To be sure your vehicle is ready to operate, conduct a pre-trip inspection
at the beginning of each work period. Follow the steps listed in this
section to ensure a proper vehicle inspection procedure. The pages in
this section may be produced locally and used on a regular basis.
VEHICLE INSPECTION INFORMATION
Note:Always make sure the parking brake is applied before starting the
engine.
Engine compartment (with engine stopped)
Engine oil level:Use the engine oil dipstick to verify that the
engine oil level is between the ADD and
OPERATING RANGE marks.
Engine coolant
level:Look through the plastic reservoir or the clear
sight glass on the reservoir, depending upon
vehicle equipment, and make sure the fluid is
within the minimum and maximum fluid level
range as marked on the reservoir.Do not
remove pressure cap until the coolant has
cooled.
Power steering fluid:Verify that the fluid level is between the
proper operating range Refer toPower
steering fluidin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Brake fluid (master
cylinder):Remove the master cylinder caps and inspect
the fluid level. The full mark is at the bottom
of the opening of the port ring.
Hydraulic clutch
fluid:Check for adequate amount of hydraulic clutch
fluid. Fluid level should be at the step of the
reservoir; refer toClutch fluid/linkage
adjustmentsin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Belts (Fan,
alternator, water
pump and A/C
compressor):Check for glazing, fraying or cracking. There
should be no more than five - seven cracks per
rib per inch.
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Supplement
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Vehicle Inspection Guide
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Engine compartment (with engine stopped)
Any leaks:Check for signs of fluid puddles, dripping fluid
on the ground under the engine or the
underside of the engine.
HVAC air inlet:Check for debris, leaves, etc. that may have
collected on the HVAC air inlet grille or inside
the exterior module as this may cause reduced
system performance.
HVAC fresh air filter
(if equipped):Periodically check the HVAC fresh air filter for
cleanliness.
Exercise great caution when working on vehicle equipped with
an automatic fan clutch. The fan starts in motion only after the
engine coolant reaches a predetermined temperature or the refrigerant
pressure (if equipped with air conditioning) reaches a predetermined
setting. The fan will start at this point with no advance warning. Never
reach near, or permit objects to protrude into, the fan blade radius
while the engine is running as this could result in vehicle damage,
personal injury or death.
2007 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Vehicle Inspection Guide
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Engine starting (parking brake applied)
Safety/Emergency
equipment:Prior to entering the cab, verify that the
vehicle is equipped with spare electrical fuses
(if used), three red reflective triangles, a
properly charged and rated fire extinguisher
and wheel chocks. Walk around the vehicle
and check that all steps and grab handles,
inside and out as well as behind, are tight and
clean. Use extreme caution and a three-point
stance at all times. Check door latches for
positive closing, latching and locking.
Starting the engine:Verify the parking brake is set. Depress the
clutch (if equipped with a manual
transmission) and verify the transmission is in
neutral. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission should be in N (Neutral).
When the WAIT TO START indicator light in
the instrument cluster turns off, turn the key
to START.
Oil pressure builds:Make sure engine oil pressure is building to
normal operating range.
Air chime sounds (if
equipped with air
compressor):The low air pressure warning chime should
sound immediately after the engine starts but
before the compressor has built up pressure.
The low air pressure warning chime should
stop when the air pressure reaches 70 psi (483
kPa) (or more). Let the air pressure build to
governed cut-out pressure, which should occur
between 115–130 psi (793–896 kPa).
Accelerator:Depress the accelerator and verify that it
operates smoothly without any binding or
irregular feel. Remove your foot from the
pedal and make sure the engine returns to idle
speed immediately.
2007 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Vehicle Inspection Guide
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Stop engine:This light is used in
conjunction with the electronic
engine control.
Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for specific information regarding
this feature.
If the engine shuts down, it can be restarted and operated for 30
seconds at a time or until the problem is corrected. Refer toEngine
shutdown systemin theDrivingchapter.
Drivers of electronically controlled engines should know the
extent of warning engine shutdown system before operating the
vehicle. This information can be obtained from your dealer.
Brake reserve system warning:
Illuminates to indicate normal
Hydromax booster reserve system
activation when the engine is OFF
and the service brake pedal is
applied.
This light may also illuminate momentarily if the engine is running and
the driver turns the steering wheel fully in one direction while braking.
If the light remains on while the engine is running, this indicates
inadequate hydraulic booster pressure or reserve pump system failure.
Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible and seek service immediately.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, this light will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position when the engine is not running. If
the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek
service immediately from your dealership. Illumination after starting the
vehicle indicates a pressure differential in the master cylinder and the
brake system should be inspected immediately by your dealership.
