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. Driving extended distances with
the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of
personal injury.
Wait to start:Indicates the air
intake heater is in operation and
special starting procedures are
required. Refer to theDriving
chapter.
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.
WAIT
TO
START
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Trailer ABS brake system:
Illuminates briefly when the engine
is powered-up and only when a PLC
trailer or a PLC diagnostic tool is
connected. If the light remains on
after the vehicle is started, continues to flash or fails to illuminate, have
the system serviced immediately.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately. Normal
braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is
illuminated.
Check trans (Allison automatic
transmission only):The lamp will
illuminate for several seconds after
the ignition is turned to the ON
position. Illumination of this light indicates that a problem has been
detected and shifting may be restricted. Depending upon the severity of
the problem, the read-out digit on the shifter display may be blank.
Operation may continue in order to reach service assistance. The ECU
may not respond to shift selector requests, since operating limitations
are being placed on the transmission, i.e. upshifts and downshifts may be
restricted. Direction changes will not occur.
Refer to theTransmission Operator’s Manualfor more information.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt.
Range inhibit:Illuminates when
the transmission is not engaged in
the selected gear. The warning light
will go off when the gearshift lever
is adjusted in to the appropriate gear.
Refer to theTransmission Operator’s Manualfor more information.
ABS
CHECK
TRANS
RANGE
INHIBIT
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Diesel particulate filter
(Cummins engines only):
Illuminates if the soot in the DPF
has reached a level where it
requires operator assistance. Refer
toDiesel Particulate Filterin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter and your engine operator’s
manual, for more details.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Safety belt warning chime:Sounds when the key is in the ignition and
the driver’s safety belt is not fastened.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the driver’s door is
opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (and the key is not in the ignition) and
the driver’s door is opened.
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Engine oil pressure gauge:
Indicates engine oil pressure. The
needle should stay in the normal
operating range (as indicated by the
arrows). If the needle falls below
the normal range, stop the vehicle,
turn off the engine and check the
engine oil level. Add oil if needed. If
the oil level is correct, have your
vehicle checked at your dealership
or by a qualified technician.
Battery voltage gauge:Indicates
the battery voltage when the
ignition is in the ON position. If the
pointer moves and stays outside the
normal operating range (as
indicated by arrows), have the
vehicle’s electrical system checked
as soon as possible.
Transmission fluid temperature
gauge (if equipped, automatic
transmission only):
Indicates the temperature of the
transmission fluid. The normal
temperature range is 150°–230°F
(65°–110°C). Readings of
230°–250°F (110°–121°C) are
satisfactory for intermittent
operation and are not cause for
alarm. Operation above 250°F
(121°C) can cause the fluid to break down and will result in component
damage.
818
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
29
•Do not increase engine speed
until the oil pressure gauge
indicates normal pressure; this
should be indicated on the gauge
within 15 seconds after starting.
•Idle the engine for three to five
minutes before operating with a
full load.
•Try to limit engine idle to 10
minutes. Excessive idling reduces
fuel economy.
•When starting a cold engine, increase the engine speed (RPM) slowly
to make sure adequate lubrication is available to the bearings.
Cold weather operation
Do not use volatile starting aids such as ether, propane or
gasoline in the engine air intake system. Glow plugs may ignite
vapors which can cause engine damage or personal injury.
In order to operate the engine in temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower,
read the following instructions:
•Make sure that the batteries are of sufficient size and are fully
charged. Check other electrical components to make sure they’re in
optimum condition.
•Use a permanent-type engine coolant solution to protect the engine
against damage from freezing.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a water-fuel separator, drain it daily.
Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent condensation
in the fuel system.
•Make sure you use proper cold weather engine oil and that it is at its
proper level.
•At temperatures of –4°F (–20°C) or below, it is recommended that you
use a crankcase-mounted coolant heater to improve cold engine
starting.
•If operating in arctic temperatures of –20°F (–29°C) or lower, consult
your truck dealer for information about special cold weather
equipment and precautions.
Note:Idling in cold weather will not heat the engine to its normal
operating temperature. Long periods of idling in cold weather can cause
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
87
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.
ENGINE AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN WARNING LIGHT OR CHIME (IF
EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an automatic shutdown feature that
stops the engine in the event of high coolant temperature, low engine oil
pressure, high diesel particulate filter soot loading or low engine coolant
level. A warning light in the instrument cluster and a warning chime will
indicate high engine coolant temperature, low engine oil pressure or the
need to have the diesel particulate filter cleaned or serviced. If the
engine coolant temperature becomes too high, engine oil pressure too
low or the diesel particulate filter too restricted, the engine will
automatically shut down.
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
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If brakes do not grip well
•If you have been driving through deep water, gently apply the brakes
several times while the vehicle is moving slowly.
•Let the brakes cool if you have been using them excessively, as in
mountain driving or after several fast, high speed stops.
•Check brake adjustment.
•Check brake linings for excessive wear.
•Check system air pressure. (Air brakes only)
HYDRAULIC BRAKES (IF EQUIPPED)
HydroMax brake booster system
The HydroMax systems receive fluid pressure from the power steering
pump to provide power assist during braking.
The HydroMax booster receives back-up pressure from the reserve
system electric pump whenever the fluid in the power steering system is
not flowing. When the engine is off, the pump will turn on if the brake
pedal is applied, or if the ignition is turned to the ON position.
The sound of the pump operating or fluid flowing through the booster
may be heard; this is a normal characteristic of the system and should be
no reason for concern.
The reserve system provides reduced braking power, so the vehicle
should be operated under these conditions with caution, and only to seek
service repair and remove the vehicle from the roadway.
If braking performance or pedal response becomes very poor, even when
the pedal is strongly applied, this may indicate the presence of air in the
hydraulic system or fluid leakage. Stop the vehicle safely as soon as
possible and seek service immediately.
If the red BRAKE warning lamp in
the instrument cluster remains
illuminated after engine start up,
this indicates a system failure in the
master cylinder of the brake system. Stop the vehicle safely as soon as
possible and seek service immediately.
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
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Periodically check the air pressure
gauge while driving. Pressure should
range between approximately
100–125 psi (690–862 kPa). The air
compressor governor cut-in and
cut-out pressure settings are preset
at the factory and are not
adjustable.
When air pressure is insufficient
(below 60 psi [414 kPa]), a warning
light illuminates and a buzzer
sounds when the ignition is in the
ON position.
This condition may be caused by excessive brake applications depleting
the system air pressure. If this condition occurs, stop driving the vehicle
until the compressor has fully recharged the air system.
Do not move the vehicle when the air pressure is insufficient
because the brake system may be inoperative.
Select a gear ratio to help slow your vehicle before descending grades.
Supplement with brakes as required to safely slow the vehicle and avoid
overspeeding the engine.
Air chamber stroke indication
Air chamber push rods have orange stroke indicator markers that warn
when the braking system requires adjustment or repair. The orange
stripe is painted on the air chamber push rod at the slack adjuster stroke
dimension which requires service when visible during brake application.
Air brake inspection and adjustment or repairs should be performed by a
qualified service technician in accordance with the instructions in the
service manual.
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
98