Ford F-250 Light-Duty 1997 Owner's Manual
Contents
Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 5
Controls and features 18
Seating and safety restraints 53
Starting and driving
Starting 83
Driving 91
Roadside emergencies 135
Servicing
Maintenance and care 154
Capacities and specifications 213
Reporting safety defects 220
Index 221
1
Introduction
ICONS
Indicates a warning. Read the
following section on Warnings for
a full explanation of them.
Indicates that vehicle information
related to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials
are significant steps towards this
aim.
WARNINGS
How can you reduce the risk of
personal injury and prevent
possible damage to others, your
vehicle and its equipment?
In this owner’s guide, answers to
such questions are contained in
comments highlighted by the
warning triangle symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in
rules for your vehicle. Simply avoid
driving too briskly during the first
1,600 km (1,000 miles) of driving.
Vary speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts
a chance to break in.
If possible, you should avoid full
use of the brakes for the first
1,600 km (1,000 miles).
From 1,600 km (1,000 miles)
onwards you can gradually
2
increase the performance of your
vehicle up to the permitted
maximum speeds.
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS
GUIDE
The information found in this
guide was in effect at the time of
printing. Ford may change the
contents without notice and
without incurring obligation.
Notice to owners of utility type
vehicles
Before you drive your vehicle,
please read this Owner’s Guide
carefully. Your vehicle is not a
passenger car. As with other
vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control or an
accident.
Be sure to read Driving off road
in the Driving chapter as well as
the “Four Wheeling” supplement
included with 4WD and utility type
vehicles.
Introduction
Using your vehicle with a
snowplow
For more information and
guidelines for using your vehicle
with a snowplow, refer to the
Driving chapter.
Using your light truck as an
ambulance
Do not use this vehicle as
an ambulance.
3
Introduction
Your vehicle is not equipped with
the Ford Ambulance Preparation
package.
4
Instrumentation
Engine oil
pressure gauge
(pg. 16)
Charging
system
gauge
(pg. 16)
Engine
coolant
temperature
gauge
(pg. 15)
Fuel gauge
(pg. 15)
Speedometer
(pg. 14)
Speed control*
(pg. 33)
Tachometer*
Transmission
control switch
(pg. 38)
(pg. 15)
Headlamp
control
(pg. 18)
50
50
F
F
H
H
E
E
L
L
H
H
18
18
C
C
8
8
INT 2
INT 1
OFF
PANEL
P
AUTO
DIM
LAMP
ON
OFF
60
60
40
40
80
80
60
60
100
100
70
70
30
30
120
120
40
40
000005
000005
80
80
20
20
140
140
20 km/h
20 km/h
90
90
SRS
3
3
2
2
4
4
1
1
5
5
6
6
RES
SET
ACCEL
COAST
OVERDRIVE OFF
Turn signal and
wiper/washer control
(pg. 36)
Driver air bag
(pg. 66)
Instrument panel
dimmer switch
(pg. 20)
6
Instrumentation
4H
2H
Vents
(pg. 25)
4L
VOL – PUSH ON
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS
REW
1
Electronic sound system
(pg. 22)
CLK
BASSTREB
SCAN
FF
2
HI
EJ
SIDE 1-2
FM 1
3
AM
FM
LO
ST
BAL FADE
AUTO
SET
DOLBY SYSTEM
TAPE CD
COMP5SHUFFLE
4
WARMCOOL
6
OFF
PANEL &
PANEL
FLOOR
*A/C
FLOOR
FLR
*MAX
& DEF
A/C
DEF
PASSENGER AIRBAG
ON
OFF
OFF
* if equipped
Auxiliary
power point
(pg. 22)
4WD Control*
(pg. 110)
Climate
controls
(pg. 25)
Passenger air
bag deactivate
switch
(pg. 71)
7
Instrumentation
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
WARNING LIGHTS AND
CHIMES
Your vehicle is equipped with one
of the following instrument
clusters:
LOW
LOW
FUEL
FUEL
H
H
30
30
20
20
20 km/h
20 km/h
10
10
MPH
MPH
0
0
F
F
30
30
20
20
20 km/h
20 km/h
10
10
0
0
BRAKE
BRAKE
C
DOOR
DOOR
AJAR
AJAR
!
