1997 FORD F250 steering wheel

67
*
[CF24100(FM)01/96]
Ignition
%*
[CF24110(FM)01/96]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
*
[CF24120(FM)01/96]
quarter page art:0020004-B
The positions of the key in the ignition lock cylinder.
*
[CF24130(FM)01/96]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
*
[CF24140(FM)01/96]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
*
[CF24150(FM)01/96]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transmission gearshift lever.
[CF24160(F )03/96]
LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
gearshift if your vehicle's gearshift is on the
column.
File:05ltcff.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:42:43 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
File:05ltcff.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:42:43 1996
ProCarManuals.com

76
%*
[CF31400(F )03/96]
Tilt Steering (If equipped)
*
[CF31600(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Never adjust the steering wheel when the
vehicle is moving.
[CF31700(F )04/96]
one third page art:0020089-C
Turn signal and tilt release wheel lever
*
[CF31900(FM)01/96]
To change the position of the steering
column/wheel, pull the release lever on the
column toward you. Tip the steering wheel to
the desired position. Release the lever to lock the
steering wheel in place.
*
[CF32000(FM)01/96]
Be sure the steering wheel locks in a notch. It is
not infinitely adjustable. Do not adjust the
steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion.
%
*
[CF32100(F )03/96]
Speed Control (If equipped)
[CF32600(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020093-B
The speed control switches
File:05ltcff.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:42:43 1996
ProCarManuals.com

139 %
*
[TO02300(FM)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
*
[TO02400(FM)01/96]
To start your engine:
*
[TO02500(FM)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
*
[TO02600(FM)01/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[TO02700(FM)01/96]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
*
[TO02800(FM)01/96]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
*
[TO02900(FM)01/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
%*
[TO03000(FM)01/96]
For a cold engine:
*
[TO03100(FM)01/96]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
*
[TO03200(FM)01/96]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
*
[TO03300(FM)01/96]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfifteen (15) secondsat a time.
File:08lttof.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:44:45 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
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

172 [GF18000(F )04/96]NOTE: Dash mounted four wheel drive
indicator lights are off when your
vehicle is in neutral.
*
[GF18050(F )01/96]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L,
stop the vehicle and engage the parking brake.
Place the automatic transmission into N
(Neutral) or depress the clutch on manual
transmission vehicles. Push the transfer case shift
lever to the desired position. If it is difficult to
shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be necessary to
let the vehicle roll slightly and/or turn off the
engine (particularly on vehicles equipped with
automatic transmissions).
% [GF19350(F )04/96]Driving Off Road with 4-Wheel
Drive
[GF19400(F )04/96]
Most vehicles with four-wheel drive are
especially equipped for driving on sand, snow,
mud, or rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat different from
conventional vehicles, both off and on the road.
The driving tips below will help you learn to
use four-wheel drive.
[GF19450(F )04/96]
q
Do not use 4WD LOW on dry, hard-surfaced
roads.
*
[GF19500(F )01/96]
q
Special maintenance procedures are necessary
after operating with drive components in
water.
*
[GF19550(F )01/96]
q
Manual locking hubs must be in LOCK
position before shifting into four-wheel drive.
[GF19600(F )04/96]
When using four-wheel drive, maintain steering
wheel control at all times, especially in rough
terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can
result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make
sure you grip the steering wheel rim from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

173
*
[GF19650(F )01/96]
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from
concealed objects such as rocks and stumps.
Know the terrain or examine maps of the area in
question before driving. Map out your route
beforehand. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all four
tires on the ground, and they must be rolling,
not sliding or spinning.
[GF19700(F )04/96]
Transmission upshift in 4x4 with transfer case in
4L may be quite firm due to large total gear
reduction. This condition is normal.
*
[GF19750(F )01/96]
Sand
*
[GF19800(F )01/96]
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels of the vehicle on the most solid area of
the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but
shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning the wheels.
*
[GF19850(F )01/96]
Mud and Water
*
[GF19900(F )01/96]
When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom of
the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
*
[GF19950(F )01/96]
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as
dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly, while applying light
pressure on the brake pedal.
*
[GF20000(F )01/96]
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess
mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts
causes an imbalance which could damage drive
components.
*
[GF20050(F )03/96]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is
submerged in water, their fluids should
be checked and changed, if necessary.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com