Your Driving, the Road, and
the Vehicle
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
•Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
•Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
•Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
•When road and weather conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
•Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
•Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
•Combine several trips into a single trip.
•Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
•Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to
wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They Are for
Everyone on page 1-11.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they
might do and be ready. In addition:
•Allow enough following distance between you
and the driver in front of you.
•Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in
injury or possible death. These simple defensive
driving techniques could save your life.
4-2
Doing Your Own Service Work
{CAUTION:
You can be injured and the vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle
without knowing enough about it.
•Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts, and
tools before attempting any vehicle
maintenance task.
•Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and
other fasteners. English and metric fasteners
can be easily confused. If the wrong fasteners
are used, parts can later break or fall off. You
could be hurt.If doing some of your own service work, use the proper
service manual. It tells you much more about how to
service the vehicle than this manual can. To order
the proper service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-10.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-58.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage
and the date of any service work performed. SeePart
D: Maintenance Record on page 6-33.
5-5
Engine Oil Additives / Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils
with the API service symbol are all that is needed
for good performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not recommended and
could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Engine Oil Life System (Gasoline
Engine)
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when
to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work properly, the system
must be reset every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary.
A change engine oil light comes on. SeeChangeEngine Oil Light on page 3-39. Change the oil as soon
as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It
is possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the
oil life system might not indicate that an oil change
is necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil
and filter must be changed at least once a year and at
this time the system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer
has trained service people who will perform this
work using genuine parts and reset the system. It is
also important to check the oil regularly and keep it at
the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
the engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Whenever
the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs
where the oil is changed prior to a change engine oil light
being turned on, reset the system.
5-35
To reset the change engine oil light:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the
engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly
three times within 10 seconds.
If the change engine oil light flashes for
five seconds, the system is resetting.
3. Turn the key to OFF.
If the change engine oil light comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life system has not
reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to a
place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
(DURAMAX/Isuzu Diesel Engines)
When to Change Engine Oil
If the vehicle has the Engine Oil Life System, it has a
computer system that indicates when to change
the engine oil and filter. This is based on injection timing,
engine load, and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work properly, the system
must be reset every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary.
A change engine oil light comes on. SeeChange Engine
Oil Light on page 3-39. Change the oil as soon as
possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km) or 30 hours
of engine operation, whichever occurs first. It is possible
that, if driving under the best conditions, the oil life system
might not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over
a year. However, the engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained service
people who will perform this work using genuine parts
and reset the system. It is also important to check the oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level.
5-36
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
In this part are scheduled maintenance services which
are to be performed at the mileage intervals specified.
Using the Maintenance Schedule
We want to help keep this vehicle in good working
condition. But we do not know exactly how you will drive
it. You might drive very short distances only a few
times a week. Or you might drive long distances all the
time in very hot, dusty weather. You might use the
vehicle in making deliveries or in many other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You might need
more frequent checks and replacements. So please read
the following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep the vehicle in good condition,
see your dealer/retailer.
This part tells you the maintenance services that should
be done and when to schedule them.
When you go to your dealer/retailer for service, trained
and supported service people will perform the work
using genuine parts.The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Part C. Make sure whoever services the vehicle uses
these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else drives the
vehicle.
This schedule is for vehicles that:
•carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits on the vehicle’s Certification or Tire
Information label. SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 4-20.
•are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
•use the recommended fuel. SeeGasoline Octane
on page 5-6for gasoline engine vehicles orWhat
Fuel to Use on page 5-8for diesel engine vehicles.
Scheduled Maintenance
Supplements
If the vehicle has a Caterpillar®diesel engine, the owner
manual is supplemented by the Caterpillar®Diesel
Engine Operation & Maintenance Manual. If the vehicle
has an Allison Transmission
®, the owner manual is
supplemented by an Allison Transmission®Operator’s
Manual. Always refer to these manuals for related
maintenance services.
6-4
Scheduled Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle. The services shown after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated at the same miles (km)
after those intervals for the life of this vehicle.
Gasoline engine vehicles and some DURAMAX
®diesel
and Isuzu diesel engine vehicles have a computer
that lets you know when to change the engine oil. This
is not based on mileage, but on engine operation
and engine temperature. When the computer has
calculated that the oil needs changing, the Engine Oil
Life System will indicate that a change is necessary. See
Engine Oil Life System (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-35
orEngine Oil Life System (DURAMAX/Isuzu Diesel
Engines) on page 5-36orEngine Oil Life System
(Caterpillar Diesel Engine) on page 5-38.
The “Footnotes” at the end of this Maintenance
Schedule further explain maintenance services.
SeeService Publications Ordering Information on
page 7-10.
100 Miles (160 km)
❑Wheel stud nut service.(36)
1,000 Miles (1 600 km)
❑Wheel stud nut service.(36)
❑Rear axle air shift motor service.(10)
7,500 Miles (12 000 km)
❑Gasoline Engine Only: Check engine oil life system.
If engine oil and filter are changed, reset system. See
“Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)” in the Index.(2) (8)
❑Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).(1) (5)
❑Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first).(11)
❑Spring-to-axle U-bolts and shackle bolts service.(15)
❑Wheels and tires service.(14)
❑Hydraulic brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first).(6) (36)
❑Parking brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first).(21)
❑Air brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first).(32)
❑Air brake automatic slack adjuster service (or every
500 hours, whichever occurs first).(33)
6-5
•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.
6-25
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.
6-28