If equipped with an air brake system, the warning light stays on until the
air pressure builds up to 60 psi (414 kPa). If the air pressure drops
below 60 psi (414 kPa) during operation, the remaining brake system is
still operational but the stopping distance will be greater.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer immediately.
STOP
ENGINE
BRAKE
2007 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
23
Wait to start:Indicates the air
intake heater is in operation and special starting procedures are
required. Refer to theDrivingchapter.
If equipped with an air intake heater, DO NOT use ether or any
other starting fluids. The use of starting fluids (ether) in an
engine equipped with an air intake heater could result in damage
and/or personal injury.
Water in fuel:During refueling, it
is possible for water-contaminated
diesel fuel to be pumped into your
tank. Your vehicle fuel system is
equipped with a fuel filter/water
separator to remove water from the fuel. The WATER IN FUEL light will
illuminate when the fuel filter/water separator has a significant quantity
of water in it.
If the light illuminates when the engine is running, stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, shut off the engine, then drain the fuel
filter/water separator. Refer toFuel filter/water separatorin the
Maintenance and Specificationssection for the drain procedure.
Allowing water to stay in the system could result in extensive damage to,
or failure of, the fuel injection system.
Do not drain water separator while engine is running. Fuel may
ignite if separator is drained while engine is running or vehicle is
moving.
Traction control (if equipped):
Illuminates and flashes slowly if the
Off Road mode is selected and
flashes rapidly during a traction
control event.
WAIT
TO
START
WATER
IN
FUEL
2007 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Trip odometer:Registers the miles
(kilometers) of individual journeys.
To reset, depress the control.
Fuel gauge:Indicates
approximately how much fuel is left
in the fuel tank (when the ignition
is in the on position). If your vehicle
is equipped with dual fuel tanks, the
engine will draw fuel from the
passenger-side fuel tank only. With
dual fuel tanks, the vehicle will be
equipped with a fuel transfer pump system that will draw fuel from the
driver-side fuel tank and send fuel to the passenger-side fuel tank. The
passenger-side fuel tank must have fuel in it at all times otherwise the
vehicle may stall and may be difficult to re-start. The fuel gauge reads
the fuel level only from the passenger-side fuel tank.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will be in
the normal range (between “H” and
“C”).If it enters the red section,
the engine is overheating. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine
and let the engine cool.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
H
C
2007 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal. For
vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, you must depress the
ignition release lever to release the
key.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the
steering wheel. This position also allows the automatic transmission shift
lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal
being depressed.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Starting the engine
Operation of a diesel engine near flammable vapors in the air
may cause the engine speed to increase uncontrollably and over
speed. If this situation occurs, mechanical damage, fire, explosion,
personal injury or death could result.Turning off the ignition key
will not slow or stop the engine due to uncontrollable fueling of the
engine through flammable vapors being drawn into the engine air
inlet.Operation of components such as starter, alternator, electric
motors, etc. and static electricity could also ignite flammable vapors.
Do not operate the truck in the possible presence of flammable vapors
unless both a complete hazard analysis is performed and necessary
additional safety processes and/or equipment such as vapor testing, air
intake shutoff devices, ventilation, etc. are utilized. The operator is
responsible for using those processes and/or equipment to ensure that
the diesel engine and all other components on the truck can be
operated safely under the specific conditions and hazards that may be
encountered.
3
1
2
5
4
2007 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
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Backing up
To reduce the risk of the possibility of personal injury while
backing the vehicle, always be sure your vehicle’s path is clear.
Before backing your vehicle, be sure you can do so safely. If anything
behind the cab limits your view, do not rely on mirrors alone to ensure
that your intended path is clear. If other people are in the vicinity, have
someone standing well behind your vehicle and outside of your intended
path (visible through an exterior mirror) guide you as you back up.
Although OSHA or some governmental regulations may require the use
of an electrical or mechanical back-up alarm to warn bystanders, such an
alarm does not ensure that the intended path is clear. When in doubt,
get out of the vehicle and visually check the intended path is clear;
back-up slowly as to allow others time to move, if necessary.
If an electrical back-up alarm is installed, it should be connected to the
back-up lamp circuit.
Parking your vehicle
Always use the parking brake. When parking on a grade, block the
wheels and turn the front wheels to one side so that if the vehicle rolls,
the front tires will act against the curb to stop the vehicle. The front
wheels will be more effective at stopping a rolling vehicle than the rear
wheels.
When parking your vehicle, do not leave the transmission in
gear; if the key is in the ON position and the vehicle rolls, the
engine could start. Failure to follow these instructions could result in
an unattended vehicle moving, possibly causing personal injury or
property damage.
Driving through water
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine, drive axles or the transmission
(through the breather ports).
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
2007 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
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