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(14)= Adjust tire pressures as indicated on the
Certification or Tire Information label for optimum tire
life. SeeTires on page 5-76for further details.
Check tires for excessive or abnormal wear or damage.
Also check for damaged wheels. Replace wheels
and/or tires as needed.
(15)= Check spring-to-axle U-bolts and shackle bolts
for proper torque. See the service manual for torque
sequence and specifications. When parts are replaced,
the torque must be checked and adjusted more often
during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km). Check torque at
500 miles (800 km) and 2,000 miles (3 000 km) after
first use of parts.
(16)= Check complete exhaust system, including DPF
pressure lines, and cab areas near the exhaust system
for broken, damaged, missing, or out-of-position parts.
Also inspect for open seams, holes, loose connections, or
other conditions which could let exhaust fumes seep into
the driver compartment. Needed repairs should be made
at once. To help maintain system integrity, replace
exhaust pipes whenever a new muffler is put on.
(17)= Check all gasoline engine drive belts for cracks,
fraying, and wear. Replace as needed.
(18)= Adjust valve lash. Incorrect valve clearance will
result in increased engine noise and reduced engine
output.(19)= With the engine off and below normal operating
temperature, check to see that the thermostatically
controlled engine cooling fan can be rotated by hand on
viscous-operated drives. Replace as needed.
(20)= Check shields and underhood insulation for
damage or looseness. Adjust or replace as needed.
(21)= Inspect parking brake drum and linings for wear
or cracks and check linkage and adjustment.
(22)= Wheel bearing service:
•Grease type — Clean, inspect, and lubricate with
the proper wheel bearing grease at designated
intervals or when hubs are removed. SeePart C:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-31.
•Oil-filled type — Some wheel bearings are
lubricated by axle lubricant. When you have oil-filled
hubs, use lubricant identical to that used in the
axle. Lubricant change intervals are the same for
front and rear axles. However, you must maintain
the proper oil level between change intervals.
SeeFront Wheel Bearings with Oil-Filled Hubs on
page 5-75andPart C: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-31.
(23)= Check the air intake system installation to
see that gaskets are seated properly and all hose
connections, fasteners, and other components are tight.
Tighten connections and fasteners or replace parts
as required.
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(24)= Evaporative Control System Service, if equipped:
Check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper
connections and correct routing (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). Replace parts as needed.
(25)= Replace spark plugs. Inspect wires for damage.
Check the wire boot and boot heat shield fit at spark
plugs and coil. Replace parts as needed.
(26)= Check the fuel tank, fuel cap and fuel lines for
damage which could cause leakage. Inspect fuel cap for
correct sealing ability and any indications of damage.
Check fuel cap gasket for even filler neck imprint.
Replace parts as needed.
(27)= Check Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system
as described in the service manual. SeeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-10.
(28)= Inspect Electronic Vacuum Regulator Valve
(EVRV) filter for excessive contamination or plugging.
If needed, clean filter with solution of soap and water, let
dry and install.
(29)= Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. SeePart C: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-31for what to use. Inspect
hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and
neck. Pressure test cooling system and pressure cap.
For Caterpillar
®diesel engines, always refer to the
Caterpillar®Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance
Manual for coolant recommendations and change
intervals.(30)= Change the lubricant. SeePart C: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-31.
(31)= Front axle service: Re-pack upper kingpin roller
bearing.
(32)= Air brake service:
•Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect drum
brake linings for wear or cracks. Inspect other brake
parts at each wheel, including drums and wheel
speed sensor wiring. Check brake pedal for
excessive free play or travel (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first) and have serviced if needed.
Check brakes more often if driving habits and
conditions result in frequent braking. Replace air
dryer cartridge only if excessive oil or moisture is
present. A small amount of oil in the system is normal
and should not be considered as a reason to replace
the cartridge.
•Test air lines for leaks; tighten as needed. Replace
compressor filter.
•Inspect air parking brake chamber for leaks and
damage. Inspect lines and hoses for leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Also check all attachments for tightness,
wear, or damage. Note: The spring brake section of
the rear brake diaphragms are non-serviceable.
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•Replace the air compressor filter element, mounted
on the air compressor. For remote air compressor
intake service, refer to engine air cleaner filter
replacement.
•Remove, disassemble, clean, and inspect the safety
valve, service brake chambers, quick release valves,
quick release/double check valve combinations,
parking brake control valve, double check valves,
pressure protection valves, and ether injector
(if equipped).
•Remove, disassemble, and clean the application
valve; replace parts showing wear.
•Remove, disassemble, clean, and inspect the spring
brake control valve; replace rubber parts.
(33)= Clean and lubricate air brake automatic slack
adjuster. Check pushrod travel and auto adjustment
operation. Have serviced if needed.
(34)= Air brake chamber service: Check operation,
mounting clamps, and air lines and check for leaks.
(35)= Trailer brake hand control valve service: Check
operation; lubricate cam and follower.(36)= Tighten the wheel stud nuts to the specified torque
values at 100 miles (160 km). Thereafter, tighten them
1,000 miles (1 600 km) after each time the wheel is
removed. SeeTightening the Wheel Nuts on page 5-80.
(37)= Inspect and clean any accumulated dirt, gravel,
or other foreign objects from the valves and valve boots
as needed. Using light oil, lubricate brake pedal to
brake application valve linkage components. Check any
rubber boots for cracks, holes, or deterioration and
replace if necessary.
(38)= Estimated minimum. Actual mileage depends on
fuel and oil consumed.
