Page 27 of 377
25
*
[IS12400(F )03/96]
Some vehicles are equipped with an engine
speed (RPM) limiting device contained within
the powertrain control module (PCM). The
purpose of this device is to maintain peak
engine speed (RPM) below a specified limit. This
feature is only evident on automatic transmission
vehicles when shifting manually (1, 2, D) and on
all manual transmission units. (Engine speed
limits may vary based on engine displacement.)
*
[IS12500(F )03/96]
If you are experiencing an ªengine cut-outº
condition at high speeds, it may be the result of
this limiting device. It is a normal condition and
can be avoided by reducing vehicle/engine
speed.
[IS12600(F )04/96]
one third page art:0020869-C
Tachometer
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Page 68 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 67
*
[CF24100(FM)01/96]
Ignition
%*
[CF24110(FM)01/96]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
*
[CF24120(FM)01/96]
quarter page art:0020004-B
The positions of the key in the ignition lock cylinde FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 67
*
[CF24100(FM)01/96]
Ignition
%*
[CF24110(FM)01/96]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
*
[CF24120(FM)01/96]
quarter page art:0020004-B
The positions of the key in the ignition lock cylinde](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-67.png)
67
*
[CF24100(FM)01/96]
Ignition
%*
[CF24110(FM)01/96]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
*
[CF24120(FM)01/96]
quarter page art:0020004-B
The positions of the key in the ignition lock cylinder.
*
[CF24130(FM)01/96]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
*
[CF24140(FM)01/96]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
*
[CF24150(FM)01/96]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transmission gearshift lever.
[CF24160(F )03/96]
LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
gearshift if your vehicle's gearshift is on the
column.
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Page 69 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 68 [CF24180(F )04/96]
RWARNING
LOCK position does not lock the gearshift
on floor-mounted gearshifts. If the
parking brake is not set and the gearshift
is moved out of Park (automatic
transmission) or FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 68 [CF24180(F )04/96]
RWARNING
LOCK position does not lock the gearshift
on floor-mounted gearshifts. If the
parking brake is not set and the gearshift
is moved out of Park (automatic
transmission) or](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-68.png)
68 [CF24180(F )04/96]
RWARNING
LOCK position does not lock the gearshift
on floor-mounted gearshifts. If the
parking brake is not set and the gearshift
is moved out of Park (automatic
transmission) or out of gear (manual
transmission), your vehicle may move
unexpectedly.
*
[CF24200(F )05/96]
With the transfer case in N (Neutral), the vehicle
is free to move with either the automatic
transmission in P (Park) or with the manual
transmission in any driving gear.
*
[CF24210(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.
*
[CF24220(FM)01/96]
LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.
%*
[CF24230(FM)01/96]
If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move
the steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.
%*
[CF24240(FM)04/96]
ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle's
electrical accessories such as the radio and the
windshield wipers to operate while the engine is
not running.
*
[CF24250(F )03/96]
In order to turn the key from the ON or OFF
position to the ACCESSORY position, you must
push the key release button if your vehicle's
manual transmission gearshift is mounted on the
floor.
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Page 71 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 70
*
[CF24390(F )03/96]
If your vehicles gearshift lever is mounted
on the floor:
*
[CF24400(F )03/96]
1. Put the gearshift in 1 (First).
*
[CF24410(F )03/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
*
[CF24 FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 70
*
[CF24390(F )03/96]
If your vehicles gearshift lever is mounted
on the floor:
*
[CF24400(F )03/96]
1. Put the gearshift in 1 (First).
*
[CF24410(F )03/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
*
[CF24](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-70.png)
70
*
[CF24390(F )03/96]
If your vehicle's gearshift lever is mounted
on the floor:
*
[CF24400(F )03/96]
1. Put the gearshift in 1 (First).
*
[CF24410(F )03/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
*
[CF24420(F )03/96]
3. Set the parking brake fully before removing
your foot from the service brake.
