
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.
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
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.
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.
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.
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Vehicle Inspection Guide
12

Engine starting (parking brake applied)
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) or P
(Park) if equipped with a Park position.
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.
Ammeter/Voltmeter:Check the gauge to see if the alternator is
charging.
Steering linkage
free play:Check for excessive free play in the steering
linkages. The steering wheel should have less
than two inches (five cm) of free play at rim
of steering wheel.
Hydraulic brake
check: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.
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Vehicle Inspection Guide
13

Stop engine:This light is used in
conjunction with the electronic
engine control. When illuminated,
the STOP ENGINE lamp indicates the need tostopthe engine as soon
as it can be safely done.
If the STOP ENGINE lamp begins flashing automatic engine
shutdown may take place in as little as 20 seconds.
In the event of engine shutdown, make sure the vehicle is safely
off the road and the problem is remedied prior to returning to
the road. Failure to remove the vehicle from the road could result in
an accident, causing serious injury or death.
Refer to your 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. For more
information, refer toEngine automatic shutdown warning light or
chimein theDrivingchapter of this owner guide and/or your engine
operator’s manual.
Drivers of electronically controlled engines should know the
extent of warning engine shutdown system before operating the
vehicle.
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.
STOP
ENGINE
BRAKE
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
22

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
23

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 to your engine operator’s manual 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.
Differential lock:Illuminates when
the main differential is locked
(engaged).
Parking brake warning:
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. Also
illuminates when the parking brake
is engaged. If the brake warning
lamp does not illuminate at these
times, seek service immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Power Park (air-operated parking
brake) option:If after setting the parking brake on your vehicle the
park brake warning lamp begins to blink, this may indicate a failure in
the parking brake system. Seek service from your dealer immediately.
WATER
IN
FUEL
P
BRAKE
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
24

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
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
28

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