1997 Ford F 150

1997 Ford F 150 questions and answers

Check out the 1997 Ford F 150 Review

Q: How do I install an Add-a-Circuit to my 1997 Ford F-150. I need a new 12v ignition circuit.?
I need to add a new 12v ignition line for stereo/gps unit. However, I don't know where to tap into/ how to install an new circuit. My truck is a 1997 F-150 5.4L. I have spent the last few days trying to figure out what is wrong with my car stereo, and have narrowed the problem down to a faulty 12v ignition wire. Instead of repairing it, I figure it is easier (and cheaper) to run a new line from an Add-a-Circuit kit. Thanks! (And all fuses are tested OK, so I don't know what the problem with the original line is.)

A: Since a stereo can draw a fair amount of amps you do need a new circuit from the ignition switch - and you wire it to the same spot on the switch as the original line. A circuit diagram would be helpful but if you don't have one just look for the old wire connection or use a meter to check the terminals with the switch off ( no power ) and in accessory ( power ).

Q: How much to paint a 1997 Ford F-150?
I have a 1997 Ford F-150 XLT Extended Cab that currently has paint that has been oxidized, scratched, marred, etc. that I would like to get re-painted black. Does anyone have an estimate on how much this would cost? I live in Missouri.

A: what part of Missouri. it all depends on who you get to paint it. is it going to be all one color or have a trim color best thing to do is call around and get quotes and find the cheapest place

Q: How much faster would a 1997 Ford Mustang GT be than a 1997 Ford F-150?
Both are V8s. The Mustang would be faster, but how much? Double the acceleration? Or is it just top speed fast-wise? Also would a V6 3.8L Mustang from the same year beat the F-150? this is the worst website i've ever seen. half the time it doesn't work. why can't people answer questions now?

A: Buddy, My '01 Taurus (3.0 liter 24 Valve V6 with 200hp) is a heck of a lot fast than my dad's '97 F-150 (4.6 liter V8 210 hp). The '97 Mustang I believe was rated at 210 hp and was a 4.6 liter, which is the same as the F-150. The Mustang would beat the F-150 in both acceleration and top speed. The Mustang is lighter and more aerodynamic. The V6 Mustang was rated at 150hp. I would guess because of the weight difference it would also be faster than the F-150.

Q: How do you check the cylinoids in 1997 Ford F-150 trans?
The truck will shift into gear but not completely(will drive but slipping) and I have no o/d now. How can the cylinoids inside transmission be checked? Trans fuild is dirty and not black, not burnt. Have 1st , 2nd, and partial drive not completed and no o/d. Any help? Thanks

A: You have to have a trans shop or dealer hook up a scanner to see if it is a solenoid or a bad clutches in it. Also check all fuses first.

Q: I have a 1997 ford f-150 and the interioir lights and the windshield wipers quit sometimes it is not the fuse?
I notice that it only stops working when it is cooler outside i don't know what is wrong any suggestions once again it is not the fuse.

A: Many Fords have a module (like a mini ecu) that control functions such as lights, wipers and power locks. You may have to replace this module - I have seen this problem before. You will probabally have to take it to a Ford dealer to have it checked with a their scan tool. Most aftermarket scan tools do not have the advanced manufacturer specific functions to diagnose this.

Q: What size speakers are in the door of a 1997 Ford F-150 single cab?
The speakers in the door of my truck are blown and I need to replace them. I don't know what size to get.

A: Crutchfield.com will have the answer, and will also show you some brands and then if you like browse for all of the neat sh#t, you would like to put in it, and you can order a free catalogue

Q: Do you have to reverse after putting a 1997 Ford F-150 in 4WD?
My buddy just got one and doesnt know. It has auto locking hubs. He was playing around and putting it in 4WD to get a better launch on wet roads and then shifting back to 2WD while moving. He did this and it worked fine. Other times he has done so and his steering turns rough and hard. You can also hear a grind. Once he reversed when doing this, the grinding went away.

A: Yes you need to put it in reverse and back up 10 to 20 ft to disengage. The noise that he is hearing is typical when driving a truck in 4wd while not in mud or snow but just on pavement(wet or not). Most 4wd were not made to run daily. If the truck was awd then you could drive on dry pavement

Q: How do you do a front brake job on a 1997 Ford f-150?


