Engine starting (parking brake applied)
Parking brake:Check that the parking brake will hold the
vehicle by gently trying to pull forward with
the parking brake applied.
Air brake check:Check the air brakes in the following manner
(Chock the wheels, if necessary. Push in the
parking brake and on tractors, also push in the
tractor parking brake knob):
1. Check the air compressor or governor
cut-out pressure (approximately 120 psi
[827 kPa]).
2. Cut-off the engine and turn the key back to
ON, without starting the engine.
3. Without the brake pedal applied, note the
air pressure drop for one minute. It should be
less than 2 psi (14 kPa) for single vehicle and
3 psi (21 kPa) for combination vehicles.
4. Depress and hold the brake pedal with
90 psi (621 kPa) or more and make sure there
is no more than a 3 psi (21 kPa) per minute
leak. For combination vehicles, no more than
4 psi (28 kPa) per minute.
5. Pump the brake pedal to deplete the system
air pressure. The warning light and chime
should activate 57 psi (393 kPa).
6. Pump the brake pedal and make sure the
parking brake and trailer parking brake knobs
pop out at 20 psi (138 kPa) or higher.
Automatic
transmission fluid:With the engine idling at normal operating
temperature and the parking brake applied,
check the automatic transmission fluid. If fluid
needs to be added, place the transmission in
the appropriate gear as specified in the
transmission operator’s manual and refer to
Transmission fluidin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Vehicle Inspection Guide
14
If a wheel must be changed, obtain expert tire service help.
Mounting and un-mounting of tires should only be performed by
a qualified technician using necessary safety procedures and
equipment, otherwise the result could be property damage, personal
injury or death.
Driver/Fuel area
Fuel tank:Make sure the fuel tank and caps are secure.
Make sure there is no damage to the tank.
Leaks:Check for any leaks from the fuel tanks.
Underbody of vehicle
Driveshaft:Make sure that the driveshaft is not bent or
cracked. Ensure all driveshaft couplings are
secure.
Exhaust system:Make sure the outside visible parts are
securely mounted. Make sure there are no
cracks, holes or severe dents.
Frame:Check for cracks or bends in longitudinal
frame members. Make sure there are no loose,
cracked, bent, broken or missing
crossmembers or crossmember fasteners.
Maintain adequate clearance between all parts of the exhaust
system and all hoses, wires and lines for engine cooling, brake
system, fuel system, power steering system and electrical system, Heat
damage to hoses, wires or lines may cause vehicle malfunction that
could result in property damage, personal injury or death.
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Vehicle Inspection Guide
17
Rear brakes
Drum:Make sure there are no cracks, dents or holes
and no loose or missing bolts. Make sure brake
linings are not worn or dangerously thin or
contaminated by lubricant.
Rear wheels
Spacers:Make sure dual wheels are evenly separated
and that tires are not touching one another.
Rims:Check for damaged or bent rims. Rims should
not have welding repairs and no rust trails that
indicate it is loose on the wheel.
Lug nuts:Make sure all lug nuts are present and not
loose (look for rust trails around the lug nuts).
There should be no cracks radiating from the
lug bolt holes or distortion of the bolt holes.
Trailer
If you are pulling a trailer, an inspection of the trailer similar to that of
the tractor should be done. Such an inspection should follow trailer
manufacturer recommendation and should include at a minimum: general
condition, landing gear, doors, sides, lights, reflectors, suspension,
brakes, tires, wheels, cargo placement, stability and tie-downs.
Transmission
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, regularly
check the transmission’s neutral start switch. The engine should only
start in the N (Neutral) or P (Park) positions.
If the unit starts in gear and/or the neutral start switch is not
functioning correctly, the vehicle may inadvertently move which
could result in property damage, personal injury or death.
Check the transmission fluid level and shift linkage for proper operation.
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Vehicle Inspection Guide
20
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Some of the warning lights shown are optional based on vehicle
equipment; your vehicle may not have some of the warning lights shown
in this section.
Service engine soon:If this light
illuminates while driving, it is a
possible indication that one of the
engine’s emission control systems
has failed.
Check suspension (if equipped):
Illuminates when the air suspension
dump switch has been activated.
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
2008 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
21
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
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
25