1997 Ford F 150 Owners Manual

Before driving

Introduction

Instrumentation

Controls and features

Seating and safety restraints

Starting and driving

Starting

Driving

Roadside emergencies

Servicing

Maintenance and care

Capacities and specifications

Reporting safety defects

Index

Contents

18

53

83

91

135

154

213

220

221

com_icons.01

com_warn.01

com_breaking_vehicle.01

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

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.

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.

Introduction

com_info_guide.01

f12_utility_notice

f12_snowplowing

f12_no_ambulance

Introduction

Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation package.

Instrumentation

Fuel gauge

(pg. 15)

Speed control*

(pg. 33)

Transmission control switch

(pg. 38)

Engine coolant

temperature

gauge (pg. 15)

Speedometer

(pg. 14)

Tachometer*

(pg. 15)

Engine oil

pressure gauge

(pg. 16)

Charging system gauge (pg. 16)

18
18

INT 2INT 1
OFF

ON

OFF

PANEL

DIM

AUTO LAMP

40
40

50
50

80
80

60
60

30
30

60
60

100
100

70
70

O V E R D R I V E O F F

40
40

0 0 0 0 0 5
0 0 0 0 0 5

120
120

20
20

80
80
90
90

140
140

20 km/h 20 km/h

SRS

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

Headlamp

control (pg. 18)

Turn signal and

wiper/washer control

(pg. 36)

Driver air bag

(pg. 66)

Instrument panel dimmer switch

(pg. 20)

Instrumentation

f12_inst_warn_lights

Vents

(pg. 25)

Electronic sound system

(pg. 22)

VOL – PUSH ON

AM FM BASS TREB

FM 1

ST

BAL FADE

CLK

AUTO SET

SEEK

TUNE DISCS

SCAN

EJ

DOLBY SYSTEM

TAPE CD

REW

FF

SIDE 1-2

COMP

SHUFFLE

4H

2H

4L

LO

HI

OFF

PANEL

*A/C

*MAX A/C

PANEL & FLOOR

FLOOR FLR & DEF

DEF

COOL

WARM

PASSENGER AIRBAG

ON

OFF

OFF

Auxiliary

power point

(pg. 22)

* if equipped

4WD Control*

(pg. 110)

Climate controls (pg. 25)

Passenger air bag deactivate

switch (pg. 71)

Instrumentation

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES Your vehicle is equipped with one of the following instrument clusters:

LOW LOW FUEL FUEL

40
40

50
50

80
80

60
60

30
30

60
60

100
100

70
70

DOOR DOOR AJAR AJAR

BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

40
40

0 0 0 0 0 5
0 0 0 0 0 5

20
20

10
10

20 km/h 20 km/h

MPH MPH

0 0 1 0
0 0 1 0

120
120

140
140

80
80
90
90
100
100

180
180

LOW LOW FUEL FUEL

DOOR AJAR

BRAKE

18
18

40
40

50
50

80
80

60
60

30
30

60
60

100
100

70
70

40
40

0 0 0 0 0 5
0 0 0 0 0 5

20
20

20 km/h 20 km/h

10
10

0 0 1 0
0 0 1 0

120
120

140
140

80
80
90
90
100
100

18

ABS

FUEL RESET

4x4

LOW LOW

RANGE RANGE

THEFT THEFT

RPMx1000
RPMx1000

ABS ABS

CHECK ENGINE

FUEL RESET

LOW

RANGE

4x4

Low fuel Illuminates when the fuel level is low.

LOW FUEL

f12_low_fuel

f12_eng_cool_temp

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.

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.

Instrumentation

DOOR AJAR

f12_oil_pressure

com_door-ajar.02

com_charging_system.01

com_brake_system.01

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.

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

BRAKE

com_safety_belt.01

f12_air_bag_readiness

f12_check_engine

f12_tcil_light

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.

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.

