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.
2-20
•If you have air brakes, the dual-needle air pressure
gage should read at least 115 psi (790 kPa) for
both service systems before you try to move
the vehicle. When air pressure is below 60 psi
(420 kPa), the LOW AIR light will come on and you
will hear a tone alarm. If the pressure doesn’t
build up or drops during warm-up, stop the engine
and find the cause before you try to move the
vehicle. Recommended air pressure before actually
driving away is 120 psi (830 kPa).
•The charging system light should come on when
the ignition key is turned to RUN or START and
should go out when the engine is running above
idle. If the light doesn’t go out or comes back
on during normal engine operation, have the
charging system checked right away. (This light
tells you if the generator is not charging; it doesn’t
reflect the condition of the battery.)
•The voltmeter charge indicator gage tells you the
condition of your battery’s charge. The gage
should be in the center area during engine
operation. The red area on the left indicates an
undercharge condition; the red area on the
right indicates an overcharge. If the gage is in
either red area, have the battery and charging
system checked right away.Notice:For diesel engines, don’t allow the engine
to operate at low idle for more than ve minutes.
This can cause low engine operating temperatures
which can affect engine operation and reduce
engine life. Engine idle speed should be increased
to 1200 rpm whenever extended idle is required.
Once started, the engine should be placed under
load to allow the engine coolant temperature
to reach 150°F (66°C) before shutting off the engine.
Engine Coolant Heater
If your vehicle has this
feature, the plug-in
receptacle is located under
the driver’s door.
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
2-23
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-42
Check Gages Warning Light...........................3-42
Fuel Gage...................................................3-42
Water in Fuel Warning Light...........................3-43
Air Filter Restriction Indicator..........................3-44
Air Pressure Gage........................................3-44
Hourmeter Gage...........................................3-45
Audio System(s).............................................3-45
Setting the Time...........................................3-45
AM-FM Radio...............................................3-46Radio with Cassette......................................3-48
Radio with CD..............................................3-53
Theft-Deterrent Feature (Non-RDS Radios).......3-57
Radio Reception...........................................3-57
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-57
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-59
Care of Your CD Player................................3-59
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-59
Chime Level Adjustment................................3-59
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Service Engine Soon Light
If this light comes on or
flashes while you are
driving, two things may
happen.
First, you will not notice any difference in engine
performance, but your tail pipe emissions may increase.
Second, your engine may not run properly or may
stall without warning. If either of these things happen,
drive or tow your vehicle to your dealer for service.
This light should come on when the ignition is on, but
the engine is not running, as a check to show you
it is working. If it does not come on at all, have
it repaired.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after a while, your emission controls
may not work as well, your fuel economy may not
be as good and your engine may not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may
not be covered by your warranty.
Oil Pressure Gage
The engine oil pressure gage, on the lower right portion
of your instrument panel cluster, shows engine oil
pressure in psi (pounds per square inch) or in kPa
(kilopascals). Oil pressure may vary with outside
temperature and oil viscosity, but readings of
30 to 40 psi (205 to 275 kPa) on gasoline engines at
operating temperature and moderate road speeds
are normal. If you have a diesel engine, the normal
operating range should be between 35 and 70 psi
(240 to 480 kPa).
United StatesCanada
3-37
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light will come on
when your vehicle is low
on windshield washer fluid.
For more information, seeWindshield Washer Fluid on
page 5-44.
Check Gages Warning Light
This light will come on as
you’re starting the engine,
just as a check.
If this light comes on and stays on while you are driving.
it means that either your engine coolant temperature
gage or your engine oil pressure gage may be showing
a reading in the warning zone.When the check gages light comes on, you will also
hear a warning tone. The tone and the light will
stay activated until the problem is corrected.
This light may also come on if your vehicle is equipped
with the optional automatic engine shutdown system
and engine shutdown has begun. SeeEngine Alarm and
Automatic ShutdownunderStarting Your Diesel
Engine on page 2-14.
Fuel Gage
Your fuel gage is located
on the right side of your
instrument panel cluster.
When the ignition is on, your fuel gage lets you know
about how much fuel you have left. When the gage first
shows empty, you’ll still have a little fuel left, but you
should get more fuel soon.
3-42
6. Turn the stud nut
clockwise several turns
to release the brakes.
Follow the same
procedure to release
the other brake.
7. At the repair facility, apply air pressure of at least
70 psi (480 kPa) to the brake chambers, either
from an external air supply or the vehicle’s
air system.
8. Turn the stud nut counterclockwise several turns.
Remove the stud from the chamber.
9. Replace the stud and washer and tighten the nut
into the side of the chamber.
10. Replace the rubber cap.Loading Your Vehicle
There is a GVW Rating label on your vehicle that shows
how much weight it may properly carry. It also shows
the size of your original tires and the inflation pressures
needed to obtain the gross weight capacity of your vehicle.
This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel and cargo.
4-33
Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Two Safety Cautions about Engine Fan
Breakage...................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-6
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Diesel Engine Fuel.........................................5-8
What Fuel to Use...........................................5-8
Very Cold Weather Operation.........................5-10
Water in Fuel...............................................5-10
Running Out of Fuel.....................................5-15
Fuel Filter Replacement.................................5-15
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................5-16
Filling Your Tank..........................................5-17
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-18
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-18
Hood Latches...............................................5-19
Engine Oil (Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine).............5-20
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)..........................5-20
Engine Oil (DURAMAX™ Diesel).....................5-25
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-30
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-31
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-32Engine Coolant (Gas and
DURAMAX™ engines)................................5-32
Engine Coolant (Caterpillar
®Diesel Engines).....5-35
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-35
Engine Overheating.......................................5-36
Cooling System............................................5-38
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-43
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-43
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-44
Brakes........................................................5-46
Battery........................................................5-55
Jump Starting...............................................5-56
Rear Axle.......................................................5-61
Rear Axle Shift Motor....................................5-61
Noise Control System.....................................5-62
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-62
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-63
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-63
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-63
Other Service Items........................................5-64
Fuel Filter....................................................5-64
Primary Fuel Filter and Water Separator..........5-65
Secondary Fuel Filter and Water
Separator/Heater.......................................5-66
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1
5. Then replace the
pressure cap. Be sure
the pressure cap is
hand-tight and
fully seated.
Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the clutch is not fully engaged. This improves
fuel economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy
vehicle loading, trailer towing and/or high outside
temperatures, the fan speed increases when the clutch
engages. So you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and should not be mistaken as thetransmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely
the cooling system functioning properly. The fan will
slow down when additional cooling is not required and
the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
See your Maintenance Schedule for when to check your
power steering fluid.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
Check your power steering fluid only when the engine is
warm. If the engine isn’t warm, you probably won’t
get an accurate reading.
If the fluid level is between the MIN and MAX marks,
you have enough. If you need fluid, add only enough of
the proper fluid to bring it in between the MIN and
MAX marks.
5-43