A: very carefully... okay, here are the steps "break loose" lugnuts, jack up truck remove wheel unbolt caliper remove pads compress caliper (a c clamp works well) replace pads (with new) remove rotor replace rotor(with new) replace caliper replace wheel lower jacks tighten down lugnuts...

Q: how do i bypass anti theft system on my 1997 ford f-150 4x4 truck?
my trucks alarm keeps going off and wont let me turn my truck on. how do i bypass the alarm so i can start my truck again?

A: You could just use a center punch bought at any hardware store and punch through the glass. It won't make a loud sound and then you just knock away the glass gently.

Q: What can I do to the interior of a 1997 ford f-150 to make it look nicer and more entertaining?


A: Depends what color is your interior. You can change the dash trim to carbon fiber or something if you had a black interior. I also noticed that putting tints on all windows and only the top proportion of the windshield makes your car feel extremely cozy.

Q: How do you replace a starter solenoid on a 1997 Ford F-150?
thank you for the help

A: That year model has 2.One on the fender well and one on the starter.Unhook your battery before you start.If your replacing the one on the fender well start by unbolting and unplugging all of the wires.Then remove the 2 screws which hold the solenoid to the fender well.Then screw the new one to the fender well and hook everything back up.If your replacing the one on the start I recommend pulling the starter off of the truck so you can see what your doing.Unhook your battery,unbolt your starter wire from your starter,remove the 2 bolts holding your starter on(one on top and one on the bottom),then just pull the starter out.If the solenoid on the starter is bad I recommend changing the whole starter and all because its going to have some wear and tear on it also.

Q: 1997 ford f 150 turn signal switch?
How does one replace the turn signal switch on a 1997 Ford F 150 and how difficult is it?

A: Removal Disconnect the battery ground cable Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch lock cylinder and turn to RUN position Push the ignition switch lock cylinder release tab with a punch while pulling out the ignition switch lock cylinder NOTE: The steering wheel has been removed for clarity If equipped, twist the tilt wheel handle and shank and remove Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds Remove the three screws Remove the lower steering column shroud Remove the upper steering column shroud Remove the multi-function switch Remove the two screws Disconnect the electrical connectors Remove the multi-function switch Installation To install, reverse the removal procedure pretty easy, depends on your talents

Q: 1997 ford f-150 starting problem?
OK I have asked about this before but i want to go into a little more detail this time. I have a 1997 F-150. My friend who changed my oil left my key turned over for 2 days. The battery died and when I picked it up I had to jump it. Three days Later I go to start it and hear a loud single Click coming from around the primary battery fuse location. I have had my battery tested. I put new wires and ends on the battery cables. I put a new starter on. But the problem is that sometimes the truck does start. But I am not willing to rely on the truck starting when every 3-4 days it wont run for a couple days. I need some help please.

A: you most likely damaged the battery to the point that it will not hold charge like should.

Q: speed sensor located on a 1997 Ford F-150?
Where is the speed sensor located on a 1997 Ford F-150, how i replace it. donde esta localisar el senseor de velocidad de un ford f150 1997 v8 4.6 y como reemplasarlo. el velocimetro no marca la velocidad, gracias

A: This particular vehicle DOES NOT have a VSS on the transmission. It does have a rear axle speed sensor located on the top of the rear differential housing itself. Access is very simple. Simply disconnect the two-wire electrical connector to it and remove the one 10mm or 13mm bolt that secures it to the top of the housing and remove. Hope this helps.

Q: the windows on my 1997 Ford F-150 do not work??
i press the button that makes the windows go up and down doesnt work so what could be the problam and how could i fix it??

A: First thing to check would be the circuit breaker for the power windows. If its okay, then start with the electrical connections on the drivers side. Most likely if both windows are affected, its an electrical problem and its at that switch. To repair you'll have to take off the door panel and check all the connections on the switches. Remove each one and clean the contacts before reconnecting them. Turn your key on so that you can check the operation of the windows while you're working on it. If you can't find the problem at that switch then go the connection that runs to the motor and do the same disconnect and reconnect process. Electrical problems are sometimes very hard to isolate but in your case, since both windows are involved it should make it a bit easier to find.