1997 FORD F250 light

169
case gets stuck in the N (neutral) position or is
difficult to shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be
necessary to let the vehicle roll slightly and/or
turn off the engine (particularly on vehicles
equipped with automatic transmissions).
[GF17050(F )04/96]
To shift into and out of N (neutral)
[GF17100(F )04/96]
To shift into N (neutral), stop the vehicle and
engage the parking brake. Place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on manual transmission vehicles. From
either the 4H or 4L position, push the transfer
case shift knob down (toward the ground) and
at the same time move the transfer case shift
lever to the N (neutral) position. The N (neutral)
position should only be used for vehicle towing
or transfer case mounted PTO use (transfer case
PTO opening available on F-350 as an option).
[GF17200(F )04/96]
NOTE: Dash mounted four wheel drive
indicator lights are off when your
vehicle is in neutral.
[GF17250(F )04/96]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L,
stop the vehicle and engage the parking brake.
Place the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL
or depress the clutch on manual transmission
vehicles. Push the transfer case knob down
(toward the ground) and at the same time move
the transfer case shift lever to the desired
position. If it is difficult to shift into either 4H or
4L, it may be necessary to let the vehicle roll
slightly and/or turn off the engine (particularly
on vehicles equipped with automatic
transmissions).
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

171
*
[GF17700(F )01/96]
Operating in 2H with the hubs in the LOCK
position increases fuel consumption, noise,
vibration, and wear. For prolonged 2H operation
on dry pavement, set the manual locking hubs
to the FREE position.
*
[GF17750(F )01/96]
To shift between 4H and 4L:
[GF17800(F )04/96]
Stop the vehicle and place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on manual transmission vehicles. Push the
transfer case shift knob down (toward the
ground) and at the same time pull or push the
lever straight forward or rearward (depending
on the desired position 4H or 4L) in order to
shift the transfer case. This shift should be with
one continuous motion without pausing in the N
(neutral) position. Pausing in the neutral position
can result in gear clash and difficult shifting. If,
while shifting between 4H and 4L, the transfer
case gets stuck in the N (neutral) position or is
difficult to shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be
necessary to let the vehicle roll slightly and/or
turn off the engine (particularly on vehicles
equipped with automatic transmission).
[GF17850(F )04/96]
To shift to N (neutral) from either 4H or 4L
[GF17900(F )04/96]
To shift into N (neutral), stop the vehicle and
engage the parking brake. Place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on manual transmission vehicles. From
either the 4H or 4L position, push the transfer
case shift knob down (toward the ground) and
at the same time move the transfer case shift
lever to the N (neutral) position. The N (neutral)
position should only be used for vehicle towing
or transfer case mounted PTO use (transfer case
PTO opening available on F-350 only).
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

172 [GF18000(F )04/96]NOTE: Dash mounted four wheel drive
indicator lights are off when your
vehicle is in neutral.
*
[GF18050(F )01/96]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L,
stop the vehicle and engage the parking brake.
Place the automatic transmission into N
(Neutral) or depress the clutch on manual
transmission vehicles. Push the transfer case shift
lever to the desired position. If it is difficult to
shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be necessary to
let the vehicle roll slightly and/or turn off the
engine (particularly on vehicles equipped with
automatic transmissions).
% [GF19350(F )04/96]Driving Off Road with 4-Wheel
Drive
[GF19400(F )04/96]
Most vehicles with four-wheel drive are
especially equipped for driving on sand, snow,
mud, or rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat different from
conventional vehicles, both off and on the road.
The driving tips below will help you learn to
use four-wheel drive.
[GF19450(F )04/96]
q
Do not use 4WD LOW on dry, hard-surfaced
roads.
*
[GF19500(F )01/96]
q
Special maintenance procedures are necessary
after operating with drive components in
water.
*
[GF19550(F )01/96]
q
Manual locking hubs must be in LOCK
position before shifting into four-wheel drive.
[GF19600(F )04/96]
When using four-wheel drive, maintain steering
wheel control at all times, especially in rough
terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can
result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make
sure you grip the steering wheel rim from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes.
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

179
*
[GF20835(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
*
[GF20840(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
Cargo should always be secured to
prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.
*
[GF20842(FM)01/96]
Trucks, unlike passenger cars, are basically
custom vehicles designed to carry a load. Most
owners start with a base vehicle and add
production and dealer installed and/or
aftermarket components to suit their tastes and
purposes. Even trucks that are purchased for
personal transportation only are likely to have
considerable optional equipment, such as step
bumpers and light bars, for example.
*
[GF20845(FM)01/96]
Each additional item of equipment affects how
much cargo a vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is
overloaded, performance will suffer and service
concerns may arise.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

183
*
[GF21090(FM)01/96]
Passenger car type tires when installed on light
trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles are
rated at 10% lower load carrying capacity due to
the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[GF21100(F )01/96]
The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front
and rear GAWR because the GVWR will be
exceeded. The GAWR of the front and rear axles
exceeds the GVWR when added together to
allow flexibility in fore and aft loading of cargo.
*
[GF21110(FM)03/96]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure,
the total weight of your vehicle must not exceed
the GVWR and GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. This includes full
fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants as
well as the cargo load.
*
[GF21120(FM)01/96]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[GF21130(FM)01/96]
GCWR is the maximum combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
and the loaded trailer. The GCWR is specified
by the manufacturer to indicate the combined
maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is
designed to tow.
*
[GF21140(FM)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[GF21150(FM)01/96]
The maximum trailer weight rating is the
maximum weight of a trailer the vehicle is
permitted to tow. It is specified by the
manufacturer and is determined by subtracting
the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required
option weight for trailer towing and the weight
of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

211 [GF22120(FM)01/96]
Trailer lamps
*
[GF22130(FM)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
[GF22150(F )01/96]
Your vehicle has been equipped for use with a
4-wire trailer tow electrical system (running
lamps, right hand stop/turn, left hand
stop/turn, and ground).
*
[GF22160(F )01/96]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring
provides two circuits (right hand and left hand)
to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357)
on the trailer. Never add more than one trailer
light bulb to one circuit.
[GF22170(F )01/96]
A wire harness (Ford part number
F5TB-13A576-A) has been provided that connects
to the frame wire harness at the rear of the
vehicle and is compatible with most 4-wire
trailer tow electrical systems.
[GF22180(F )01/96]
Always check trailer and vehicle functions (i.e.,
stop/turn signal, and running lights) before
operating your vehicle and trailer.
[GF22190(F )01/96]
If your vehicle fails to function properly, do not
operate your vehicle and trailer until corrections
are made.
*
[GF22200(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:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

213 [GF22295(FM)05/96]
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter
critical vehicle components, adversely affecting
driveability, emissions, and reliability.
[GF22300(FM)01/96]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[GF22310(FM)05/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule
booklet for additional information.
[GF22320(FM)01/96]
Trailer towing tips
*
[GF22330(FM)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF22340(FM)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
*
[GF22350(FM)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[GF22360(FM)01/96]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[GF22370(FM)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com