![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 15
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The Mechanical Cluster
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The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible p FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 15
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[IS01700(FM)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
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[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 p](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-16.png)
15
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[IS01700(FM)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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
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![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 posit FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 posit](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-63.png)
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
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[CF14800(FM)03/96]
Daytime Running Light System
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[CF14900(FM)03/96]
(Canadian vehicles only)
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[CF15000(FM)03/96]
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system turns
the high beam headlamps on, with a reduced
light output, when:
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[CF15100(FM)03/96]
q
The headlamp system is in the OFF position,
and
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[CF15200(FM)01/96]
q
The vehicle is running, and
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[CF15300(FM)03/96]
q
The vehicle has a fully released parking
brake.
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![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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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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![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 69 %
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[CF24260(F )03/96]
Ignition Key Buzzer or Chime
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[CF24270(F )05/96]
The buzzer or chime will sound if you open the
drivers door while the key is in the ignition and
in the OFF, LOCK, or ACCES FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 69 %
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[CF24260(F )03/96]
Ignition Key Buzzer or Chime
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[CF24270(F )05/96]
The buzzer or chime will sound if you open the
drivers door while the key is in the ignition and
in the OFF, LOCK, or ACCES](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-69.png)
69 %
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Ignition Key Buzzer or Chime
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[CF24270(F )05/96]
The buzzer or chime will sound if you open the
driver's door while the key is in the ignition and
in the OFF, LOCK, or ACCESSORY position.
Never leave your vehicle unattended with the
key in the ignition.
%*
[CF24280(FM)03/96]
Removing the Key From the Ignition
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[CF24290(F )03/96]
Procedures for removing your key from the
ignition will vary, depending on the type of
gearshift your vehicle has. Gearshift levers may
be mounted on the steering column or on the
floor or console.
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[CF24300(F )03/96]
If you have a manual transmission, you have a
key release lever which allows you to remove
your key from the ignition. The key release lever
is on the upper right of the steering column, just
above the key lock cylinder. The lever says
PUSH.
[CF24310(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020833-A
Key release lever
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[CF24330(F )03/96]
If your vehicle's gearshift lever is mounted
on the column:
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[CF24350(FM)03/96]
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).
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[CF24360(FM)03/96]
2. Set the parking brake fully before removing
your foot from the service brake. (This will
avoid ªbindingº or ªloadingº the park gear
if you park on a grade.)
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[CF24370(FM)03/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
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[CF24380(FM)03/96]
4. Remove the key.
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![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 70
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If your vehicles gearshift lever is mounted
on the floor:
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1. Put the gearshift in 1 (First).
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[CF24410(F )03/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
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[CF24 FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 70
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[CF24390(F )03/96]
If your vehicles gearshift lever is mounted
on the floor:
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[CF24400(F )03/96]
1. Put the gearshift in 1 (First).
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[CF24410(F )03/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
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[CF24](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-70.png)
70
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[CF24390(F )03/96]
If your vehicle's gearshift lever is mounted
on the floor:
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1. Put the gearshift in 1 (First).
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[CF24410(F )03/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
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3. Set the parking brake fully before removing
your foot from the service brake.
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[CF24430(F )03/96]
4. Push and hold in the key release button.
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5. Turn the key to LOCK.
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6. Remove the key.
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[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).
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[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.
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[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.
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[CF24500(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets unattended in your vehicle.
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![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 137
Starting
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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
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[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
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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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![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 138
[TO01000(FM)01/96]
Starting your vehicle
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Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
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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
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[TO01100(FM)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
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[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
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Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
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[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.
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[TO01300(FM)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
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[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.
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[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.
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[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).
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[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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![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 140 %
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For a warm engine:
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[TO03500(FM)01/96]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seco FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 140 %
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[TO03400(FM)01/96]
For a warm engine:
*
[TO03500(FM)01/96]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seco](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-138.png)
140 %
*
[TO03400(FM)01/96]
For a warm engine:
*
[TO03500(FM)01/96]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.
*
[TO03600(FM)01/96]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
*
[TO03700(FM)01/96]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.
%*
[TO03800(FM)05/96]
NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with a
brake-shift interlock feature. This
feature prevents you from shifting
from P (Park) unless you have the
brake pedal depressed. (The ignition
must be in the ON position.) If you
cannot shift from P (Park) with the
brake pedal depressed:
*
[TO03900(FM)05/96]
1. Apply the parking brake.
*
[TO04000(FM)05/96]
2. Remove the key.
*
[TO04100(F )05/96]
3. Insert the key and rotate it one position
clockwise (ignition in the OFF position).
*
[TO04200(FM)05/96]
4. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral). (If the vehicle is shifted back to P
[Park], you must repeat the previous steps.)
*
[TO04300(FM)05/96]
5. Start the vehicle.
File:08lttof.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:44:45 1996
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