WARNING: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(s):Make sure the fuel tank(s) and cap(s) are
secure. Make sure there is no damage to the
tank(s).
Leaks:Check for any leaks from the fuel tank(s).
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.
WARNING: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.
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Note:Idling in cold weather will not heat the engine to its normal
operating temperature. Long periods of idling in cold weather can cause
a build-up of heavy deposits of carbon and rust on valve stems causing
them to stick which, in turn, can cause valvetrain damage.
Winter fronts
The use of winter fronts, or other air-restrictive devices mounted in front
of the radiator on vehicles with chassis-mounted charge air coolers, are
not recommended unless extremely cold weather conditions exist. Air
flow restriction can cause high exhaust temperatures, power loss,
excessive fan usage and a reduction in fuel economy. If you must use a
winter front, the device should have a permanent opening of at least 120
sq in. (774 sq. cm) directly in line with the fan hub.
Hot weather operation
•Keep the engine cooling system filled with a clean, permanent coolant
solution to protect against damage from overheating.
•Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent condensation
in the fuel system.
•Keep external surfaces of the engine, radiator, charge air cooler, A/C
condenser and accessories clean to avoid dirt build-up.
Above normal coolant temperatures could be experienced while driving
in a transmission gear ratio which lugs the engine. To correct this
problem, engine speed should be increased by downshifting in to the
next lower gear to increase engine RPM.
Starting a turbocharged engine with the vehicle on a steep grade
When starting a diesel engine when the loaded vehicle is on a grade, the
engine RPM will start to fall slightly when the clutch is engaged; do not
disengage the clutch and try to increase engine RPM as this may damage
driveline components. The engine will recover as the vehicle begins
moving.
Engine shutdown
Allow the engine to idle for three to five minutes before shutting it
down. The larger the engine, the greater the need for this idling period.
However, do not let the engine idle for more than 10 minutes.
Restarting after running out of fuel
The fuel system may need to be purged of air, refer toRunning out of
fuelin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
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Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Your vehicle may be
equipped with one of two possible trailer wiring designs. Make sure all
running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
See your dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Keep your speed no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) during the first
500 miles (800 km) of towing a trailer, and don’t make full throttle
starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, use a lower gear. This will
also assist in transmission cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
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Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCW, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer toLubricant specificationsin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter for the lubricant specification. Remember that
regardless of the rear axle lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first
500 miles (800 km) of a new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles
(800 km) of towing be done at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with
no full throttle starts.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(if available on your automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual
transmissions and automatic transmissions without a P [Park]
position).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
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3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
2. Connect the other end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the assisting battery.
+–+–
+–+–
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Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–36°C]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•Engine coolant concentrations above 60% will decrease the
overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and
may cause engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to
ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate freeze protection at the temperatures in which you
drive in the winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the
corrosion protection characteristics of the engine coolant and
may cause engine damage.
•Engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the
freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may
cause engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to
ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
Fan clutches
Your vehicle’s cooling system is equipped with a viscous fan clutch.
•The fan clutch helps control cooling, increase performance, improve
fuel economy and reduce noise.
•The fan clutch is controlled by bimetallic spring sensors. Do not
tamper with these sensors as this may change their calibration or keep
the fan clutch from operating at all.
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Exhaust outlet assembly
WARNING:The normal operating temperature of the exhaust
system is very high. Never work around or attempt to repair any
part of the exhaust system until it has cooled. Failure to follow these
instructions may result in serious personal injury.
The exhaust outlet assembly on your vehicle is a uniquely functioning
device that accompanies the DPF assembly. It is designed to help control
the temperature of the exhaust during the DPF regeneration process.Do
not modify or remove this device. Modification of the system
and/or additions of aftermarket devices can reduce the
effectiveness of the system, as well as cause damage to the
exhaust system and/or engine. Any modifications may also
invalidate the vehicle and/or engine warranties. See the vehicle
and engine warranty guides for more information.
The inlet holes in the side of the assembly are functional. These holes
allow outside air to be drawn into the outlet assembly. The holes need to
be kept clear of mud and other foreign material to maintain proper
functionality of the system. One way to keep the holes clear is to spray
the outlet assembly with a hose when washing the vehicle. Failure to
keep the functional holes clear of foreign material may result in the holes
becoming blocked or plugged.Blocked/plugged holes or
modification/removal of the outlet assembly could result in
elevated exhaust temperatures which may result in
vehicle/property damage and/or personal injury.
NOISE EMISSIONS – EXTERIOR
In order to comply with the federal exterior noise regulations, your
vehicle may be equipped with noise emission items. Depending on the
vehicle configuration, it may have all or some of the following items:
Air Intake System
•Air Cleaner:should be inspected and its location should not be
altered. Do not alter inlet and outlet piping.
Body
•Wheel Well:splash shields, cab shields and under-hood insulation
should be inspected for deterioration, dislocation, and orientation.
Cooling System
•Check the fan for damage to blades; replace, if damaged, with the
recommended parts. Inspect for fan to shroud interference, and any
damage to shroud such as cracks and holes.
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•The fan ratio should not be changed and the fan spacer dimensions
and positions should not be altered.
•Inspect the fan clutch for proper operation, make sure that the fan is
disengaged when cooling of the engine is not required.
•Check for proper operation of radiator shutters, if equipped. The
shutters should be open during normal operating temperatures.
Engine and Driveline System
•Transmission Enclosure:inspect for cracks, holes, and tears. Clean
any deposits such as oil, dirt, and stones.
•Engine valve covers and block covers are made to damp out engine
mechanical noise and, if needed, should be replaced with
recommended parts. Check for mechanical isolations.
Exhaust System
•Inspect the exhaust system for leaks at various joint connections and
tighten the clamps.
•Do a visual inspection for cracks or holes in the muffler and tail pipe.
•Always use the recommended parts when items need to be replaced.
•The tail pipe elbow or offset tail pipe orientation must not be changed
from the standard position as originally received.
•To avoid abnormal changes in vehicle sound levels, it is necessary for
the owner to perform inspections and necessary maintenance at the
intervals shown in theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid level using the following procedure. If
adding fluid is necessary, refer toLubricant Specificationsin this
chapter for the proper fluid type. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance
Guidechapter for the recommended service intervals.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into N (Neutral) (automatic transmission)
or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the top of the power steering fluid reservoir.
4. Remove the dipstick from the reservoir and wipe the dipstick clean.
5. Reinstall the dipstick. Remove it again and check the fluid level.
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