Adding Equipment to Your Air
Bag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the
front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags
from working properly?
A:As long as the push bumper or bicycle rack is
attached to your vehicle so that the vehicle’s
basic structure isn’t changed, it’s not likely to keep
the air bags from working properly in a crash.
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front of the
vehicle that could keep the air bags from
working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, front end sheet metal or
height, they may keep the air bag system
from working properly. Also, the air bag system
may not work properly if you relocate any of the air
bag sensors. If you have any questions about
this, you should contact Customer Assistance
before you modify your vehicle. The phone
numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance
are in Step Two of theCustomer Satisfaction
Procedure on page 7-2.
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
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Express-Down Feature
The driver’s window also has an express-down feature
that allows the window to be lowered without holding
down the switch. Press and hold the rear of the window
switch labeled AUTO for one second to activate the
express-down mode.
The express-down mode can be cancelled at any time
by pressing the front of the switch. To open the
window part way, lightly tap the switch until the window
is at the desired position.
Lockout Feature
If you have a crew cab model with power windows, the
driver’s door will have a window lockout feature.
When engaged, this feature will prevent all window
switches, except the driver’s window switches,
from operating. This switch is located above the four
window switches on the driver’s door. When the switch
is not engaged, all windows will return to normal
operation.
Sliding Rear Window
To open the sliding rear window, pull the latch toward
the driver’s side of the vehicle.
To close the window, slide the window toward the
passenger’s side of the vehicle. The latch will
automatically lock into place. Try to open the window
without releasing the latch to be sure the window
is in the locked position.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You
can also swing them out to block glare from the side.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities,
and even commercial vehicles are no exception.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
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Gasoline Engine Warm-Up
When you’ve started your engine, let it run for
20 or 30 seconds to warm up before you put a load on
the engine.
Drive at moderate speeds for the first few miles,
especially in cold weather. Running a cold engine at
high speed can damage it. SeeHigh Idle Systemunder
Starting Your Diesel Engine on page 2-14
Restarting the Gasoline Engine While
Moving (Automatic Transmission)
If you have to restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, you’ll first have to shift the automatic
transmission to NEUTRAL (N). This safety feature
prevents starting the engine when the transmission is in
a drive gear.
Stopping the Gasoline Engine
Let your engine idle for a few seconds before turning it
off after you have finished driving your vehicle.
If you shift to NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P), set the
parking brake.
If your vehicle has a two-speed axle, put the range
selector in LOW. To be sure the axle has shifted into
LOW, engage the clutch and transmission; the vehicle
may move slightly when you do this.While your engine is idling before you turn it off, you
can make a list of any operational or handling concerns
to give to responsible maintenance personnel so
they can handle them right away.
Moisture will condense in a fuel tank that is almost
empty if the engine has not run for a while, even just
overnight under some conditions. So, it’s always best to
refuel your vehicle at the end of each run.
Starting Your Diesel Engine
If you have a Caterpillar®diesel engine, also refer to
your Caterpillar®Diesel Engine Operation &
Maintenance Manual for starting procedure.
For vehicles with the DURAMAX™ diesel engine, also
seeStarting Your DURAMAX™ Diesel Engine on
page 2-19.
To make starting easier in cold weather (below 32°F or
0°C), the proper viscosity engine oil should be used.
SeeEngine Oil (Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine) on
page 5-20orEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20
orEngine Oil (DURAMAX™ Diesel) on page 5-25. It’s
also best to heat the engine oil first. You can do this by
using an engine coolant heater.
If you ever need to have your vehicle towed, see
Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
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Diesel Engine Warm-Up
Several factors affect how quickly your diesel engine
warms up. These can include outside temperature,
engine load, idle time and your vehicle’s option content.
Your vehicle may be equipped with some features
that can help the engine reach operating temperature
sooner. Some of these features are discussed below.
