Page 174 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 Owners
Guide Supplement for driving through
deep wa FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 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 Owners
Guide Supplement for driving through
deep wa](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-173.png)
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
Page 220 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 220
*
[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 F FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 220
*
[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 F](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-219.png)
220
*
[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
Page 290 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 291
*
[MC27430(FM)01/96]
Traction A B C
*
[MC27440(FM)01/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tires ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured und FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 291
*
[MC27430(FM)01/96]
Traction A B C
*
[MC27440(FM)01/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tires ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured und](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-289.png)
291
*
[MC27430(FM)01/96]
Traction A B C
*
[MC27440(FM)01/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
*
[MC27460(FM)01/96]
Temperature A B C
[MC27470(FM)03/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature
grade for this is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 291 of 377
![FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 292
*
[MC27480(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
v FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual 292
*
[MC27480(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
v](/manual-img/11/57800/w960_57800-290.png)
292
*
[MC27480(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
%*
[MC28000(F )01/96]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[MC28050(F )03/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[MC28100(F )01/96]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[MC28150(F )01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[MC28200(F )01/96]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
*
[MC28250(F )01/96]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC28300(F )01/96]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 375 of 377

386 Index
Tilt steering wheel............. 76
Tires.................. 287
changing............... 236
checking the pressure......... 287
cleaning............... 315
inspection and maintenance...... 287
replacing............... 289
rotating............... 288
snow tires and chains......... 292
spare tire.............236±237
storing your vehicle.......... 332
tire grades............289±290
treadwear............289±290
wear bands.............. 289
Towing your vehicle........... 254
using wheel dollies.......... 254
with a tow truck........... 254
Traction control............. 220
Traction-lok rear axle.......... 220
Trailer towing
calculating maximum trailer weight . . . 184
tips................. 212
Transfer case
fluid checking............ 285
lever operated............ 164
Transmission
automatic operation.......... 152
fluid, checking and adding (automatic) . 283
fluid, checking and adding (manual) . . 285
fluid, refill capacities......... 318
lubricant specifications......... 324
manual operation........... 158
File:ltixf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:56:20 1996
ProCarManuals.com