To reduce the risk of personal injury or property damage when
manually releasing the spring brakes, be sure to block the wheels
so the vehicle cannot move once the brakes are released.
Towing the vehicle with the front wheels suspended
When it is necessary to tow a vehicle with the front wheels suspended,
extra precautions must be taken to avoid transmission or differential
damage. Proceed as follows:
•Remove the axle shafts from the axle assembly to prevent the wheels
from driving the differential and the transmission.
•The wheel hub ends must be covered to prevent loss of axle lubricant
and entrance of other contaminants. If the axle shafts are not
removed, removal of the propeller shafts is required.
Note:To avoid transmission damage, vehicles should not be towed even
a short distance without suspending rear wheels or removing the axle
shaft or propeller shaft.
Note:In the event the chassis is equipped with a tandem axle and the
vehicle is to be towed from the front, the forward rear axle may be
raised to clear the road surface and secured to the frame by chains or
U-bolts, allowing only the rear rear axle to contact the road surface. Axle
shafts must be removed from the rear rear axle assembly. The wheel hub
ends must be covered to prevent loss of axle lubricant and entrance of
contaminants. Use extreme care in securing the chains or U-bolts to
avoid possible damage to the brake lines, hoses or other components.
Towing vehicles equipped with a driver-controlled differential lock
Note:If the vehicle must be towed to a service facility with the drive
axle wheels on the ground, it is necessary to remove the axle shafts
before the vehicle is towed.
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Installing the axle shafts
1. Remove the covers from the wheel ends
2. Shift the differential lock to the unlocked position (disengaged)
position.
3. Install the axle shafts
•Place the gaskets on the wheel hub studs.
•Push the right-hand axle shaft and gasket in to the wheel end and
housing until the shaft stops against the differential shift collar.
•Push down and in on the axle shaft flange and rotate the shaft until
the splines of the shaft and shift collar are engaged.
•Push the axle shaft further into the housing until the shaft stops
against the differential side gear.
•Push down on the axle shaft flange and rotate the shaft until the
splines of the shaft and side gear are engaged.
•Push the axle shaft completely into the housing until the axle shaft
flange and the gasket are flush against the wheel hub.
•Install the left-hand axle shaft and gasket into the wheel end.
4. If tapered dowels are required, install them at each stud and into the
flange of the axle shaft. Use a punch or drift and hammer, if needed.
5. Install the fasteners and tighten to correct torque value. Refer to the
Service Manual section.
Towing the vehicle with the rear wheels suspended
Note:To avoid damage to the cab roof or air deflector when towing the
vehicle backward (rear wheels suspended) the air deflector must be
removed.
Whenever possible, it is preferable to tow a disabled vehicle from the
rear by raising the rear of the chassis. When towing a vehicle with the
rear of the chassis suspended the front wheels must be locked in the
straight-ahead position.
Vehicles equipped with a manual-shift transmission must have at least
one (1) pint of transmission fluid drained from the case. This will
prevent the transmission fluid from entering the clutch housing and fluid
saturating the clutch discs. Make sure that the transmission fluid is
replaced before the vehicle is returned to service.
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OPENING THE HOOD
The hood and fenders are held in position by a latch located on each
fender.
The parking brake must be fully set before opening the hood or
possible personal injury may occur.
If you must leave the engine running while checking under the
hood, do not allow any loose clothing, jewelry, hair or other
items to get near moving engine components or possible personal
injury may occur.
To open the hood:
1. Set the parking brake, shift into N (Neutral) (automatic transmission)
or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
2. Lift upward on the bottom of
each latch.
3. Pull the bottom of each latch
away from the fender.
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3. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain
completely into the oil pan.
5. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
6. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
7. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween FULL and OPERATING RANGE,the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•Maintain the oil level between ADD and OPERATING RANGE on the
dipstick by adding oil as required.
•The distance from ADD to OPERATING RANGE on the dipstick
represents 1.9L (2.0 quarts).
•Oil levels above OPERATING RANGE may cause engine damage. Some
oil must be removed from the engine by a qualified service technician.
8. Put the indicator back into the engine and ensure it is fully seated.
Engine oil and filter recommendations—Cummins B and Caterpillar
engines
Refer to the appropriate engine operator’s manual for information on the
engine oil.
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the vehicle to service. Failure to properly bleed the hydraulic system can
result in degradation of power system performance.
Consult your dealer who is aware of the proper procedures for filling and
bleeding the system.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid level using the following procedure. Refer
to the general maintenance information section for the recommended
service intervals. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into N (Neutral) (automatic transmission)
or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the top of the power steering fluid reservoir.
