1997 FORD F250 tires

23 %
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[IS11100(FM)03/96]
Speedometer
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[IS11200(FM)03/96]
The speedometer tells you how many miles
(kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.
*
[IS11300(F )03/96]
Your vehicle contains a speedometer which
receives its input from the Anti-Lock brake
sensor. The speedometer is also used to provide
a speed signal for correct operation of the
vehicle's Powertrain Control Module (PCM),
electronic transmission, and speed control (if so
equipped). Because of this, it is very
IMPORTANT to change the speedometer's
internal conversion constant if the size of the
tires on the vehicle is changed. Changing the
conversion constant to the proper value when
the tires are changed will also ensure that the
speedometer retains the original factory-set
accuracy.
*
[IS11500(F )03/96]
Some vehicles are equipped with a vehicle speed
(mph/km/h) limiting device that is contained
within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The purpose of this device is to maintain peak
vehicle speed below a specified limit. (Vehicle
speed limits may vary based on engine
displacement.)
*
[IS11600(F )03/96]
If you are experiencing an ªengine cut-outº
condition at high speeds, it may be the result of
this limiting device. It is a normal condition and
can be avoided by reducing vehicle/engine
speed.
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
ProCarManuals.com

173
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[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
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[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
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[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

175
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[GF20600(F )01/96]
All utility-type and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
have special design and equipment features to
make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them higher centers of
gravity than ordinary passenger cars.
*
[GF20650(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are
NOT designed for cornering at speeds as
high as passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles.
%
*
[GF20700(F )01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF20710(F )01/96]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
*
[GF20715(F )01/96]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limits than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
*
[GF20720(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

177
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[GF20750(F )01/96]
one third page art:0020774-A
Cargo tie-down bars - Flareside pickup box
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[GF20770(F )05/96]
Trailer Towing
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[GF20772(FM)03/96]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[GF20775(FM)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
[GF20780(F )01/96]
If your trailer is equipped with electric brakes,
auxiliary battery, or back-up lamps, the optional
7 wire trailer towing electrical hook-up will be
required on the vehicle.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

182 %
*
[GF21020(FM)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[GF21030(FM)01/96]
To avoid overloading a vehicle, the owner
should observe the manufacturer's specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The GVWR is the
maximum total weight of base vehicle,
passengers, optional components and cargo that
a particular vehicle was designed to carry.
%*
[GF21040(FM)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF21050(FM)01/96]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded
down in the rear and riding high in the front.
This is a dangerous condition that usually means
that the rear suspension components are under
severe strain and that vehicle handling is
impaired. There is more to carrying a load than
just payload or GVWR.
*
[GF21060(FM)01/96]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not
only gives the GVWR, it also gives the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) which is the
carrying capacity for each axle system. For
trucks, the rear axle will be designed to carry
more weight than the front.
*
[GF21070(FM)01/96]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of
thelowest ratedaxle and suspension component
as well as other factors. This is why it's so
important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and
can lead to shortened service life or outright
failure.
*
[GF21080(FM)01/96]
The capacity of the tires is included as part of
the axle and suspension system, which is to be
considered when determining the lowest rated
component. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific maximum tire
pressure.
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

220
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[GF24190(F )01/96]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into Low with the
automatic transmission when moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into First with the manual
transmission when moving faster than
5 mph (8 km/h).
[GF24210(F )04/96]
RWARNING
The rear antilock brake system may not
prevent brake lock-up on extremely
slippery surfaces. Rear brake lock-up may
also occur while driving in four-wheel
drive because the transfer case couples the
front and rear axles together.
%
*
[GF24230(F )03/96]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[GF24240(F )03/96]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor traction.
*
[GF24250(F )03/96]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear 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.
*
[GF24260(F )05/96]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

222 [GF24350(FM)04/96]Rocking the vehicle
[GF24360(F )04/96]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD LOW, when the
vehicle gets stuck and try to drive away.
[GF24370(FM)04/96]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may rock it out of the spot. Shift
in a steady rhythm between forward and reverse
gears. Allow the transmission to fully engage,
then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock
the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This
may overheat the engine and transmission,
causing damage to both. In addition, other
vehicle systems and components may also be
damaged.
*
[GF24380(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com