1997 FORD F250 power steering

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

151
%*
[GF05200(FM)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300(FM)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05350(FM)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[GF05400(FM)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[GF05450(FM)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, sliding into
curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the
steering wheel alignment. If the spokes
of the steering wheel seem to be in a
different position while going straight
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
% [GF07425(F )04/96]Automatic Transmission
Operation (E4OD)
[GF07475(F )04/96]
The E4OD transmission is an electronically
controlled four speed automatic transmission
with overdrive. Transmission operation is
controlled by the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM).
[GF07525(FM)04/96]
The PCM will automatically adjust transmission
operation to make up for varying conditions.
Several sensors located on the engine and
transmission such as Throttle Position, Engine
Speed, Vehicle Speed and Transmission
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

174 [GF20055(F )05/96]NOTE: Change rear axle lubricant if the axle
has been submerged in water.
[GF20100(F )04/96]
NOTE: Refer to the Diesel Engine Owner's
Guide Supplement for driving through
deep water information.
%
*
[GF20150(F )01/96]
Additional Special Driving
Instructions for 4-Wheel Drive
Vehicle Operators
*
[GF20250(F )01/96]
Driving on Hill or Slope Terrain
[GF20300(F )04/96]
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise
or turning on steep slopes, you could lose
traction and slip sideways. Drive straight up,
straight down or avoid the hill completely.
Know the conditions on the other side of a hill
before driving over the crest.
*
[GF20350(F )01/96]
When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear,
rather than finding it necessary to downshift
from a higher gear after the ascent has started.
This reduces strain on the engine and the
possibility of stalling.
*
[GF20400(F )01/96]
When descending a steep hill avoid sudden
braking. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will
help slow the vehicle and still maintain steering
control.
*
[GF20450(F )01/96]
Driving on Snow or Ice
[GF20500(F )04/96]
A four-wheel drive vehicle has advantages over
two-wheel drive vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle. If so equipped,
keep the vehicle in four-wheel drive if icy or
slippery conditions exist.
*
[GF20550(F )01/96]
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick
changes of direction on snow or ice. Apply the
accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

280
%*
[MC18300(FM)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC18350(FM)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
*
[MC18400(FM)01/96]
To check the level of your power steering fluid:
*
[MC18450(FM)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC18500(FM)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC18550(F )01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[MC18650(FM)01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[MC18700(FM)01/96]
one third page art:0021016-B
Power steering dipstick
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

281
*
[MC18800(F )01/96]
quarter page art:0020386-B
Power steering reservoir
*
[MC19050(FM)01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
*
[MC19060(FM)03/96]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
*
[MC19070(FM)03/96]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
[MC19100(F )05/96]
Use only MERCONHAutomatic Transmission
Fluid.
*
[MC19250(FM)01/96]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[MC19400(FM)01/96]
NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel of your
vehicle with the engine off. It could
force power steering fluid out from the
reservoir cap or in extreme cases, it
could unseat the cap.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

372 Index
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 337
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........337, 344
D
Daytime running light system....... 63
Defects, reporting............ 333
Dipstick................ 265
automatic transmission fluid....282, 284
engine oil.............. 265
power steering fluid.......... 280
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 254
Dispute Settlement Board........ 338
Doors.................. 82
lubricant specifications......... 324
Driveline universal joint and slip yoke . . 271
Driving under special conditions..... 218
bad weather............. 219
heavy load.............. 175
high speed.............. 219
high water.............. 221
slippery roads............ 219
tips for safe driving.......... 218
Dual fuel tank selector switch....... 62
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 235
fuses...............225, 234
operating when the engine is off..... 68
power point outlet........... 66
Electronic AM radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 50
Electronic radio with cassette
(see Electronic sound system)...... 42
Electronic sound system
accessory delay............. 68
tuning the radio........ 29,44,51
warranty and service information..... 56
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com

382 Index
Power features
door locks............... 84
lumbar support............ 106
mirrors............... 79,81
seats................. 105
windows..............84±85
Power point electrical outlet........ 66
Power steering
dipstick............... 280
driving with power steering...... 151
fluid, checking and adding....... 280
fluid, refill capacity.......... 318
fluid, specifications.......... 324
servicing............... 151
Prop rod, hood............. 260
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems).... 27
Rear anti-lock brakes........... 146
description.............. 146
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 324
refill capacity............. 318
traction lok.............. 220
Rear window............... 84
washer reservoir........... 271
Refill capacities for fluids........ 318
Regulations, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration............ 333
Remote entry system............ 89
illuminated entry............ 92
locking/unlocking doors......... 89
panic alarm............... 90
replacement/additional transmitters.... 92
replacing the batteries.......... 91
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com

Index 385
Spark plugs, specifications........ 317
Special driving conditions........ 218
Special notice
ambulance conversions......... 6
diesel-powered vehicles......... 7
four wheel drive vehicles........ 5
Special Notice:four-wheel drive vehicles . . 174
Specification chart, lubricants....... 324
Speed control
turning off............... 77
when towing a trailer......... 212
Speedometer............... 23
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle..... 138
starting a cold engine......... 139
starting after a collision........ 223
starting a warm engine........ 140
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 249
Steering, power............. 151
Steering wheel
horn.................. 75
locking................ 67
tilting................. 76
Storage compartments, center console.... 87
Storing your vehicle........... 330
T
Tailgate................. 82
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 307
cleaning............... 314
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 57
Testing the warning lights........ 138
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints)......... 133
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com