Also, remember that an automatic transmission
adds heat to the cooling system through the heat
exchanger in the radiator. Because of this, vehicles
equipped with automatic transmissions are often able to
retain engine coolant heat better than manual
transmission vehicles.
See your Caterpillar
®Operation & Maintenance manual
for additional diesel engine warm-up information.
Engine Alarm and Automatic Shutdown
Your check gages light will come on if the system
senses high engine temperature or low engine oil
pressure. If high engine temperature or low engine oil
pressure is detected, you will also hear a tone alarm at
two beats per second. The alarm and the light will
remain on until the condition is fixed. If the engine
temperature or oil pressure condition worsens, the tone
alarm will go to five beats per second.If the system senses low engine coolant, the five beat
per second alarm and the low coolant warning light
will come on.
The five beats per second tone alarm means that your
engine will shut down in about 25–30 seconds.
There is also an engine shutdown light to indicate that
the engine will shut down. SeeEngine Shutdown
Warning Light on page 3-39.
Pull off the road and shut off the engine. Don’t start it
until the reason for the problem is known, and the
problem is fixed. If the engine shuts down when you are
still in traffic, you can restart the engine and get
another 25–30 seconds of operation. Do this only if you
have to, since there is a problem that can harm the
engine if it isn’t fixed. Engine automatic shutdown, for
gasoline engines, requires activation by your dealer.
High Idle System (Caterpillar®
Diesel and Gasoline Engines)
Your vehicle has both automatic and manual high idle
capabilities.
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The manual high idle feature is activated by pressing
the switch on the instrument panel. When the switch is
pressed again, or any of the previous conditions are
not met, manual high idle will be deactivated.
The manual high idle has been preset at the factory.
Your dealer may change the setting to fit your needs.
For vehicles with Caterpillar
®diesel engines, manual
high idle can be used to set any desired high idle speed.
To set a new temporary engine idle speed:
1. Make sure all of the previously described conditions
are met.
2. Press the accelerator pedal to the desired engine
speed.
3. Momentarily press the manual high idle switch.
The temporary high idle speed will be set. This new high
idle rpm level will be remembered by the system until
either the ignition is turned to OFF or a new high
idle speed is set.
Exhaust Restrictor (Diesel Engines)
If your vehicle is equipped with this feature, there is an
exhaust restrictor valve located in the exhaust stream.
The valve closes to provide back pressure to the engine
for the purpose of warming the engine quickly.The exhaust restrictor operates:
•while the engine is running.
•while the vehicle is not moving.
•while the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals are
not pressed.
•while idling or driving in cold temperatures.
•when the shift lever is in NEUTRAL (N) or
PARK (P).
On vehicles equipped with a diesel engine exhaust
brake, the exhaust brake switch must be on. The
indicator in the exhaust brake switch will be lit when the
exhaust restrictor is active. The exhaust brake
indicator light in the center of the instrument panel will
also be lit whenever the exhaust restrictor is active.
When the engine coolant temperature is below 149°F
(65°C) and the outside temperature is below 50°F
(10°C), the exhaust restrictor will come on within
45 seconds of starting the engine. After running the
engine for an additional 45 seconds, the engine idle will
increase.
The exhaust restrictor will shut off and engine idle will
return to normal once the engine is warmed up, or
the transmission is shifted into range.
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Starting Your DURAMAX™ Diesel
Engine
Your diesel engine starts differently than a gasoline
engine.
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position – that’s a
safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
Move your shift lever to neutral and hold the clutch
pedal to the floor while starting the engine. Your
vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal is not all the way
down –that’s a safety feature.
Starting Your Engine
1. Turn your ignition key to RUN.
Observe the wait to start light. SeeWait to Start
Indicator on page 3-36. (This light may not come on
if the engine is hot.)
2. As soon as the wait to start light goes off,
IMMEDIATELY turn the ignition key to START.
When the engine starts, let go of the key.
