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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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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If your batteries don’t have enough charge to start your
engine, seeBattery on page 5-55.
Be sure you have the right oil for your engine, and that
you’ve changed the oil at the proper times. If you
use the wrong oil, your engine may be harder to start.
Be sure you are using the proper fuel for existing
weather conditions. SeeWhat Fuel to Use on page 5-8.
If the engine starts, runs a short time, then stops,
your vehicle needs service.
{CAUTION:
Do not use gasoline or starting “aids” such as
ether, in the air intake. They could damage
your engine. There could also be a re, which
could cause serious personal injury.
Elevated Idle/Exhaust Restrictor
If your vehicle is equipped with the RPO LLY engine, it
has a cold temperature high idle and exhaust restrictor
feature which elevates the engines idle speed from
680 to 1200 rpms, and restricts the exhaust gas flow,
when outside temperatures are below 41°F (5°C),
and the engine coolant temperature is below
150°F (65°C.)
This feature enhances heater performance by raising
the engine coolant temperature faster. When the vehicle
is started in outside temperatures below 41°F (5°C),
and the engine coolant temperature is below 150°F
(65°C), the engine will idle at 1200 rpms and the
variable nozzle turbocharger will restrict the
exhaust flow.
To turn on this feature:
1. Turn the ignition to the run position, with the
vehicle off.
2. Press the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold
while quickly pressing the brake pedal three times
in less than eight seconds.
3. Release the accelerator pedal and start the engine.
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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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Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-5
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Interior Lamps..............................................3-15
Instrument Panel Switchbank..........................3-16
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-17
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-22
Rear Heating System....................................3-23
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-23
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-24
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-26
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-26
Safety Belt Reminder Tone............................3-26
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-27
Air Bag Off Light..........................................3-28Charging System Light..................................3-30
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-30
Service Transmission Warning Light................3-31
Range Inhibit Warning Indicator......................3-31
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-31
Parking Brake Warning Light..........................3-34
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-34
Trailer Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light...........................................3-35
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-35
Low Coolant Warning Light............................3-36
Wait to Start Indicator...................................3-36
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-37
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-37
Low Oil Level Light.......................................3-38
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-39
Engine Overspeed Warning Light....................3-39
Engine Shutdown Warning Light.....................3-39
Transmission Temperature Gage.....................3-40
Exhaust Brake Indicator Light.........................3-40
Differential Lock Indicator Light.......................3-40
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-41
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light...........3-41
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1
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
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Transmission Temperature Gage
If you have an automatic
transmission, this gage is
located above the
switchbank in the center of
the instrument panel.
When your ignition is on, the gage shows the
temperature of the transmission oil. A reading in the
warning zone, the red area beginning at 300°F (150°C),
means you must stop driving and check into the
cause. One possible cause is a low oil level in the
transmission.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle with the
transmission temperature gage above normal
operating range, you can damage the transmission.
This could lead to costly repairs that would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not drive your
vehicle while the transmission temperature gage
reading is above normal. See your dealer for service.
Exhaust Brake Indicator Light
If your vehicle is equipped
with an exhaust brake, you
will have this light,
located above the comfort
controls in the center of
the instrument panel.
The exhaust brake indicator light will come on and stay
on whenever the diesel engine exhaust brake or
exhaust restrictor is active. For more information, see
Diesel Engine Exhaust Brake on page 2-25.
Differential Lock Indicator Light
If your vehicle has this
feature, this light is located
in the center of the
instrument panel. The light
is on when the inter-axle
differential lock system
is in use.
The light will come on momentarily during starting. If the
light fails to come on, have it repaired as soon as
possible so you will be aware when the lock system is
in use.
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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.
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