Instrumentation

OVERDRIVE OFF

4x4

LOW RANGE

ABS

FUEL RESET

f12_4x4_light

f12_4x4_low

com_anti-lock_brake.01

com_fuel_reset.01

com_anti-theft_alarm.01

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

40

50

80

60

30

60

100

70

DOOR AJAR

BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

40

0 0 0 0 0 5

20

10

20 km/h

MPH MPH

0 0 1 0

120

140

80
90
100

180

LOW FUEL

18

BRAKE

40

50

80

60

30

60

100

70

40

0 0 0 0 0 5

20

10

20 km/h

MPH

0 0 1 0

120

140

80
90
100

180

Testing warning lights Turn the ignition key to On without starting the vehicle. The

12

THEFT

com_high_beams.01

com_turn_signal.01

f12_testing_lights

18

ABS

RPMx1000

ABS

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

f12_headlamps_on

f12_key_in_ignition

com_safety_chime.01

com_srs_chime.01

f12_gauges

13

Instrumentation

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES Your vehicle has one of the following instrument clusters:

18
18

40

50

80

60

30

60

100

70

40

0 0 0 0 0 5

20

20 km/h

10

0 0 1 0

120

140

80
90
100

180

40
40

50
50

80
80

60
60

30
30

60
60

100
100

70
70

40
40

0 0 0 0 0 5

20
20

10
10

20 km/h 20 km/h

MPH

0 0 1 0
0 0 1 0

120
120

140
140

80
80
90
90
100
100

180
180

Speedometer

30

40
40

20

18

THEFT THEFT

RPMx1000
RPMx1000

40
40

60
60

50
50

80
80

60

100
100

70

0 0 0 0 0 5
0 0 0 0 0 5

120
120

80

f12_speedometer

20 km/h 20 km/h

10

MPH MPH

0 0 1 0
0 0 1 0

140
140

90
100

180
180

Indicates the current vehicle road speed.

com_tachometer.02

14

Tachometer (if equipped) Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.

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.

f12_engine_coolant

f12_voltage_gauge

f12_fuel_gauge

Instrumentation

0 RPMx1000

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.

Odometer Registers the total kilometers (mileage) of the vehicle.

16

f12_oil_pressure

f12_trip_odometer

f12_odometer

18
18

40
40

60
60

50
50

80
80

60

100
100

70

0 0 0 0 0 5
00 00 00 00 00 55

120
120

80

30

40
40

20

20 km/h 20 km/h

10

MPH MPH

0 0 1 0
0 0 1 0

140
140

90
100

180
180

Trip odometer Registers the kilometers (miles) of individual journeys. To reset, depress the control.

30

40
40

20

Instrumentation

40
40

60
60

50
50

80
80

60

100
100

70

0 0 0 0 0 5
0 0 0 0 0 5

120
120

80

20 km/h 20 km/h

10

MPH MPH

0 0 1 0
0 0 1

140
140

90
100

180
180

17

Controls and features

Headlamp/foglamp control This control operates the headlamps and foglamps.

— Off — Parking lamps on. — Headlamps on.

PANEL

DIM

f12_foglamp_switch f12_headlamp_switch

18

Foglampcontrol 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. Daytimerunninglights (Canadianvehiclesonly) 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

PANEL

DIM

f12_drl_lights

f12_dimmer_dial

19

f12_autolamp

Controls and features

Panel dimmer control Turn control up to brighten panel. Turn control down to dim panel.

PANEL

DIM

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 • turn off the lamps automatically • keep the lamps on for up to

automatically at night.

during daylight.

20

Controls and features

PANEL

DIM

AUTO LAMP

f12_4wd_switch

f12_power_point

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.

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.

f12_pass_srs_deact

f12_audio

PASSENGER AIRBAG

ON

OFF

OFF

Audio system Refer to the “Audio Guide” in your Owner’s Portfolio.

f12_fuel_shutoff

22

f12_air_suspension

Controls and features

Fuel pump shut-off switch Refer to the Roadside emergencies chapter for information on operating the fuel pump shut-off switch.

23

f12_climate_controls

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

f12_temperature

f12_climate_controls

f12_ip_vents

f12_fan_speed

Controls and features

CLIMATE CONTROLS

Operating climate controls Instrumentpanelvents 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.