(39)= If the vehicle has the Isuzu diesel engine and is
used primarily for long trip, highway service, change
the engine oil and filter every 18,000 miles (28 800 km),
or every 12 months, or every 750 hours of engine
operation, whichever occurs first.
(40)= Make sure any safety belt reminder light and
safety belt assemblies are working properly. Look
for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts.
If you see anything that might keep a safety belt
system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any
torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
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Part B: Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specified to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and emission control performance.
For your safety and that of others, any of the
safety-related components that may have been
damaged in an accident should be checked and any
needed repairs made before operating the vehicle.
At the minimum, these routine checks should be made
every 6 months or 6,000 miles (10 000 km), whichever
occurs first. Whenever repairs are needed, have
them completed before operating the vehicle.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil (DURAMAX Diesel Engine)
on page 5-24orEngine Oil (Caterpillar Diesel Engine)
on page 5-27orEngine Oil (Isuzu Diesel Engine) on
page 5-28orEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-32.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
(Caterpillar Diesel Engines) on page 5-47.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield
washer fluid reservoir and add the proper fluid if
necessary. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-50.
Tire Inflation Check
Check tire inflation cold. Make sure the tires are inflated
to the correct pressures. SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 4-20andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-77.
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At Least Twice a Year
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades, if
contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. SeeWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement on
page 5-71andWindshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-91for more information.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. Part C tells you what to use.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all exposed surfaces such as door checks,
door lock bolts, lock strike plates, door hinge bushings,
latches, and dovetail bumper wedges. Where oil
holes are provided, a dripless oil can be used. The seat
adjusters, seat track, door weatherstrips, and rubber
cap bumpers should also be lubricated. Part C tells you
what to use. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Parking Brake Check
Park on a fairly steep hill and hold the vehicle with the
parking brake only. This checks holding ability. See
Parking Brake (With Hydraulic Brakes) on page 2-38or
Parking Brake (With Air Brakes) on page 2-41.
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or
others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brakes.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only in
P (Park) or N (Neutral). If the starter works in any
other position, your vehicle needs service. On
manual transmission vehicles, the starter should
work only when the clutch pedal is all the way down.
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Automatic Transmission Shift Indicator
Check
Check that the indicator points to the gear chosen.
Steering Check
Be alert for any changes in steering action, abnormal
front tire wear or steering wheel position. An inspection
or service is needed when the steering wheel is
harder to turn or has too much free play, or if there are
strange sounds when turning or parking.
Brake System Check
Be alert to the low air warning light or tone alarm, or
changes in braking action, such as repeated pulling to
one side, unusual sounds when braking or increased
brake pedal travel. Make sure air brake system reservoirs
are drained daily with full system air pressure, and check
system for leaks. Any of these conditions could indicate
the need for brake system inspection and/or service.
Engine Cooling System Service
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings, and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To
help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the
cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at
least once a year.
Exhaust System Inspection
Be alert for any changes in the sound of the exhaust
system or any smell of fumes. These are signs the
system may be leaking. Have it checked and/or repaired
at once. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-45and
Running the Vehicle While Parked on page 2-50.
Check to be sure that mud or dirt is not caked on the
exhaust system, especially in the area of the diesel
particulate filter and tailpipe. Clean the area as needed.
SeeDiesel Particulate Filter on page 2-46.
At high mileages, the DPF becomes loaded with ash.
This is normal. When the amount of ash loading is high,
see your dealer/retailer for DPF cleaning or replacement.
Windshield Wipers and Washers
Check
Check operation and condition of the wiper blades.
Check the flow of the washer spray.
Defroster Check
Move the control to the defrost symbol and the fan to HI
or the high symbol. Then check the airflow from the
ducts at the inside base of the windshield.
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Mirrors and Sun Visors Check
Check that friction joints hold mirrors and sun visors in
place.
Seat Adjuster Check
When adjusting a manual seat, be sure seat adjusters
latch by attempting to move the seat after latching.
Lamps Check
Check panel lighting, warning lights, indicator lights, and
interior lamps. On the outside, check: license plate lamps,
sidemarker lamps, reflectors or lights on outside mirrors,
headlamps, parking lamps, identification and clearance
lamps, taillamps, brake lamps, turn signals, backup
lamps, and hazard warning flashers. Have headlamp aim
checked at once if beams seem improperly aimed.
Glass, Mirrors, Lamps, and/or
Reflectors Condition Check
Look for broken, scratched, dirty, or damaged glass,
mirrors, lamps, or reflectors that could reduce the view
or visibility or cause injury. Replace, clean, or repair
promptly.
Door Latches Check
Check that doors close, latch, and lock tightly. Check for
broken, damaged, or missing parts that might prevent
tight latching.
Hood Latches Check
Check that the hood closes firmly. Check for broken,
damaged, loose, or missing parts that might prevent tight
latching. Make sure the secondary latch, if the vehicle
has one, keeps the hood from opening all the way when
the primary latch is released.
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Fluid Leaks Check
Check for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks by
looking at the surface beneath the vehicle after it has
been parked for awhile.
Underbody Inspection
Corrosive materials used for ice, snow removal, and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these materials
are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur
on underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan,
and exhaust system. At least every spring, flush these
materials from the underbody with plain water. Take care
to clean well any areas where mud and other debris can
collect. Sediment packed in closed areas of the frame
should be loosened before being flushed.
Engine Cover Check
Check that the cab’s engine cover and seal, if the
vehicle has one, are not torn or damaged. Be sure that
the cover is clamped down firmly to the floor.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part C.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
Tractor Protection (Breakaway) Valve
Check
On air brake models, remove, disassemble, clean, and
inspect the tractor protection (breakaway) valve.
6-30