1997 FORD F250 warning lights

15
%*
[IS01700(FM)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[IS01800(FM)01/96]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
%*
[IS02600(FM)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
[IS02800(F )04/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show three
things Ð that either the parking brake is not
fully released, that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir or the vacuum
pressure is low on diesel engine vehicles. If the
fluid level is low, the brake system should be
checked by a qualified service technician.
*
[IS02900(FM)03/96]
This light illuminates when you turn the ignition
key to START to verify that the indicator bulb is
working. If the light stays on or illuminates after
you have released the parking brake fully, have
the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[IS03000(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
[IS03100(FM)04/96]
one inch art:0020044-A
Brake warning light
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
ProCarManuals.com

16 %
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[IS03200(F )03/96]
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
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[IS03300(F )04/96]
To check the ABS brake warning light turn the
ignition key to ON. The ABS brake warning
light should glow momentarily.
*
[IS03400(F )03/96]
NOTE: If it does not glow momentarily, have
your vehicle's electrical system checked
immediately.
[IS03500(F )04/96]
NOTE: If the ABS brake warning light begins
to flash in a repeatable flash sequence,
check the rear anti-lock system
continuous power fuse and brake lights
for proper operation.
[IS03600(F )04/96]
one inch art:0020913-B
Antilock warning light
*
[IS03700(F )03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
*
[IS03800(F )03/96]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
File:03ltisf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:40:24 1996
ProCarManuals.com

64
*
[CF15400(FM)01/96]
NOTE: You may notice that the lights flicker
when the vehicle is turned on or off.
This is a normal condition.
*
[CF15500(F )03/96]
RWARNING
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system
will not illuminate the tail lamps and
parking lamps. Turn on your headlamps
at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a
collision.
%*
[CF15600(F )03/96]
Lighting Up the Instrument Panel and the
Interior of Your Vehicle
*
[CF15700(F )03/96]
The instrument panel lights can be turned on by
pulling the headlamp switch toward you to
either the first or outer position. You can
brighten or dim the instrument panel lights by
rotating the headlamp switch knob.
% [CF15800(F )04/96]
Cargo, Courtesy and Dome Lamps
[CF16400(F )04/96]
The interior/courtesy lamp is automatically
turned on when the driver or passenger door is
opened. Turning the headlamp switch fully
counterclockwise will operate the interior lamp
when the doors are closed.
[CF16500(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020695-A
Interior/Courtesy lamp
File:05ltcff.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:42:43 1996
ProCarManuals.com

65 %
*
[CF16600(F )03/96]
Combination Cargo and High-Mount
Brakelamp
[CF16700(F )04/96]
The combination cargo/high-mount brakelamp is
located outside the vehicle, directly over the rear
window. Use the headlamp control switch to
turn on the cargo lamp and interior courtesy
lights.
[CF16800(F )01/96]
A high-mount brakelamp feed is provided in the
taillamp wiring, in the event an aftermarket cap
is installed on the vehicle obscuring the
cargo/high-mount brakelamp on the cab. The
feed is located at the left rear of the vehicle,
behind the bumper and is marked with a white
tag ªcenter high-mount stop lamp.º
[CF16900(F )04/96]
quarter page art:0020902-B
Cargo/High-mount brakelamp
*
[CF17100(F )03/96]
RWARNING
Do not drive your vehicle with the
cargo/courtesy light on. Showing a white
light to the rear while driving on public
roads is illegal in some places.
File:05ltcff.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:42:43 1996
ProCarManuals.com

67
*
[CF24100(FM)01/96]
Ignition
%*
[CF24110(FM)01/96]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
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[CF24120(FM)01/96]
quarter page art:0020004-B
The positions of the key in the ignition lock cylinder.
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[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

138
[TO01000(FM)01/96]
Starting your vehicle
%*
[TO01100(FM)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[TO01200(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO01300(FM)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[TO01400(F )01/96]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
*
[TO01600(FM)01/96]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
*
[TO01700(F )01/96]
3.If you have an automatic transmission,
make sure that the gearshift lever is in P
(Park) and the parking brake is set before
you turn the key.
*
[TO01900(F )01/96]
4.If you have a manual transmission,make
sure that the parking brake is fully set, push
the clutch pedal to the floor, and put the
gearshift into Neutral before you turn the
key. (Remember, the starter will operate only
if the clutch pedal is pushed in all the way).
%*
[TO02000(F )01/96]
Testing the Warning Lights
*
[TO02100(F )02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
[TO02200(F )04/96]
If your Brake Warning Light does light up with
the key in the ON position, you may not have
fully released the parking brake or the brake
fluid may be low.
File:08lttof.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:44:45 1996
ProCarManuals.com

211 [GF22120(FM)01/96]
Trailer lamps
*
[GF22130(FM)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
[GF22150(F )01/96]
Your vehicle has been equipped for use with a
4-wire trailer tow electrical system (running
lamps, right hand stop/turn, left hand
stop/turn, and ground).
*
[GF22160(F )01/96]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring
provides two circuits (right hand and left hand)
to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357)
on the trailer. Never add more than one trailer
light bulb to one circuit.
[GF22170(F )01/96]
A wire harness (Ford part number
F5TB-13A576-A) has been provided that connects
to the frame wire harness at the rear of the
vehicle and is compatible with most 4-wire
trailer tow electrical systems.
[GF22180(F )01/96]
Always check trailer and vehicle functions (i.e.,
stop/turn signal, and running lights) before
operating your vehicle and trailer.
[GF22190(F )01/96]
If your vehicle fails to function properly, do not
operate your vehicle and trailer until corrections
are made.
*
[GF22200(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

224
*
[ER00250(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
*
[ER00252(FM)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ER00255(FM)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ER00260(FM)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ER00265(FM)01/96]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
*
[ER00270(F )01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[ER00280(FM)03/96]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ER00285(FM)03/96]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving your vehicle.
[ER00290(FM)03/96]
quarter page art:0020107-A
Reset button for fuel pump shut-off switch
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com