COOL

WARM

25

Controls and features

Fanspeed Turn the fan speed control to the desired speed.

Airflowandairconditioning(if equipped) Turn the mode control to the desired airflow position.

f12_mode_control

HI

f12_airflow

LO

OFF

PANEL

A/C

MAX A/C

PANEL & FLOOR FLOOR FLR & DEF

DEF

Controlling airflow Select PANEL for air to flow through these vents:

VOL – PUSH ON

AM FM BASS TREB

FM 1

ST

BAL FADE

CLK

AUTO SET

SEEK

TUNE DISCS

SCAN

EJ

DOLBY SYSTEM

TAPE CD

REW

FF

SIDE 1-2

COMP

SHUFFLE

LO

HI

OFF

*A/C *MAX A/C

26

Controls and features

The PANEL position allows outside air to flow through the instrument panel vents. Select PANEL & FLOOR for air to flow through these vents:

VOL – PUSH ON

AM FM BASS TREB

FM 1

ST

BAL FADE

CLK

AUTO SET

SEEK

TUNE DISCS

SCAN

EJ

DOLBY SYSTEM

TAPE CD

REW

FF

SIDE 1-2

COMP

SHUFFLE

LO

HI

OFF

*A/C *MAX A/C

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:

VOL – PUSH ON

AM FM BASS TREB

FM 1

ST

BAL FADE

CLK

AUTO SET

SEEK

TUNE DISCS

SCAN

EJ

DOLBY SYSTEM

TAPE CD

REW

FF

SIDE 1-2

COMP

SHUFFLE

LO

HI

OFF

*A/C *MAX A/C

27

P

VOL – PUSH ON

AM FM BASS TREB

FM 1

ST

BAL FADE

CLK

AUTO SET

SEEK

TUNE DISCS

SCAN

EJ

DOLBY SYSTEM

TAPE CD

REW

FF

SIDE 1-2

COMP

SHUFFLE

LO

HI

OFF

*A/C *MAX A/C

VOL – PUSH ON

AM FM BASS TREB

FM 1

ST

BAL FADE

CLK

AUTO SET

SEEK

TUNE DISCS

SCAN

EJ

DOLBY SYSTEM

TAPE CD

REW

FF

SIDE 1-2

COMP

SHUFFLE

LO

HI

OFF

*A/C *MAX A/C

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). for air to flow through Select these vents:

position directs outside

The 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

f12_air_conditioning

Controls and features

Airconditioning Select A/C for air conditioned air to flow through these vents:

VOL – PUSH ON

AM FM BASS TREB

FM 1

ST

BAL FADE

CLK

AUTO SET

SEEK

TUNE DISCS

SCAN

EJ

DOLBY SYSTEM

TAPE CD

REW

FF

SIDE 1-2

COMP

SHUFFLE

LO

HI

OFF

*A/C *MAX A/C

VOL – PUSH ON

AM FM BASS TREB

FM 1

ST

BAL FADE

CLK

AUTO SET

SEEK

TUNE DISCS

SCAN

EJ

DOLBY SYSTEM

TAPE CD

REW

FF

SIDE 1-2

COMP

SHUFFLE

LO

HI

OFF

*A/C *MAX A/C

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:

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

OFFposition Select the OFF position for all climate control functions to cease. The outside inlet door will close and the fan is shut off. Maximumheating Set mode control to FLOOR, turn temperature control to maximum heat (red) and set fan speed control to HI.

Maximumcooling Set mode control to MAX A/C, turn the temperature control to maximum cool (blue) and set fan speed control to HI.

Ventilatingwithoutsideair 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

f12_max_heat f12_max_cool

f12_ventilating

f12_defrosting

LO

LO

LO

HI

COOL

WARM

OFF

PANEL

A/C

MAX A/C

PANEL & FLOOR FLOOR FLR & DEF

DEF

HI

COOL

WARM

OFF

PANEL

A/C

MAX A/C

PANEL & FLOOR FLOOR FLR