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
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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 brake system fault and should be inspected
immediately by your dealership.
Note:The Brake System Warning light may be accompanied by a
warning buzzer or chime.
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.
WARNING: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 toStartingin the
Drivingchapter.
WARNING: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
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Trailer Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS):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 (ABS):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 while driving 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 your transmission operator’s manual for 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 your transmission operator’s manual for more information.
ABS
CHECK
TRANS
RANGE
INHIBIT
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Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Diesel particulate filter
(Cummins engines only):
Illuminates if the soot in the DPF
has reached a level where it
requires operator assistance. Refer
toDiesel Particulate Filterin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter and your engine operator’s
manual, for more details.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the indicators stay on or flash faster,
check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Safety belt warning chime:Sounds when the key is in the ignition and
the driver’s safety belt is not fastened.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the driver’s door is
opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (and the key is not in the ignition) and
the driver’s door is opened.
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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 the 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
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WARNING:Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is
moving.
AUXILIARY POWER POINT
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not insert
any other object in the power outlet as this will damage the
outlet and blow the fuse. Do not hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the power
outlet can cause damage not covered by your warranty.
The power point is an additional
power source for electrical
accessories. The power points are
located on the instrument panel and
inside the center console storage
bin.
Do not use the power point for
operating the cigarette lighter
element (if equipped).
To prevent the fuse from being blown, do not use the power point(s)
over the vehicle capacity of 12 VDC/180W/15A. If the power point or
cigar lighter socket is not working, a fuse may have blown. Refer to
Fuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter for information
on checking and replacing fuses.
To have full capacity usage of your power point, the engine is required to
be running (in a safe manner) to avoid unintentional discharge of the
battery. To prevent the battery from being discharged:
•do not use the power point longer than necessary when the engine is
not running,
•do not leave battery chargers, video game adapters, computers and
other devices plugged in overnight or when the vehicle is parked for
extended periods.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
Cigarette/Cigar lighter (if equipped)
Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter
socket.
Do not hold the lighter in with your hand while it is heating, this will
damage the lighter element and socket. The lighter will be released from
its heating position when it is ready to be used.
POWER POINT
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•Do not increase engine speed
until the oil pressure gauge
indicates normal pressure (as
indicated by the arrows); this
should be indicated on the gauge
within 15 seconds after starting.
•Idle the engine for three to five
minutes before operating with a
full load.
•Try to limit engine idle to
10 minutes. Excessive idling reduces fuel economy.
•When starting a cold engine, increase the engine speed (RPM) slowly
to make sure adequate lubrication is available to the bearings.
Cold weather operation
WARNING:Do not use volatile starting aids such as ether,
propane or gasoline in the engine air intake system. Glow plugs
may ignite vapors which can cause engine damage or personal injury.
In order to operate the engine in temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower,
read the following instructions:
•Make sure that the batteries are of sufficient size and are fully
charged. Check other electrical components to make sure they’re in
optimum condition.
•Use a permanent-type engine coolant solution to protect the engine
against damage from freezing.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a water-fuel separator, drain it daily.
Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent condensation
in the fuel system.
•Make sure you use proper cold weather engine oil and that it is at its
proper level.
•At temperatures of –4°F (–20°C) or below, it is recommended that you
use a crankcase-mounted coolant heater to improve cold engine
starting.
•If operating in arctic temperatures of –20°F (–29°C) or lower, consult
your truck dealer for information about special cold weather
equipment and precautions.
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Although OSHA or some governmental regulations may require the use
of an electrical or mechanical back-up alarm to warn bystanders, such an
alarm does not ensure that the intended path is clear. When in doubt,
get out of the vehicle and visually check the intended path is clear;
back-up slowly as to allow others time to move, if necessary.
If an electrical back-up alarm is installed, it should be connected to the
back-up lamp circuit.
Parking your vehicle
Always use the parking brake. When parking on a grade, block the
wheels and turn the front wheels to one side so that if the vehicle rolls,
the front tires will act against the curb to stop the vehicle. The front
wheels will be more effective at stopping a rolling vehicle than the rear
wheels.
WARNING:When parking your vehicle, do not leave the
transmission in gear; if the key is in the ON position and the
vehicle rolls, the engine could start. Failure to follow these instructions
could result in an unattended vehicle moving, possibly causing personal
injury or property damage.
Driving through water
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs. Traction or brake capability
may be limited and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine, drive axles or the
transmission (through the breather ports).
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
ENGINE IDLE SHUTDOWN (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an Engine Idle Shutdown system.
This system will automatically shut down your engine when it has been
idling in P (Park) or N (Neutral) for five minutes (parking brake set) or
15 minutes (parking brake not set). During the engine idle shutdown
process:
•TheService Engine Soonlight will flash, once per second, for the
final 30 seconds just prior to shutdown.
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