Page 146 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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
lub FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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
lub](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-145.png)
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
Page 279 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 l FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 l](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-278.png)
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
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ProCarManuals.com
Page 280 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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, un FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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, un](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-279.png)
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
Page 361 of 377

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
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Page 371 of 377

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