
Drunk Driving
{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your
reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol.
You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision
if you drive after drinking. Do not drink and drive or
ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home
in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink.
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is
a global tragedy.
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a
vehicle: judgment, muscular coordination, vision, and
attentiveness.
Police records show that almost 40 percent of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases,
these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking
and driving. In recent years, more than 17,000 annual
motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with
the use of alcohol, with about 250,000 people injured.For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and
then drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s
system can make crash injuries worse, especially
injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means
that when anyone who has been drinking — driver
or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance of
being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the
person had not been drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control the vehicle
while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator.
At times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy
to ask more of those control systems than the tires and
road can provide. Meaning, you can lose control of
the vehicle.
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Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle may have a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road
conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one
or both of the rear wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, the system applies the
brake(s) at the affected wheel(s).
The bottom light on TCS on/off button will come on
when the TCS is limiting wheel spin. The system may
be heard or felt while it is working, but this is normal.
TCS will function at speeds up to about 25 mph
(42 km/h).
TCS may operate on dry roads under some conditions.
When this happens, a reduction in acceleration may
be noticed. This is normal and doesn’t mean there’s a
problem with the vehicle. Examples of these conditions
include a hard acceleration in a turn, an abrupt
upshift or downshift of the transmission or driving on
rough roads.When the light in the top of the TCS button is on, TCS
is off and will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
The light in the top of the TCS button will come on if
TCS is turned off by pressing the TCS on/off button.
The light may also come on if a problem has been
detected in either the traction control system or
the anti-lock brake system.
The traction control system automatically comes on
whenever the vehicle is started. To limit wheel
spin, especially in slippery road conditions, the system
should always be left on. But the traction control
system can be turned off if needed. Turn the system off
if the vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow
and rocking the vehicle is required. SeeRocking Your
Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-19for more information.
4-8

Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has
asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of less
danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle’s three
control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are not
rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed
or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
If the vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
remember: It helps avoid only the acceleration skid.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-8.Ifthe
vehicle does not have this system, or if the system
is off, then an acceleration skid is best handled
by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more
limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or
braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to
a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until
the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
If the vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS),
remember: It helps avoid only the braking skid. If
the vehicle does not have ABS, then in a braking skid,
where the wheels are no longer rolling, release
enough pressure on the brakes to get the wheels rolling
again. This restores steering control. Push the brake
pedal down steadily when you have to stop suddenly. As
long as the wheels are rolling, you will have steering
control.
4-12

Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving because
some drivers are likely to be impaired — by alcohol or
drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
•Drive defensively.
•Do not drink and drive.
•Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
•Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because headlamps can only light up
so much road ahead.
•Watch for animals.
•When tired, pull off the road.
•Do not wear sunglasses.
•Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
•Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
•Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns or
curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But, as we get older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
4-13

Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation. Stay
with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use theRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-5.
To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
•Turn on theHazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
•Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle.
This may cause exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
•Clear away snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
•Check again from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
•
Open a window about two inches (5 cm) on
the side of the vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
•Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
•Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that circulates the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest setting. See
Climate Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-45.
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods only as needed to
keep warm, but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off
and close the window most of the way to save heat.
4-18

Tow Hooks
{CAUTION:
These hooks, when used, are under a lot of force.
Always pull the vehicle straight out. Never pull on
the hooks at a sideways angle. The hooks could
break off and you or others could be injured from
the chain or cable snapping back.
Notice:Never use tow hooks to tow the vehicle.
Your vehicle could be damaged and it would not be
covered by warranty.
If your vehicle has tow hooks, the hooks are at the front
and, on some models, the rear of the vehicle. You
may need to use them if you are stuck off-road and need
to be pulled to some place where you can continue
driving.
Loading the Vehicle
It is the responsibility of the Final Stage manufacturer to
install a Certification label on your vehicle. This label
shows how much weight your vehicle can properly carry.
It may also show the size of the vehicle’s original tires,
and the inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The tire information
could also be shown on a separate Tire Information label.
The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.
4-20

