Page 172 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-171.png)
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.
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Page 178 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 178
*
[GF20785(FM)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 178
*
[GF20785(FM)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-177.png)
178
*
[GF20785(FM)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[GF20790(FM)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF20795(FM)05/96]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF20800(FM)05/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[GF20805(FM)05/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
*
[GF20810(FM)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
%
*
[GF20820(FM)01/96]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
*
[GF20825(F )01/96]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by
weight, not volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space with large or heavy loads.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire,
rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for
your vehicle at the assembly plant on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. The Certification
Label is located on the left front door lock facing
or the door latch post pillar.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Page 241 of 377
242 [ER11400(F )04/96]
half page art:0020286-EJack and assembly location
*
[ER11700(F )01/96]
3. Use the tapered end of the lug nut wrench
to unscrew wheel ornaments attached by
retaining screws. Remove any wheel trim.
Insert the tapered end of the lug nut wrench
behind wheel covers or hubcaps and twist
off.
*
[ER11800(F )01/96]
4. Loosen the wheel nuts by pulling up on the
handle of the lug nut wrench about one-half
turn (counterclockwise). Do not remove the
wheel lug nuts until you raise the tire off the
ground.
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Page 245 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 246
*
[ER14500(F )01/96]
one third page art:0020939-B
[ER14600(F )04/96]
b. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the
wheel is completely off the ground.
[ER15300(F )01/96]
3. Remove the lug nuts with FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 246
*
[ER14500(F )01/96]
one third page art:0020939-B
[ER14600(F )04/96]
b. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the
wheel is completely off the ground.
[ER15300(F )01/96]
3. Remove the lug nuts with](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-244.png)
246
*
[ER14500(F )01/96]
one third page art:0020939-B
[ER14600(F )04/96]
b. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the
wheel is completely off the ground.
[ER15300(F )01/96]
3. Remove the lug nuts with the lug nut
wrench.
[ER15400(F )01/96]
4. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire.
[ER15500(F )04/96]
If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, there are
locating pins on the hubs and wheels with
corresponding holes. When you put the wheel
back on, make sure the pins are lined up with
the proper holes.
[ER15700(F )01/96]
If your vehicle has single rear wheels, thread the
lug nuts on the wheel studs with the beveled
face toward the wheel. Use the lug nut wrench
to screw the lug nut snugly against the wheel
but do not tighten.
[ER15800(F )04/96]
If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, thread the
two-element swiveling lug nut on the wheel
studs with the flange face toward the wheel. Use
the lug nut wrench to screw the lug nut snugly
against the wheel but do not tighten.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
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Page 246 of 377
247
*
[ER15900(F )01/96]
quarter page art:0020310-A
Single rear wheel nut
[ER16100(FM)04/96]
quarter page art:0020311-A
Dual rear wheel nut
*
[ER16200(F )03/96]
5. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise.
*
[ER16300(F )01/96]
6. Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug
nuts in the order shown in the following
illustration.
% [ER16500(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020317-A
Lug nut tightening sequence
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com