1997 FORD F250 brake light

15
%*
[IS01700(FM)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[IS01800(FM)01/96]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
%*
[IS02600(FM)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
[IS02800(F )04/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show three
things Ð that either the parking brake is not
fully released, that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir or the vacuum
pressure is low on diesel engine vehicles. If the
fluid level is low, the brake system should be
checked by a qualified service technician.
*
[IS02900(FM)03/96]
This light illuminates when you turn the ignition
key to START to verify that the indicator bulb is
working. If the light stays on or illuminates after
you have released the parking brake fully, have
the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[IS03000(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
[IS03100(FM)04/96]
one inch art:0020044-A
Brake warning light
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
ProCarManuals.com

16 %
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[IS03200(F )03/96]
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
*
[IS03300(F )04/96]
To check the ABS brake warning light turn the
ignition key to ON. The ABS brake warning
light should glow momentarily.
*
[IS03400(F )03/96]
NOTE: If it does not glow momentarily, have
your vehicle's electrical system checked
immediately.
[IS03500(F )04/96]
NOTE: If the ABS brake warning light begins
to flash in a repeatable flash sequence,
check the rear anti-lock system
continuous power fuse and brake lights
for proper operation.
[IS03600(F )04/96]
one inch art:0020913-B
Antilock warning light
*
[IS03700(F )03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
*
[IS03800(F )03/96]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
ProCarManuals.com

63 [CF14400(FM)04/96]
2. Pull the headlamp control knob toward you
to the outer position. Headlamps are now on
in addition to the above.
[CF14500(F )04/96]
3. Rotate the knob when it is in an on position
to brighten or dim the instrument panel
lamps. Rotate fully counterclockwise to
operate courtesy and cargo lamps.
[CF14600(FM)05/96]
half page art:0020122-G
Headlamp switch
%*
[CF14800(FM)03/96]
Daytime Running Light System
*
[CF14900(FM)03/96]
(Canadian vehicles only)
*
[CF15000(FM)03/96]
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system turns
the high beam headlamps on, with a reduced
light output, when:
*
[CF15100(FM)03/96]
q
The headlamp system is in the OFF position,
and
*
[CF15200(FM)01/96]
q
The vehicle is running, and
*
[CF15300(FM)03/96]
q
The vehicle has a fully released parking
brake.
File:05ltcff.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:42:43 1996
ProCarManuals.com

65 %
*
[CF16600(F )03/96]
Combination Cargo and High-Mount
Brakelamp
[CF16700(F )04/96]
The combination cargo/high-mount brakelamp is
located outside the vehicle, directly over the rear
window. Use the headlamp control switch to
turn on the cargo lamp and interior courtesy
lights.
[CF16800(F )01/96]
A high-mount brakelamp feed is provided in the
taillamp wiring, in the event an aftermarket cap
is installed on the vehicle obscuring the
cargo/high-mount brakelamp on the cab. The
feed is located at the left rear of the vehicle,
behind the bumper and is marked with a white
tag ªcenter high-mount stop lamp.º
[CF16900(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020902-B
Cargo/High-mount brakelamp
*
[CF17100(F )03/96]
RWARNING
Do not drive your vehicle with the
cargo/courtesy light on. Showing a white
light to the rear while driving on public
roads is illegal in some places.
File:05ltcff.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:42:43 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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.
File:05ltcff.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:42:43 1996
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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.
File:08lttof.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:44:45 1996
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141
*
[TO04400(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.
*
[TO04500(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
[TO04600(FM)04/96]
For cold or warm engines:
*
[TO04700(FM)01/96]
If the engine still does not start after two
attempts:
*
[TO04800(FM)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[TO04900(FM)01/96]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[TO05000(FM)01/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[TO05100(FM)01/96]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[TO05200(FM)03/96]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up.
*
[TO05300(FM)05/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
*
[TO05500(F )01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
File:08lttof.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:44:45 1996
ProCarManuals.com

146 [GF01200(F )04/96]Rear Disc Brakes (F-Super Duty and
F-Series Stripped Chassis Only)
[GF01300(FM)04/96]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lubrication of the caliper slide rails and
inspection for pad wear.
*
[GF01350(FM)01/96]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
*
[GF01400(F )03/96]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two
independent hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic
circuit supplies fluid to the front disc brakes and
the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
rear drum brakes. These two circuits are
supplied by a common hydraulic brake fluid
reservoir, with a fluid level sensor.
*
[GF01500(FM)01/96]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
*
[GF01550(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
%*
[GF01700(F )01/96]
Rear Anti-lock Brakes
[GF01800(F )04/96]
Except for F-Super Duty and F-Series
Commercial and Motorhome Stripped Chassis,
F-Series Light Trucks are equipped with a Rear
Antilock Brake System. This system prevents at
least one and often both rear wheels from
locking up when the brakes are applied in a
panic stop, for example.
*
[GF01900(F )01/96]
Even with the Anti-lock Brake System, you
should be careful when braking. Front brake
lock up on any surface, even on smooth
pavement causes loss of steering control. Heavy
braking on roads with loose surfaces such as
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com