L
L
DOOR
AJAR
!
8
8
C
F
F
E
E
CHECK
ENGINE
LOW
LOW
FUEL
FUEL
H
H
E
E
H
18
18
H
C
C
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
50
50
60
60
000005
000005
0010
0010
50
50
60
60
000005
000005
0010
0010
60
60
80
80
100
100
70
70
120
120
80
80
140
140
90
90
180
180
100
100
60
60
80
80
100
100
70
70
120
120
80
80
140
140
90
90
100
100
H
1
1
0
0
L
2
2
THEFT
THEFT
RPMx1000
RPMx1000
CHECK
ENGINE
18
8
LOW
LOW
RANGE
RANGE
FUEL
ABS
3
3
ABS
ABS
RESET
4x4
RESET
4
4
5
5
6
6
LOW
FUEL
RANGE
4x4
Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel level is
low.
8
LOW
FUEL
Engine coolant temperature
Illuminates briefly when the
ignition key is turned to On (light
from optional cluster shown).
Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the engine and check the engine
coolant temperature level as soon
as possible. Refer to Checking
and adding engine coolant and
What you should know about
fail-safe cooling in the
Maintenance and care section.
Oil pressure
Illuminates briefly when the
ignition key is turned to On (light
from base cluster shown).
Illuminates when the oil pressure
is low. Stop the engine and check
the engine oil level as soon as
possible. Refer to Checking and
adding engine oil in the
Maintenance and care section.
Instrumentation
Door ajar
Illuminates when the ignition
switch is in the ON or START
position and any door is open.
Charging system
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
DOOR
AJAR
9
Instrumentation
Brake system warning
Extinguishes when the parking
brake is released. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake
indicates low brake fluid level.
Safety belt
Illuminates when the ignition is
switched on to remind you to
fasten your safety belts. For more
information, refer to Using the
safety restraints properly in the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Air bag readiness
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned to On. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to
flash or remains on, have the
system serviced. For more
information, refer to
Supplemental restraints system
(SRS) in the Seating and safety
restraints chapter.
BRAKE
!
Check engine warning light
This light illuminates when the
engine’s Emission Control System
requires service. It will also
illuminate when the ignition key is
in the On position and the engine
is off. Refer to What you should
know about the on-board
diagnostic (OBD II) system in the
Maintenance and care chapter.
10
CHECK
ENGINE
Transmission control indicator
light (TCIL)
The TCIL (OFF), located on the
end of the gearshift lever, may
flash steadily if a malfunction has
been detected. If the TCIL is
flashing, contact your Ford dealer
as soon as possible. If this
condition persists, damage to the
transmission could occur.
For more information, refer to the
Driving chapter.
4x4 light (if equipped)
Illuminates when 4H (Four-Wheel
Drive) or 4L (Four-Wheel Drive
Low) is engaged.
4x4 low range (if equipped)
Illuminates when 4L (Four-Wheel
Drive Low) is engaged.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the
engine is off. If the light stays on
or continues to flash, the ABS
needs to be serviced.
Instrumentation
OVERDRIVE OFF
4x4
LOW
RANGE
ABS
Fuel reset
Illuminates when the ignition key
is turned to the ON position and
the fuel pump shut-off switch has
been triggered. For more
information, refer to Fuel pump
shut-off switch in the Roadside
emergencies chapter.
FUEL
RESET
11
Instrumentation
Anti-theft system (if equipped)
Illuminates when the anti-theft
system is arming and flashes when
the anti-theft system is armed.
High beams
Illuminates when the headlamp
high beams are on.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on.
LOW
FUEL
BRAKE
H
DOOR
AJAR
!
C
F
E
CHECK
ENGINE
10
20
0
30
20 km/h
40
MPH
MPH
40
50
60
000005
0010
THEFT
60
80
100
70
120
80
140
90
180
100
H
L
18
8
ABS
LOW
BRAKE
FUEL
H
L
!