4. Remove the dipstick from the reservoir and wipe the dipstick clean.
5. Reinstall the dipstick. Remove it again and check the fluid level.
•If the fluid temperature is at
approximately 20°C-49°C (68°F
- 120°F) (fluid cool or warm to
the touch), check the COLD side
of the dipstick. The fluid level
should be within the FULL range
•If the fluid level is below the ADD
line, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the proper level.
•If the fluid temperature is at
approximately 80°C - 110°C
(176°F - 230°F) (fluid too hot
to touch), check the HOT side of
the dipstick. The fluid level
should be within the FULL range.
•If the fluid level is below the ADD
line, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the proper level.
Note:The fluid level may also be checked by looking at the see-through
plastic reservoir. Make sure that the fluid is within the minimum and
maximum fluid range as marked on the reservoir.
A low fluid level may indicate a leak in the power steering system.
Inspect the power steering system and repair the leak. If necessary, see
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
ADD MAX. COLDFULL
ADD MAX. HOTFULL
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•Transmission and clutch
removed for clarity.
3. With a grease gun, lubricate the clutch release bearing (at one
location) and the clutch release shaft (at two locations) using the grease
fittings provided.
4. Lubricate clutch release wear pads at the two locations where they
contact the clutch release bearing using a brush or similar tool.
5. Install the inspection cover onto the clutch housing.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community’s standards for disposing of these types of fluids.
Call your recycling center to find out about recycling automotive fluids.
Automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Allison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manual for
scheduled intervals for transmission fluid checks and changes. Your
transmission does not consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be
checked if the transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Transmission fluid level should be checked by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
If you must add transmission fluid, make sure the correct type of fluid is
being used. The type of fluid used is indicated in your Allison Automatic
Transmission Operator’s Manual.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
Manual transmission fluid
Refer to your general maintenance information section for transmission
fluid level checks and fluid change intervals.
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Your manual transmission may be filled with an optional synthetic fluid
which allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler
plug will identify the use of the synthetic fluid.
Use only fluid that meets manufacturer specifications (refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter.
Use of a non-approved transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
Check your transmission fluid level using the following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
5. The fluid level should be up to the bottom of the filler plug opening.
6. If necessary, add enough fluid through the filler plug opening so that
the fluid level is at the bottom of the opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Drain and refill your transmission fluid using the following procedure:
1. Drain the transmission while the fluid is warm.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Set the parking brake and shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
4. Clean any dirt from around the filler and drain plugs.
5. Remove the filler and drain plugs and drain the fluid into a suitable
container. Dispose all used automotive fluids in a responsible manner
following your local authorized standards.
6. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
7. Add enough fluid through the filler plug opening so that the fluid level
is up to the bottom of the opening.
8. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
ENGINE AND SUBSYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Note:Information in this section pertains to the 6.0L Power Stroke
engine only. For information pertaining to other engines, see the
respective engine operator manual.
Note:To prevent damage to the engine control module, never
spray-wash it directly. Never spray any connector.
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Inspect air intake piping
•Check for accumulation of salt deposits (where applicable). If present,
disassemble and clean the complete air intake piping system. If the
intake piping is pitted, use RTV silicone to seal joints against leakage.
•Check for loose hoses and clamps.
•Check for ruptured or collapsed hoses.
•Check air cleaner housing for cracks.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INSPECTIONS
Periodically inspect electrical connectors on the outside of the cab, on
the engine and frame for corrosion and tightness. Exposed terminals
such as the fuel sender, cranking motor, alternator and feed-through
studs should be cleaned and re-coated with a lubricant sealing grease
such as Motorcraft XG-3, or equivalent. This should include the ground
cable connector for batteries, engine and cab as well as the jump starting
stud.
Accessory feed connections
Vehicle electrical systems are complex and often include electronic
components such as engine and transmission controls, instrument panels,
ABS, etc. While most systems operate on battery voltage (12 volts),
some systems can be as high as 90 volts or as low as five volts. Refer to
the Electrical Circuit Diagram Manuals, available from your vehicle’s
manufacturer, to assure that any additional body lights and accessories
are connected to circuits that are both appropriate and not overloaded.
No modification should be made to any vehicle control system without
first contacting your dealer.
SUSPENSION INSPECTION
Note:Do not adjust air suspension height to any setting other than the
specified setting. Altering the height setting will change the driveline
angle and may result in unwarrantable component damage, such as
transmission component damage.
Verify drive axle air suspension height and height control valve
performance at engine lube oil change intervals.
Periodically:
•Check condition of spring leaves for evidence of fatigue, bending or
breakage.
•Check condition of suspension mounting brackets and bushings.
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