*
[CF24430(F )03/96]
4. Push and hold in the key release button.
*
[CF24440(F )03/96]
5. Turn the key to LOCK.
*
[CF24450(F )03/96]
6. Remove the key.
*
[CF24460(F )03/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission) or 1
(First) (manual transmission).
*
[CF24480(F )05/96]
With the transfer case in N (Neutral), the vehicle
is free to move with either the automatic
transmission in P (Park) or with the manual
transmission in any driving gear.
*
[CF24490(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.
*
[CF24500(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets unattended in your vehicle.
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Page 136 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 137
Starting
%*
[TO00200(FM)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
[TO00300(F )04/96]
NOTE: For owners of diesel-powered vehicles,
refer to theDiesel Engine Owners Guide
Supplementfor information on starting
yo FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 137
Starting
%*
[TO00200(FM)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
[TO00300(F )04/96]
NOTE: For owners of diesel-powered vehicles,
refer to theDiesel Engine Owners Guide
Supplementfor information on starting
yo](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-135.png)
137
Starting
%*
[TO00200(FM)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
[TO00300(F )04/96]
NOTE: For owners of diesel-powered vehicles,
refer to theDiesel Engine Owners Guide
Supplementfor information on starting
your vehicle.
*
[TO00500(F )01/96]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator before or
during starting. Only use the accelerator when
you have problems getting your vehicle started.
SeeStarting Your Enginein this chapter for
details about when to use the accelerator while
you start your vehicle.
%*
[TO00700(F )05/96]
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control
conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. If you ever disconnect the battery, install
a new battery, or experience a dead battery, you
must allow the computer to ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will idle at its
best. To let the engine do this, apply the parking
brake, put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or Neutral (manual transmission),
turn off all the accessories, and start the vehicle.
Let the engine idle for at least one minute.
*
[TO00900(F )01/96]
If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the
idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the idle is relearned. Your vehicle
will eventually relearn its idle while you drive
it, but it takes much longer than if you use the
previous procedure.
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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.
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Page 145 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 145
Driving
*
[GF00200(F )03/96]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary
depending on which type of transmission your
vehicle has.
[GF00300(F )04/96]
q
an Electronic 4-speed Automatic Transmissi FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 145
Driving
*
[GF00200(F )03/96]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary
depending on which type of transmission your
vehicle has.
[GF00300(F )04/96]
q
an Electronic 4-speed Automatic Transmissi](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-144.png)
145
Driving
*
[GF00200(F )03/96]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary
depending on which type of transmission your
vehicle has.
[GF00300(F )04/96]
q
an Electronic 4-speed Automatic Transmission
(E4OD)
*
[GF00400(F )03/96]
q
a manual transmission
*
[GF00450(F )03/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
Powertrain Control Module that limits engine
and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out mode to
promote durability.
%
*
[GF00500(FM)05/96]
Brakes
*
[GF00850(FM)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
[GF00900(F )04/96]
F-250/350
*
[GF00950(F )01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic inspection
for pad wear.
*
[GF01050(F )03/96]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[GF01100(F )03/96]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment occurs when the brakes
are applied while ªbacking up.º If normal
operation does not include much backing, adjust
the brakes when they seem ªlow,º using the
procedure underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLowºin this chapter.
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Page 149 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 149
*
[GF03650(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep
hill, shift to a lower gear. Do not apply
your brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
%
*
[GF037 FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 149
*
[GF03650(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep
hill, shift to a lower gear. Do not apply
your brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
%
*
[GF037](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-148.png)
149
*
[GF03650(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep
hill, shift to a lower gear. Do not apply
your brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
%
*
[GF03750(FM)01/96]
Using the Parking Brake
*
[GF03800(F )03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
*
[GF03850(F )01/96]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below
the bottom of the instrument panel to the left of
service brake and/or clutch pedals. To set the
parking brake while parking your vehicle, press
the brake pedal with your right foot and hold it
while you push the parking brake pedal down
firmly and fully with your left foot.
[GF04000(FM)04/96]
one third page art:0020893-A
Parking Brake
*
[GF04200(F )03/96]
RWARNING
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).
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com