Page 218 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 218
%*
[GF23600(FM)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF23700(FM)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[GF23800(FM)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your pr FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 218
%*
[GF23600(FM)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF23700(FM)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[GF23800(FM)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your pr](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-217.png)
218
%*
[GF23600(FM)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF23700(FM)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[GF23800(FM)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[GF23900(FM)01/96]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
*
[GF23910(FM)01/96]
Wheel Spin
*
[GF23920(FM)01/96]
q
Extreme acceleration can cause the rear
wheels to spin, perhaps resulting in reduced
steering control.
[GF23930(FM)04/96]
If the wheels spin during vehicle start-up, shift
to a different gear:
[GF23950(FM)04/96]
q
Electronic 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
E4OD: use 2 (Second)
[GF23960(F )04/96]
q
Mazda R2 5-Speed Overdrive Manual: use 2
(Second)
[GF23970(F )04/96]
q
4-Speed Manual: use 3 (Third)
[GF23990(F )04/96]
q
Heavy Duty ZF S5-47 5-Speed Manual with
Overdrive (Unloaded): use 3 (Third)
[GF24000(F )04/96]
q
Heavy Duty ZF S5-47 5-Speed Manual with
Overdrive (loaded): use 2 (Second)
[GF24010(FM)04/96]
Move forward slowly and evenly. If this does
not work, try rocking the vehicle.
[GF24020(F )04/96]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to drive
away.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 220 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 220
*
[GF24190(F )01/96]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into Low with the
automatic transmission when moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into F FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 220
*
[GF24190(F )01/96]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into Low with the
automatic transmission when moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into F](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-219.png)
220
*
[GF24190(F )01/96]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into Low with the
automatic transmission when moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into First with the manual
transmission when moving faster than
5 mph (8 km/h).
[GF24210(F )04/96]
RWARNING
The rear antilock brake system may not
prevent brake lock-up on extremely
slippery surfaces. Rear brake lock-up may
also occur while driving in four-wheel
drive because the transfer case couples the
front and rear axles together.
%
*
[GF24230(F )03/96]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[GF24240(F )03/96]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor traction.
*
[GF24250(F )03/96]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
*
[GF24260(F )05/96]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 221 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 221 %
*
[GF24270(FM)01/96]
High water
[GF24280(FM)04/96]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing
or of unknown depth.
*
[GF24290(FM)01/96]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are s FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 221 %
*
[GF24270(FM)01/96]
High water
[GF24280(FM)04/96]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing
or of unknown depth.
*
[GF24290(FM)01/96]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are s](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-220.png)
221 %
*
[GF24270(FM)01/96]
High water
[GF24280(FM)04/96]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing
or of unknown depth.
*
[GF24290(FM)01/96]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel hubs.
*
[GF24300(FM)01/96]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[GF24310(FM)01/96]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
*
[GF24320(F )03/96]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is
submerged in water, their fluids should
be checked and changed, if necessary.
[GF24340(FM)04/96]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 222 of 377
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
Page 239 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 240
*
[ER09300(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Make sure the spare tire and jacking
equipment are stowed and secured in the
proper storage location.
%*
[ER09400(FM)03/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[ER09500(FM FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 240
*
[ER09300(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Make sure the spare tire and jacking
equipment are stowed and secured in the
proper storage location.
%*
[ER09400(FM)03/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[ER09500(FM](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-238.png)
240
*
[ER09300(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Make sure the spare tire and jacking
equipment are stowed and secured in the
proper storage location.
%*
[ER09400(FM)03/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[ER09500(FM)01/96]
NOTE: To lift your vehicle by other than the
front or rear jacking points, be sure to
use only hoist adapters with a wide
contact surface.
*
[ER09600(F )01/96]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. If you have an automatic
transmission, put the gearshift in Park. If
you have a manual transmission, put the
gearshift in Reverse. Set the parking brake
and block the wheel that is diagonally
opposite the tire that you are changing.
*
[ER09800(F )01/96]
NOTE: Make sure the ignition is in the OFF
position.
*
[ER09900(F )01/96]
If you have a four-wheel drive vehicles with
manual locking hubs, put transfer case lever in
2H, 4H, or 4L.
*
[ER10000(F )03/96]
When one of the back wheels is off the ground,
the transmission alone will not prevent the
vehicle from moving or slipping off the jack,
even if the vehicle is in P (Park) or 1 (First). To
prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change a tire, be sure the parking brake is set,
then block the wheel (both directions) that is
diagonally opposite (other side and end of the
vehicle) to the tire that is being changed.
*
[ER10200(F )03/96]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 240 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 241 [ER10400(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 i FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 241 [ER10400(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 i](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-239.png)
241 [ER10400(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.
*
[ER10500(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.
[ER10600(FM)01/96]
On F-Super Duty vehicles, the parking brake is
on the transmission. Therefore, the vehicle will
not be prevented from moving when a rear
wheel is lifted, even if the vehicle is in Park and
the parking brake is applied. Be sure to block
both directions of the wheel that is diagonally
opposite to the wheel that is being lifted.
*
[ER10700(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
*
[ER11200(F )01/96]
2. Get out the spare tire and jack.
[ER11300(F )04/96]
The jack and lug wrench are stowed under the
hood on the right front fender inner panel, and
the jack handle is on the radiator support.
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 258 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 259
*
[MC01900(FM)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
[MC02100(F )01/96]
1. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission) FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 259
*
[MC01900(FM)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
[MC02100(F )01/96]
1. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission)](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-257.png)
259
*
[MC01900(FM)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
[MC02100(F )01/96]
1. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission) or in 1
(First) (manual transmission).
[MC02200(F )04/96]
2. 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. Do not
leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the N (Neutral) position.
[MC02300(F )01/96]
3. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
[MC02400(F )01/96]
4. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02500(FM)01/96]
Working with the engine on:
[MC02600(F )01/96]
1. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission) or in 1
(First) (manual transmission).
[MC02900(F )04/96]
2. 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. Do not
leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the N (Neutral) position.
*
[MC03000(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com