Ford F-250 Super Duty (1999 year). Manual — part 30

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave

your vehicle.

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.

See your dealer or a qualified service technician.

Driving with a 4–speed automatic transmission

Understanding gearshift positions

Pull the gearshift lever towards you and downward to move the
automatic gearshift.

Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake

pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park). This position locks the
transmission and prevents the rear
wheels from turning.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave

your vehicle.

R (Reverse)

With the gearshift in R (Reverse),
the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).

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N (Neutral)

With the gearshift in N (Neutral),
the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal
down while in this gear.

(Overdrive)

The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.

(Overdrive) can be deactivated

by pressing the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS) on the end of
the gearshift lever.

The transmission control indicator
light (TCIL) (the word OFF) on the
end of the gearshift lever will
illuminate.

Drive – Not shown on the display. Activate by pressing the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS) on the end of the gearshift lever with the gearshift
in the

position. The TCIL (the word OFF) will illuminate on the

gearshift lever. Transmission operates in gears one through three.

(Drive) provides more engine braking than

(Overdrive) and is

useful when:
• driving with a heavy load.
• towing a trailer up or down steep hills.
• additional engine downhill braking is desired. If towing a trailer, refer

to Driving while you tow in the Trailer towing section.

To return to

(Overdrive) mode, press the Transmission Control

Switch (TCS). The TCIL (the word OFF) will no longer be illuminated.

Each time the vehicle is started, the transmission will automatically
return to normal overdrive mode.

Every time the vehicle is shut off and restarted, you must press the
transmission control switch to cancel overdrive operation if driving in
overdrive is not desired.

OVERDRIVE

OFF

OVERDRIVE

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118

2 (Second)

Use 2 (Second) to start-up on
slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on
downgrades.

1 (First)

Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum
engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts can be made
by shifting to 2 (Second) or to

(Overdrive). Selecting 1 (Low)

at higher speeds causes the transmission to shift to a lower gear, and will
shift to 1 (Low) after vehicle decelerates to the proper speed.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Using the clutch

Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission have a starter interlock
that prevents cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully
depressed.

When starting a vehicle with a manual transmission, you must:

1. Put gearshift in N (Neutral).

2. Hold down brake pedal.

3. Depress clutch pedal.

1

2

4

R

3

D

1

2 4

R

L

3 D

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119

4. Turn ignition to position 5
(START) to start the engine, let the
engine idle for a few seconds, then
shift into gear.

5. Release the brake pedal.

6. Release clutch slowly while
pressing down slowly on the
accelerator pedal.

• Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use

the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill.
These actions will seriously reduce clutch life.

Recommended shift speeds

Downshift according to the following charts for your specific
engine/drivetrain combination:

Maximum downshift speeds

1

5-speed transmission

Shift from:

Transfer case position (if equipped)

2

2H or 4H

4L

D

(Overdrive) - 4

72 km/h (45 mph)

35 km/h (22 mph)

4 - 3

56 km/h (35 mph)

23 km/h (14 mph)

3 - 2

32 km/h (20 mph)

13 km/h (8 mph)

2 - 1

8 km/h (5 mph)

0 km/h (0 mph)

1

Use 2H or 4H for 4WD equipped vehicles.

2

Downshift at lower speeds when driving on slippery surfaces.

1

2

3

4

5

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