Market Position:
The Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks (F-250 and F-350) in 1997 represented a significant iteration in the heavy-duty pickup truck market, known for their robust construction and towing capabilities. This manual serves as an essential resource for owners and technicians maintaining these vehicles.
Key Features:
Provides professional-grade repair and maintenance information, ensuring accurate and efficient servicing. Hundreds of pages with detailed photos and diagrams enhance understanding and execution of tasks. Offers a lifetime of usability without additional costs.
Coverage Areas:
All repairs, servicing, troubleshooting, diagnostics, electrical systems, mechanical systems, chassis, body, engine, transmission, drivetrain, HVAC, brakes, steering, suspension.
Manual Type:
Service & Repair Workshop Manual
Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified but described as extensive).
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical (including diesel), Engine Fuel System (gasoline and diesel), Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Starting and Charging System, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission, Transfer Case, Driveshafts and U-Joints, Front Axle and Differential, Rear Axle and Differential, Steering System, Suspension System (Front and Rear), Brake System (Hydraulic, ABS), Wheels and Tires, Body and Frame, Interior Components, Exterior Components, HVAC System, Electrical Distribution System, Lighting System, Instrumentation and Warning Systems, Audio System, Security System.
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, differential service, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical troubleshooting, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, component testing, component replacement, body panel repair, interior trim removal/installation, HVAC system diagnostics and repair, emissions control system servicing.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, and detailed exploded diagrams.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for OBD-I and early OBD-II systems, along with detailed diagnostic flowcharts for various components and systems.
Electrical Systems Covered:
Full wiring diagrams, component locations, fuse box layouts, diagnostic procedures for all electrical circuits including lighting, starting, charging, accessories, and engine controls.
Searchable Text:
Likely includes searchable text due to PDF format, enhancing ease of finding specific information.
Print Quality:
Printable (single page or entire manual), high-resolution images and diagrams.
Device Compatibility:
Compatible with Windows and MAC computers, tablets, and smartphones. Unlimited device usage.
Usage License:
Full version, no expiry date, no renewal fees, lifetime usage.
Completeness:
Full factory service manual, mirroring the content provided to dealership technicians.
Engine Displacement:
4.6L Triton V8 (Gasoline)
Engine Horsepower:
Approximately 215-235 hp (Varies by tune)
Engine Torque:
Approximately 280-295 lb-ft (Varies by tune)
Engine Displacement:
7.3L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel
Engine Horsepower:
Approximately 225 hp
Engine Torque:
Approximately 450 lb-ft
Fuel System Gasoline:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel System Diesel:
Direct Injection, HEUI (Hydraulically Actuated Electronically Controlled Unit Injector)
Cooling System Capacity:
Approx. 15-20 quarts (Varies by engine and radiator size)
Ignition System Gasoline:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Single Coil Ignition (SCI) depending on engine variant, with coil-on-plug or spark plug wires.
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (E4OD)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (New Process/NV4500)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (E4OD)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (New Process/NV4500)
Transmission Features:
Heavy-duty construction, overdrive capability, electronic controls (E4OD), robust manual gearboxes for towing and hauling.
Transfer Case Options:
Part-time 4x4 system with manual or electronic shift-on-the-fly engagement (available on 4x4 models).
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, SuperCab (Extended Cab), Crew Cab
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 6.75 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8 ft)
Gvwr Range:
Approximately 8,800 lbs to 11,500 lbs (Varies by configuration)
Gcwr Range:
Up to 20,000+ lbs (Varies by configuration)
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, typically ranging from 6,000 lbs to 7,500+ lbs.
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Trucks of this era were often not subjected to modern SUV/car crash test standards, focus on structural integrity for intended use).
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - standard on rear wheels, optional on 4x4 front wheels.
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), high-strength steel frame and body construction, seat belts.
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Analog gauges and controls.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to ABS on select models. No modern electronic driver aids like traction control or stability control.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No factory Bluetooth or USB connectivity.)
Oil Change Interval:
Gasoline: 5,000 miles or 6 months. Diesel: 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used).
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Automatic: 30,000-50,000 miles or 24-36 months. Manual: Check at 30,000-50,000 miles or as needed.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API Service CD/CE/CF-4 or CG-4, SAE 15W-40 (with appropriate diesel engine oil additive package).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mercon V (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 (check specific manual for transmission type).
Coolant:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4 for ABS-equipped vehicles, refer to manual for specifics)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercon V (or equivalent)
Common Issues:
Power Stroke diesel: Injector seal leaks, FICM (Fuel Injection Control Module) failures, turbocharger issues. Gasoline: Intake manifold gasket leaks, spark plug blow-outs (4.6L Triton), occasional head gasket issues. General: U-joint wear, rear main seal leaks, rust on body panels and frame (especially in rust-belt regions), HVAC blower motor failures.
Brand Heritage:
Ford's F-Series, introduced in 1948, is the best-selling line of pickup trucks in the United States and has a long-standing reputation for durability and capability.
Generation Codes:
1997 models are part of the ninth generation (1992-1997) of the F-Series, with some styling updates for the later years of this generation, leading into the redesigned tenth generation.
Major Changes 1997:
The 1997 model year saw minor interior and exterior styling updates as part of the late ninth generation, preparing for the completely redesigned tenth generation F-Series in 1999.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary assembly plants in the United States, including locations like Dearborn, Michigan and Kansas City, Missouri.
