F-250 Light Duty (1999 year). Manual — part 32

4. Move the transfer case shift lever
through N (Neutral) directly to 4H
(4WD High) or 4L (4WD Low).

Using the N (Neutral) position

The transfer case neutral position overrides the transmission and
puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission gearshift
lever position. The vehicle can move forward or backwards.

This position should only be used
when towing the vehicle. Refer to
Wrecker towing in the Roadside
emergencies chapter.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn

off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.

Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)

Positions of the electronic shift system

To prevent damage, the electronic shift 4WD system is designed
to allow up to 45 seconds before the shift command is performed.
In the event that conflicting shift commands are selected, allow
up to 45 seconds for the shift command to be performed prior to
reporting any shift concerns to your dealer.

2WD (2WD High) – Power to rear axle only.

4x4 HIGH (4WD High) – Power delivered to front and rear axles for
increased traction.

4x4 LOW (4WD Low) – Power to front and rear axles at low speeds.

2H
4H

4L

N

2H
4H

4L

N

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Shifting from 2WD (2WD high) to 4x4 HIGH (4WD high)

Rotate the 4WD control to the 4x4
HIGH position at speeds up to 88
km/h (55 mph).
• Do not shift into 4x4 HIGH with

the rear wheels slipping.

Shifting from 4x4 HIGH (4WD high) to 2WD (2WD high)

Rotate the 4WD control to 2WD at
any forward speed. You do not need
to put the gearshift in R (Reverse)
to disengage your front hubs.

To prevent damage, the electronic
shift 4WD system is designed to
allow up to 45 seconds before the
shift command is performed. In the
event that conflicting shift
commands are selected, allow up to
45 seconds for the shift command to
be performed prior to reporting any shift concerns to your dealer.

Shifting between 4x4 HIGH (4WD high) and 4x4 LOW (4WD low)

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. Depress the brake.

3. Place the gearshift in N (Neutral) (automatic transmission) or depress
the clutch (manual transmission).

4X4

HIGH

2WD

4X4

LOW

4X4

HIGH

2WD

4X4

LOW

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4. Move the 4WD control to the 4x4
HIGH or 4x4 LOW position.

Driving off-road with 4WD

Your vehicle is specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and has operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.

Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.

Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.

You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. For more
information on driving off-road, read the “Four Wheeling” supplement in
your owner’s portfolio.

If your vehicle gets stuck

If the vehicle is stuck it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and
reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly
on the accelerator in each gear.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The
transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine can
overheat.

Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

2WD

4X4

LOW

4X4

HIGH

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130

Sand

When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.

Mud and water

If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.

When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.

Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.

After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.

If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.

Water intrusion into the transmission may damage the
transmission.

If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.

Driving on hilly or sloping terrain

When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes. You could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive straight up,
straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know the conditions on the
other side of a hill before driving over the crest.

When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting
to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has started. This
reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.

When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Shift to a lower gear
when added engine braking is desired.

When speed control is on and you are driving uphill, your vehicle speed
may drop considerably, especially if you are carrying a heavy load.

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