1997 FORD F250 brakes

9
%*
[II06000(FM)01/96]
Breaking Your Vehicle In
*
[II06100(FM)01/96]
Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or
break-in period during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in
period, you need to pay careful attention to how
you drive your vehicle.
%*
[II06300(FM)01/96]
q
Avoid sudden stops.Because your vehicle
has new brake linings, you should take these
steps:
*
[II06400(FM)01/96]
Ð Watch traffic carefully so that you can
anticipate when to stop.
*
[II06500(FM)01/96]
Ð Begin braking well in advance.
*
[II06600(FM)01/96]
Ð Apply the brakes gradually.
*
[II06700(FM)01/96]
The break-in period for new brake linings
lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or
1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.
*
[II06750(FM)03/96]
q
Wheel lug nuts must be retightened to proper
torque specifications at 500 miles/800 km of
new vehicle operation. Proper torque
specifications are provided in this guide. Also
retighten to proper torque specifications at
500 miles/800 km after any wheel change or
any other time the wheel lug nuts have been
loosened.
%*
[II06800(F )03/96]
q
Use only the type of engine oil that Ford
recommends.SeeEngine oil recommendations
in the Index. Do not use special ªbreak-inº
oils.
File:02ltiif.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:39:40 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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
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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.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 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
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147
snow or gravel, or severe pavement irregularities
could also cause you to lose steering control of
your vehicle.
*
[GF01950(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.
*
[GF02000(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.
[GF02950(F )04/96]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº (F-250/350 Only)
%*
[GF03000(F )03/96]
If brakes do not grip well, it may indicate the
rear drum brakes need adjustment. To do this,
drive the vehicle in reverse at 5 mph (8 km/h)
on level, dry pavement. Stop the vehicle by
firmly applying the brakes. Repeat this
procedure four or five times.
*
[GF03050(FM)01/96]
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems ªlowº, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
[GF03100(FM)04/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes annoyingly loud or increases
significantly in frequency of occurrence, return
the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
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148
*
[GF03150(F )03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[GF03200(F )03/96]
If Brakes Pull
*
[GF03250(F )03/96]
q
Check tire pressure.
*
[GF03300(F )03/96]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[GF03350(F )03/96]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles
(800 km), make 10 moderately fast stops from
40 mph (65 km/h) and then perform the
self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly
seat new brake linings and pads.
%*
[GF03400(FM)01/96]
Stopping Distances
*
[GF03450(FM)01/96]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
%*
[GF03500(FM)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
*
[GF03550(FM)01/96]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[GF03600(FM)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal. This will increase your vehicle's stopping
distance and may also cause brake damage.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
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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

150 [GF04300(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.
*
[GF04350(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.
[GF04400(FM)04/96]
To release the parking brake, press the service
brake pedal with your right foot and pull the
parking brake release lever.
*
[GF04500(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[GF04550(F )03/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com