If your vehicle is equipped with the RPO LLY
engine, it has a fast warm-up glow plug system.
The wait to start light will illuminate for a much
shorter time than most diesel engines, due to the
rapid heating of the glow plug system.
Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor.
Notice:If the WAIT TO START light stays on, it
means that your vehicle could have one of several
problems, so you should have it serviced right away.
3. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of
cranking, turn the ignition key to OFF. Wait one
minute for the starter to cool, then try the same
steps again.
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If you’re trying to start your engine after you’ve run out
of fuel, seeRunning Out of Fuel on page 5-15.
When your engine is cold, let it run for a few minutes
before you move your vehicle. This lets oil pressure
build up. Your engine will sound louder when it’s cold.
Notice:If you are not in an idling vehicle and
the engine overheats, you would not be there to see
the overheated engine indication. This could
damage your vehicle. Do not let your engine run
when you are not in your vehicle.
Cold Weather Starting (Diesel Engine)
The following tips will help you get good starting in
cold weather.
Use the recommended engine oil when the outside
temperature drops below freezing. SeeEngine Oil
(Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine) on page 5-20orEngine Oil
(Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20orEngine Oil
(DURAMAX™ Diesel) on page 5-25. When the outside
temperature drops below 0°F (−18°C), use of the
engine coolant heater is recommended.If you experience longer cranking times, notice an
unusual amount of exhaust smoke or are at higher
altitudes (over 7,000 ft. or 2 135 m), you may use your
engine coolant heater. SeeEngine Coolant Heater
on page 2-23.
SeeWhat Fuel to Use on page 5-8for information on
what fuel to use in cold weather.
If Your Diesel Engine Won’t Start
If you’ve run out of fuel, seeRunning Out of Fuel on
page 5-15.
If you’re not out of fuel, and your engine won’t start,
do this:
Turn your ignition key to RUN. IMMEDIATELY after
the wait to start light goes off, turn the ignition key
to START.
If the light doesn’t go off, wait a few seconds, then try
starting your engine again. And, see your dealer as soon
as you can for a starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes off and you know
your batteries are charged, but your engine still
won’t start, your vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when the engine is cold,
your vehicle needs service.
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When the engine is started, it will slowly ramp up to the
high idle speed after a delay of a few seconds up to
about two minutes. For this method to work properly
there must be no throttle or brake pedal faults, and the
throttle pedal must not fall below 75 percent of wide
open throttle while pressing the brake pedal.
The engine idle speed will return to normal once the
following conditions are met:
•Once engine coolant temperature reaches
150°F (65°C).
•Air intake temperature reaches 41°F (5°C).
The high idle speed will be temporarily interrupted and
the engine speed will return to normal if any of the
following conditions occur:
•The brake pedal is applied.
•The accelerator pedal is pressed.
•The automatic transmission is shifted out of
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
•The clutch pedal on the manual transmission is
pressed.
•Vehicle speed is detected.
Once these inputs are removed, the engine idle speed
will slowly ramp back up to high idle after the normal
delay, if the conditions for engine coolant temperature
and air intake temperature are still met.
Engine Checks Before Operating
When you’ve started your engine, let it run for
20 to 30 seconds before you put a load on the engine.
Butdon’tleave the vehicle while the engine is running.
Avoid unnecessary idling of diesel engine equipped
vehicles.
If the engine idles too long, the temperature of the
engine coolant will fall below the normal operating
range. Low engine operating temperature causes
several conditions which affect engine operation and
reduce engine life.
The engine should be permitted to go through a
warm-up period. Operate the vehicle at a minimum of
600 rpm during the warm-up period. During this
period and during operation, the following observations
should be made.
During this warm-up period, check your warning lights
and gages:
•If oil pressure doesn’t begin to rise within
15 seconds of starting, stop the engine and find the
cause.
•If the engine coolant temperature gage needle goes
into the hot area on the gage, stop the engine and
find the cause of the overheating.
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