)
[GF01300(FM)04/96]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lubrication of the caliper slide rails and
inspection for pad wear.
*
[GF01350(FM)01/96]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
*
[GF01400(F )03/96]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two
independent hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic
circuit supplies fluid to the front disc brakes and
the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
rear drum brakes. These two circuits are
supplied by a common hydraulic brake fluid
reservoir, with a fluid level sensor.
*
[GF01500(FM)01/96]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
*
[GF01550(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
%*
[GF01700(F )01/96]
Rear Anti-lock Brakes
[GF01800(F )04/96]
Except for F-Super Duty and F-Series
Commercial and Motorhome Stripped Chassis,
F-Series Light Trucks are equipped with a Rear
Antilock Brake System. This system prevents at
least one and often both rear wheels from
locking up when the brakes are applied in a
panic stop, for example.
*
[GF01900(F )01/96]
Even with the Anti-lock Brake System, you
should be careful when braking. Front brake
lock up on any surface, even on smooth
pavement causes loss of steering control. Heavy
braking on roads with loose surfaces such as
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 147 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 147
snow or gravel, or severe pavement irregularities
could also cause you to lose steering control of
your vehicle.
*
[GF01950(F )03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains o FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 147
snow or gravel, or severe pavement irregularities
could also cause you to lose steering control of
your vehicle.
*
[GF01950(F )03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains o](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-146.png)
147
snow or gravel, or severe pavement irregularities
could also cause you to lose steering control of
your vehicle.
*
[GF01950(F )03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
*
[GF02000(F )03/96]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
[GF02950(F )04/96]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº (F-250/350 Only)
%*
[GF03000(F )03/96]
If brakes do not grip well, it may indicate the
rear drum brakes need adjustment. To do this,
drive the vehicle in reverse at 5 mph (8 km/h)
on level, dry pavement. Stop the vehicle by
firmly applying the brakes. Repeat this
procedure four or five times.
*
[GF03050(FM)01/96]
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems ªlowº, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
[GF03100(FM)04/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes annoyingly loud or increases
significantly in frequency of occurrence, return
the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com