1997 FORD F250 flat tire

178
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[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.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

183
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[GF21090(FM)01/96]
Passenger car type tires when installed on light
trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles are
rated at 10% lower load carrying capacity due to
the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[GF21100(F )01/96]
The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front
and rear GAWR because the GVWR will be
exceeded. The GAWR of the front and rear axles
exceeds the GVWR when added together to
allow flexibility in fore and aft loading of cargo.
*
[GF21110(FM)03/96]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure,
the total weight of your vehicle must not exceed
the GVWR and GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. This includes full
fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants as
well as the cargo load.
*
[GF21120(FM)01/96]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[GF21130(FM)01/96]
GCWR is the maximum combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
and the loaded trailer. The GCWR is specified
by the manufacturer to indicate the combined
maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is
designed to tow.
*
[GF21140(FM)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[GF21150(FM)01/96]
The maximum trailer weight rating is the
maximum weight of a trailer the vehicle is
permitted to tow. It is specified by the
manufacturer and is determined by subtracting
the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required
option weight for trailer towing and the weight
of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

236
*
[ER03200(FM)01/96]
However, you should know that the circuit
breakers will reset themselves and allow the
electrical parts to work again once the overload
on the circuit is removed. If the circuit breakers
continue to cut off electricity, have your vehicle's
electrical system checked.
*
[ER03250(FM)01/96]
If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the
same amperage rating. To remove a circuit
breaker mounted in the fuse panel, grip it with
your finger and thumb and pull it straight out
of its socket.
%
*
[ER03500(FM)02/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[ER03600(FM)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER03700(FM)01/96]
The Conventional Spare Tire
*
[ER03800(F )02/96]
If you have the conventional spare tire, you can
use it as a spare or as a regular tire. This spare
tire is identical to the other tires that come with
your vehicle, although the wheel may not match.
*
[ER04000(F )05/96]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
*
[ER04100(F )01/96]
Extended use of other than matching size spare
tires on a Traction-Lok 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.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com

246
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[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
ProCarManuals.com

248 % [ER16600(FM)04/96]
quarter page art:0020319-CLug nut tightening sequence
*
[ER16700(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Never use wheels or lug nuts different
than the original equipment as this could
damage the wheel or mounting system.
This damage could allow the wheels to
come off while the vehicle is being
driven.
*
[ER16900(F )01/96]
7. Replace any wheel covers, ornaments, or hub
caps that your vehicle has. Make sure that
they are screwed or snapped into place.
[ER17100(F )01/96]
8. Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. (Make
sure jack is securely fastened so it doesn't
rattle when you drive.) The carrier is
designed to hold the temporary spare which
comes with your vehicle. The stowage of a
full size tire in the spare tire carrier may
damage the tire or the vehicle. The flat full
size tire should be stowed securely in the
vehicle until it can be repaired.
*
[ER17400(F )03/96]
9. Unblock the wheels.
[ER17700(F )04/96]
On vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels
retighten the wheel lug nuts to the specified
torque at 100 miles (160 km), and again at 500
miles (800 km) of new vehicle operation and at
the intervals specified in theMaintenance Schedule
and Recordbooklet.
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com

287 %
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[MC23800(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[MC23850(FM)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[MC23900(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
%
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[MC24900(FM)01/96]
Tires
%*
[MC25400(FM)03/96]
Checking Tire Pressure
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[MC25410(FM)02/96]
q
Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
*
[MC25420(FM)02/96]
q
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold,
after the vehicle has been parked for at least
one hour or has been driven less than 3 miles
(5 km).
*
[MC25430(FM)03/96]
q
Adjust tire pressure to recommended
specifications found on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[MC25500(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

291
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[MC27430(FM)01/96]
Traction A B C
*
[MC27440(FM)01/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
*
[MC27460(FM)01/96]
Temperature A B C
[MC27470(FM)03/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature
grade for this is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

301 %
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[MC37400(F )01/96]
Comparisons With Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and Transport
Canada (TC) Fuel Economy Estimates
[MC37600(F )04/96]
NOTE: There are no EPA fuel economy
estimates for vehicles over 8500 lbs.
(3,855 kg) GVW.
%*
[MC37700(FM)01/96]
Improving Fuel Economy
*
[MC37800(FM)01/96]
Fuel economy is affected by a number of
variables which can reduce efficiency. You can
improve fuel economy by understanding these
variables and minimizing their effect.
*
[MC37900(FM)01/96]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[MC38000(FM)01/96]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[MC38100(FM)01/96]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[MC38200(FM)01/96]
q
Sudden stops
*
[MC38300(FM)01/96]
q
Excessive speed
*
[MC38400(FM)01/96]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[MC38500(FM)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC38600(FM)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[MC38700(FM)01/96]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[MC38900(F )01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com