18
8
F
E
H
C
Testing warning lights
Turn the ignition key to On
without starting the vehicle. The
12
10
20
0
30
20 km/h
40
40
MPH
50
60
000005
0010
60
80
100
70
120
180
140
100
80
90
1
0
RPMx1000
3
2
4
5
ABS
6
CHECK
ENGINE
warning and indicator lights shown
above will illiminate for a brief
time. If any of these lights do not
illuminate, contact your dealer for
service.
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps are
on, the key is out of the ignition
and any door is opened.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition and any door is opened.
The chime is not active when the
ignition key is in the On position.
Safety belt warning chime
For information on the safety belt
warning chime, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) warning chime
For information on the SRS
warning chime, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Instrumentation
13
Instrumentation
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
GAUGES
Your vehicle has one of the
following instrument clusters:
H
C
F
EFE
F
H
H
L
L
18
18
8
8
F
E
E
H
H
C
C
10
20
0
10
10
20
20
0
0
30
20 km/h
30
30
40
40
40
40
20 km/h
20 km/h
MPH
60
000005
40
40
60
60
50
80
0010
50
50
80
80
000005
0010
0010
60
60
60
100
70
120
80
140
90
180
100
100
100
70
70
120
120
80
80
140
140
90
90
180
180
100
100
H
1
1
0
0
L
2
2
THEFT
THEFT
RPMx1000
RPMx1000
18
8
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
Speedometer
Indicates the current vehicle road
speed.
14
20
10
0
30
20 km/h
20 km/h
40
40
MPH
MPH
40
40
50
50
60
60
000005
000005
0010
0010
60
80
80
100
100
70
120
120
80
140
140
90
180
180
100
Tachometer (if equipped)
Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute.
Instrumentation
2
3
4
Engine coolant temperature
gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal
operating temperature, the needle
remains within the normal area. If
it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Switch off
the ignition and let it cool. Refer to
Checking and adding engine
coolant or What you should know
about fail safe cooling in the
Maintenance and care chapter.
Fuel gauge
Indicates the fuel level.
1
RPMx1000
0
5
6
H
CHC
F
E
15
Instrumentation
Voltage gauge
If the pointer moves and stays
outside of the normal range, it
indicates that the battery is not
being charged. Have the vehicle’s
electrical system checked by your
dealer as soon as possible.
Engine oil pressure gauge
This shows the engine oil pressure
in the system. Sufficient pressure
exists as long as the needle
remains in the normal range. If the
gauge indicates constantly low
pressure at normal engine speed,
refer to Checking and adding
engine oil in the Maintenance
and care chapter. If the gauge
indicates a low pressure and the
engine oil level is correct, switch
off the engine immediately and
have your vehicle checked at your
dealer.
18
8188
H
LHL
Odometer
Registers the total kilometers
(mileage) of the vehicle.
16
20
10
0
30
20 km/h
20 km/h
40
40
MPH
MPH
40
40
60
60
50
50
60
80
80
000005
00000000005
0010
0010
100
100
70
120
120
5
80
140
140
90
180
180
100
Trip odometer
Registers the kilometers (miles) of
individual journeys. To reset,
depress the control.
10
Instrumentation
50
50
80
80
000005
000005
0010
001
60
100
100
0
20
0
30
40
40
40
40
20 km/h
20 km/h
MPH
MPH
60
60
120
120
140
140
180
180
70
80
90
100
17
Controls and features
Headlamp/foglamp control
This control operates the
headlamps and foglamps.
— Off
— Parking lamps on.
— Headlamps on.
P
PANEL
DIM
18
Foglamp control
The headlamp control also
operates the foglamps. The
foglamps can be turned on only
when the headlamps are in the
position.
Pull headlamp control towards you
to turn foglamps on. The foglamp
indicator light
(located to the
right of the control) will illuminate.
Daytime running lights
(Canadian vehicles only)
The daytime running light system
turns the headlamps on, with a
reduced light output, when:
• the vehicle is running
• the parking brake is released
• the headlamp system is in the
position.
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.
Controls and features
P
PANEL
DIM
19
Controls and features
Panel dimmer control
Turn control up to brighten panel.
Turn control down to dim panel.