Diesel Engine Fuel
For the Caterpillar®diesel, see the Caterpillar®
Operation & Maintenance Manual for information
concerning fuel usage.
Notice:Diesel fuel or fuel additives not
recommended in this manual could damage the fuel
system and engine. Your warranty would not
cover this damage. And:
•Diesel fuel that has been mixed with engine oil
or automatic transmission fluid could damage
the engine and emission controls.
•We do not test aftermarket diesel fuel additives.
Some additives, particularly those which
contain alcohol or water emulsifiers, could
damage the fuel system. If you believe that
unique circumstances call for a fuel additive to
be used, consult your dealer/retailer for
advice.
•If you ever run out of diesel fuel, it can be
difficult to restart the engine. To avoid this,
never let the tank get empty.
If gasoline is ever accidentally added to the fuel
tank, to avoid severe engine damage, do not run the
engine until the fuel tank can be drained.
If you run out of fuel,Running Out of Fuel on page 5-17
tells you how to restart the engine.
What Fuel to Use
Notice:Use of diesel fuel other than Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur maximum) or engine oil
other than low ash CJ-4 oil will cause permanent
damage to the DPF and related components. This
damage would not be covered by your warranty.
The emission control system requires the use of diesel
fuel with ultra low-sulfur (0.0015% by weight, or 15 ppm,
maximum) content. Both Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and Low
Sulfur Diesel fuels are available in the United States and
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel is available in Canada. In
Mexico, Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel is not available in all
regions.
At a minimum, the diesel fuel you use should meet the
latest version of ASTM specification D 975 (Grades
No. 2-D or No. 1-D S15 commonly known as Ultra Low
Sulfur diesel) in the United States. In addition, the
Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) has identified
properties of an improved diesel fuel for better engine
performance and durability. Diesel fuels corresponding to
the EMA Recommended Guideline on Premium Diesel
Fuel (FQP-1A) could provide better starting, less noise,
and better vehicle performance. If there are questions
about the fuel you are using, contact your fuel supplier.
5-8

What Fuel to Use in Canada
Notice:Use of diesel fuel other than Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur maximum) or engine oil
other than low ash CJ-4 oil will cause permanent
damage to the DPF and related components.
This damage would not be covered by your
warranty.
The emission control system requires the use of diesel
fuel with ultra low-sulfur (0.0015% by weight, or 15 ppm,
maximum) content. Both Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and Low
Sulfur Diesel fuels are available in the United States and
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel is available in Canada. In
Mexico, Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel is not available in all
regions.
At a minimum, the diesel fuel you use should meet the
latest version of specification CAN/CGSB-3.517 (ULS)
in Canada. In addition, the Engine Manufacturers
Association (EMA) has identified properties of an
improved diesel fuel for better engine performance and
durability (FQP-1A). Diesel fuels corresponding to the
EMA description could provide better starting, less noise,
and better vehicle performance. If there are questions
about the fuel you are using, contact your fuel supplier.Canadian fuels are blended for seasonal changes.
Diesel Type “A” fuel is blended for better cold weather
starting (below 0°F or−18°C); however, you might notice
some power and fuel economy loss. If Type “A” fuel is
used in warmer temperatures, stalling and hard
starting may occur. Diesel Type “B” fuel is blended for
temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
It is acceptable to use diesel fuel containing up to
5% biodiesel (B5), but the final blended fuel must meet
the same specification, CAN/CGSB-3.517 (ULS) in
Canada, as other fuels used in your vehicle, and the
biodiesel used for making this fuel must meet the latest
version of ASTM specification D 6751. Biodiesel is
produced from vegetable oils or animal fat that have
been chemically modified to reduce the possibility
of damage to the fuel system and engine. Higher
concentration (i.e., greater than B5) biodiesel-containing
fuels or the use of unmodified bio-oils blended into
diesel fuel at any concentration is not recommended and
could damage the fuel system and engine. Such
damage would not be covered by your warranty. If there
are questions about the biodiesel-containing fuels you
are using, contact your fuel supplier.
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