1997 FORD F250 warning

153 [GF07700(F )04/96]
one third page art:0021081-A
The positions of the column-mounted gearshift
% [GF07725(FM)04/96]
quarter page art:0020771-C
Transmission Control Switch and indicator light (located
on the gearshift lever)
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[GF07750(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
*
[GF07775(FM)05/96]
Once you place the gearshift securely into
position, gradually release the brake pedal and
use the accelerator as necessary.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

154 %
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[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:
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[GF07825(FM)05/96]
1. Apply the parking brake.
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[GF07850(FM)05/96]
2. Remove the key.
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[GF07875(FM)05/96]
3. Insert the key and rotate it one position
clockwise (ignition in the OFF position).
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[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.)
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[GF07925(FM)05/96]
5. Start the vehicle.
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[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)
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[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
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[GF08375(FM)05/96]
P (Park)
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[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
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
%
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[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 %
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[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

175
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[GF20600(F )01/96]
All utility-type and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
have special design and equipment features to
make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them higher centers of
gravity than ordinary passenger cars.
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[GF20650(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are
NOT designed for cornering at speeds as
high as passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles.
%
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[GF20700(F )01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
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[GF20710(F )01/96]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
*
[GF20715(F )01/96]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limits than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
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[GF20720(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

179
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[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