Autolamp delay system (if
equipped)
The autolamp delay system sets
the headlamp to turn on and off
automatically. You can set the
autolamp to:
• turn on the exterior lamps
automatically at night.
• turn off the lamps automatically
during daylight.
• keep the lamps on for up to
P
PANEL
DIM
20
three minutes after you turn the
key to OFF.
1. Turn control up to increase
delay. The indicator light under the
autolamp control illuminates when
the autolamps are activated.
2. Turn control down to decrease
delay.
To turn autolamp system off, turn
control down all the way until a
click is felt.
Electronic shift 4WD system (if
equipped)
This controls the Electronic Shift
4WD operation. Refer to
Electronic Shift 4WD system in
the Driving chapter for more
information.
Controls and features
PANEL
AUTO
DIM
LAMP
4H
2H
4L
21
Controls and features
Auxiliary power point
This 12V power point is an
additional power source for
electrical accessories.
Do not plug optional electrical
accessories into the cigarette
lighter. Use the power point.
Passenger air bag deactivate
switch
This switch must be used to
deactivate the passenger air bag
whenever a child seat is used in
the right front or center front
passenger seat position. Refer to
Passenger air bag deactivate
switch in the Seating and safety
restraints chapter.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF
ON
OFF
Audio system
Refer to the “Audio Guide” in your
Owner’s Portfolio.
22
Fuel pump shut-off switch
Refer to the Roadside
emergencies chapter for
information on operating the fuel
pump shut-off switch.
Controls and features
23
Controls and features
Air suspension load leveling (if
equipped)
Your vehicle is equipped with an
air suspension system for the rear
suspension that levels your vehicle
when carrying heavy loads. Refer
to Air suspension load leveling
in the Driving chapter for more
information.
OFF
24
CLIMATE CONTROLS
Operating climate controls
Instrument panel vents
There are four vents on the
instrument panel. These vents are
equipped with controls to adjust
the amount and direction of air
passing through them.
Temperature
Turn temperature control to the
desired temperature.
Controls and features
WARMCOOL
25
Controls and features
Fan speed
Turn the fan speed control to the
desired speed.
Airflow and air conditioning (if
equipped)
Turn the mode control to the
desired airflow position.
Controlling airflow
Select PANEL for air to flow
through these vents:
LO
HI
OFF
PANEL
A/C
MAX
A/C
VOL – PUSH ON
SEEK
TUNE
DISCS
P
REW
1
LO
PANEL &
FLOOR
FLOOR
FLR
& DEF
DEF
CLK
ST
FM 1
AM
BALFADE
BASSTREB
FM
AUTO
SET
TAPECD
EJ
SCAN
DOLBY SYSTEM
FF
COMP
SHUFFLE
SIDE 1-2
2
5
6
4
3
OFF
A/C
*
MAX
*
HI
A/C
26
The PANEL position allows outside
air to flow through the instrument
panel vents.
Select PANEL & FLOOR for air to
flow through these vents:
The PANEL & FLOOR position
directs outside air to flow between
the panel and floor vents. The air
conditioning will function to
provide cooling and
dehumidification when the outside
temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
Select FLOOR for air to flow
through these vents:
Controls and features
VOL – PUSH ON
CLK
ST
FM 1
AM
BALFADE
BASSTREB
FM
AUTO
SET
SEEK
TAPECD
EJ
SCAN
DOLBY SYSTEM
TUNE
DISCS
FF
REW
COMP5SHUFFLE
P
P
SIDE 1-2
2
1
6
4
3
OFF
LO
A/C
*
MAX
*
HI
A/C
VOL – PUSH ON
CLK
ST
FM 1
AM
BALFADE
BASSTREB
FM
AUTO
SET
SEEK
TAPECD
EJ
SCAN
DOLBY SYSTEM
TUNE
DISCS
FF
REW
COMP
SHUFFLE
SIDE 1-2
2
1
5
6
4
3
OFF
LO
A/C
*
MAX
*
HI
A/C
27
Controls and features
The FLOOR position directs
outside air to flow through the
floor vents.
