Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, known for its ruggedness and utility.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra.
Engine Options:
Versatile range of V8 and V6 gasoline engines.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, SuperCab (extended cab), and SuperCrew (crew cab) configurations.
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and electronic 4-wheel drive (4WD) options.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to perform maintenance, diagnose issues, and execute repairs, saving time and money.
Reliability:
A reliable source of information for keeping the vehicle in optimal condition.
Covered Years:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Page Count:
Not specified in product information, typically 1500-3000 pages for this generation's comprehensive manuals.
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Downloadable)
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for all gasoline engines, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, and torque specifications.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor descriptions and testing.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system diagnosis, fuel pump testing, fuel filter replacement, fuel pressure specifications.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair for M5R2-LA manual transmission, clutch system, shift linkage.
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair for 4R70W and 4R75E automatic transmissions, including hydraulic control, torque converter, and shift solenoids.
Drivetrain 4X4:
Service for electronic 4x4 transfer case operation and diagnosis, front and rear axle assemblies, propeller shafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, ball joints, tie rods, shock absorbers, springs, wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion, diagnosis and repair.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), ABS system diagnosis and components, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting system, horn, power windows, power locks, instrument cluster.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Body And Interior:
Door mechanisms, seat adjustments, interior trim removal, exterior panel alignment, glass replacement.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) interpretation and troubleshooting procedures for various systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and uncommon drivability and system faults.
Component Repair:
Detailed instructions for repairing or replacing major and minor vehicle components.
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive instructions for rebuilding engines and transmissions.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise measurements, torque values, and clearances for all mechanical components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Engine Variants:
4.2L OHV V6, 4.6L Triton SOHC V8, 5.4L Triton SOHC V8, 6.8L Triton SOHC V10 (Super Duty, but sometimes found in F-150 variants or mentioned for context).
4.6L V8 Horsepower:
Approximately 215-232 hp depending on year and configuration.
4.6L V8 Torque:
Approximately 290-325 lb-ft depending on year and configuration.
5.4L V8 Horsepower:
Approximately 230-260 hp depending on year and configuration.
5.4L V8 Torque:
Approximately 325-350 lb-ft depending on year and configuration.
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A
Standard Transmission Type:
M5R2-LA 5-speed manual transmission (common on V6 and some V8 models)
Optional Transmission Type:
4R70W 4-speed automatic transmission (most common), 4R75E 4-speed automatic transmission (later models)
Automatic Features:
Electronic control, Overdrive gears, Torque converter lock-up.
Fluid Specifications Auto
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Fluid Specifications Manual
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mercon V ATF or Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) as specified by Ford (refer to specific vehicle for exact spec).
Wheelbase Options:
Typically 120.0" (Regular Cab), 133.0" (SuperCab), 139.0" (SuperCrew) for 8-foot bed, shorter wheelbases for 6.5-foot beds.
Overall Length Options:
Varies significantly by cab and bed configuration, ranging from approx. 200" to 250"+
Bed Length Options:
6.5-foot Styleside, 8-foot Styleside.
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 4,000 lbs to 5,500 lbs depending on configuration.
Towing Capacity Range:
Up to 8,900 lbs (depending on engine, axle ratio, and equipment).
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for models tested, as ratings vary by year and configuration).
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for models tested).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, optional on all four wheels.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (normal driving conditions), or 3,000 miles if operating under severe conditions (towing, dusty roads, etc.).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Typically recommended every 30,000 miles under normal conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 100,000 miles for Triton V8 engines (with specific spark plug types like V8PZ-12Y-700 or equivalent). V6 engines may have shorter intervals. Consult manual for precise timing.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or SAE 5W-30, API Service SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-2 (check owner's manual for exact recommendation for specific engine).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine: approximately 5.5 quarts for 4.2L V6, 6 quarts for 4.6L V8, and 7 quarts for 5.4L V8 (including filter).
Coolant Capacity:
Varies by radiator size, typically 13-17 quarts.
Spark Plug Fouling:
Early models (especially 1997-2002 5.4L Triton) were known for spark plug blow-out or breakage due to over-torquing or design issues. Manual will detail proper installation and torque.
Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks:
Some models experienced coolant leaks from the intake manifold gaskets. Manual will cover replacement procedures.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Oil leaks from the rear main seal can occur over time. Manual provides replacement instructions.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
Can be related to transmission fluid, solenoids, or control module issues. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
Ford Truck Legacy:
Ford has a long and dominant history in the pickup truck market, with the F-Series being a best-selling vehicle for decades.
Ninth Gen Context:
The 1997-2003 F-150 represents the tenth generation of the F-Series, marking a significant redesign from the previous generation with more aerodynamic styling.
Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly produced in North America, with key plants in the United States and Canada.
Production Years For Manual
Model Years Covered:
1997-2003