Select FLR & DEF for air to flow
through these vents:
The FLR & DEF position directs
outside air to flow through the
floor vents and the windshield
defroster vents. The air
conditioning will function to defog
the windows provided the outside
temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
Select
these vents:
for air to flow through
VOL – PUSH ON
CLK
ST
FM 1
AM
BALFADE
BASSTREB
FM
AUTO
SET
SEEK
TAPECD
EJ
SCAN
DOLBY SYSTEM
TUNE
DISCS
FF
REW
COMP
SHUFFLE
P
P
SIDE 1-2
2
1
5
6
4
3
OFF
LO
A/C
*
MAX
*
HI
A/C
VOL – PUSH ON
CLK
ST
FM 1
AM
BALFADE
BASSTREB
FM
AUTO
SET
SEEK
TAPECD
EJ
SCAN
DOLBY SYSTEM
TUNE
DISCS
FF
REW
COMP
SHUFFLE
SIDE 1-2
2
1
5
6
4
3
OFF
LO
A/C
*
MAX
*
HI
A/C
The
position directs outside
air to flow through the windshield
defroster vents. The air
conditioning will function to defog
the windows provided the outside
temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
28
Air conditioning
Select A/C for air conditioned air
to flow through these vents:
The A/C mode directs outside air
conditioned air to flow through the
instrument panel vents. The A/C
mode can be used for heating,
ventilating and defogging the
windows or air conditioning. The
A/C mode only functions if the
outside temperature is above 10°C
(50°F).
Select MAX A/C for air to flow
through these vents:
Controls and features
VOL – PUSH ON
CLK
ST
FM 1
AM
BALFADE
BASSTREB
FM
AUTO
SET
SEEK
TAPECD
EJ
SCAN
DOLBY SYSTEM
TUNE
DISCS
FF
REW
COMP5SHUFFLE
P
SIDE 1-2
2
1
6
4
3
OFF
LO
A/C
*
MAX
*
HI
A/C
❄
VOL – PUSH ON
CLK
ST
FM 1
AM
BALFADE
BASSTREB
FM
AUTO
SET
SEEK
TAPECD
EJ
SCAN
DOLBY SYSTEM
TUNE
DISCS
FF
REW
COMP5SHUFFLE
P
SIDE 1-2
2
1
6
4
3
OFF
LO
A/C
*
MAX
*
HI
A/C
The MAX A/C mode recirculates
the cabin air and directs it to flow
through the instrument panel
vents. The MAX A/C mode can be
used for air conditioning or
heating. This mode is noisier but
more economical than the A/C
mode. The MAX A/C mode only
functions if the outside
temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
❄
29
Controls and features
OFF position
Select the OFF position for all
climate control functions to cease.
The outside inlet door will close
and the fan is shut off.
Maximum heating
Set mode control to FLOOR, turn
temperature control to maximum
heat (red) and set fan speed
control to HI.
Maximum cooling
Set mode control to MAX A/C, turn
the temperature control to
maximum cool (blue) and set fan
speed control to HI.
LO
HI
LO
HI
WARMCOOL
WARMCOOL
PANEL
A/C
MAX
A/C
PANEL
MAX
A/C
OFF
PANEL &
FLOOR
FLOOR
FLR
& DEF
DEF
OFF
PANEL &
DEF
FLOOR
FLOOR
FLR
& DEF
A/C
Ventilating with outside air
Set mode control to PANEL &
FLOOR or FLOOR, turn the
temperature control to the desired
temperature and turn fan speed
control to the desired speed.
30
LO
HI
WARMCOOL
PANEL
MAX
A/C
OFF
PANEL &
DEF
FLOOR
FLOOR
FLR
& DEF
A/C
Defrosting windshield
Set mode control to or FLR &
DEF, turn temperature control to
maximum heat (red) and set fan
speed control to HI.
Drive with the climate control
system on (in either the heating or
air conditioning mode) to reduce
humidity in your vehicle.
To prevent air intake restriction,
remove any snow, ice or leaves
from the air intake area located
directly under the windshield.
Controls and features
LO
HI
WARMCOOL
PANEL
A/C
MAX
A/C
OFF
PANEL &
DEF
FLOOR
FLOOR
FLR
& DEF
31
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