General Information - Road/Roller Testing
Description and Operation Published: 11-May-2011
Road or roller testing may be carried out for various reasons and a procedure detailing pre-test checks, through engine starting
and stopping, pre-driving checks, on-test checks to final checks on completion of the test is given in this section.
Unless complete vehicle performance is being checked, the full road test procedure need not be carried out. Instead, those
items particularly relevant to the system/s being checked can be extracted.
Pre - Test Checks
WARNING: If the brake system hydraulic fluid level is low, pedal travel is excessive or a hydraulic leak is found, do not
attempt to road test the vehicle until the reason for the low fluid level, excessive pedal travel or hydraulic leak is found and
rectified.
It is suggested that pre-test checks, and functional tests of those systems/circuits which affect the safe and legal operations
of the vehicle, such as brakes, lights and steering, should always be carried out before the road or roller test.
Engine oil level
Engine coolant level
Tires, for correct pressure, compatible types and tread patterns, and wear within limits
There is sufficient fuel in the tank to complete the test
All around the engine, transmission and under the vehicle for oil, coolant, hydraulic and fuel leaks. Make a note of any
apparent leaks and wipe off the surrounding areas to make it easier to identify the extent of the leak on completion of
the test
Starting the Engine
CAUTION: On initial drive away from cold and within the first 1.5 km (1 mile), do not depress accelerator pedal beyond
half travel until the vehicle has attained a minimum speed of 25 km/h (15 miles/h). Never operate at high engine speed or
with the accelerator pedal at full travel whilst the engine is cold.
With the ignition switched off, check:
The parking brake is applied
The transmission selector lever is in Park
All instrument gauges (except fuel gauge) read zero
With the ignition switched on, check:
Ignition controlled warning lamps come on
Engine coolant temperature gauge registers a reading compatible with the engine coolant temperature
Fuel gauge registers a reading appropriate to the fuel level in the tank
The operation of the parking brake and brake fluid level warning lamps
On Road or Roller Test Check:
CAUTION: If road testing, check the brake operation while still travelling at low speed before continuing with the test. If
the brakes pull to one side, or appear to be otherwise faulty, do not continue with the road test until the fault has been found
and rectified.
Initial gear engagement is smooth
Parking brake control operates smoothly and the parking brake releases quickly and completely
Transmission takes up the drive smoothly, without judder
The engine power output is satisfactory, full power is achieved, acceleration is smooth and pedal operation not stiff or
heavy, and engine speed returns to idle correctly
There is no excessive or abnormally colored smoke from the engine under normal driving, heavy load or overrun
conditions
Steering operation, including power steering, is smooth, accurate, not excessively heavy or with excessive free play or
vibration. Does not pull to one side and self centres smoothly after cornering
Speedometer, oil pressure warning lamp, coolant temperature gauge and tachometer register the correct readings or
operate correctly
Switches and controls operate smoothly and positively, warning lamps operate correctly and the direction indicator
control self cancels when the steering is returned to the straight ahead position
Heating and ventilation systems work correctly and effectively
Brake operation and efficiency
Brake Testing
WARNING: When brake testing, avoid breathing the smoke or fumes from hot brakes, this may contain asbestos dust
which is hazardous to health, see Health and Safety Precautions.
1 Engine vent hose 2 Throttle 3 Coolant expansion tank 4 Bleed point 5 Throttle body heater hose 6 Engine oil cooler 7 Engine block heater (110 V version shown) or drain plug 8 Coolant supply/expansion hose 9 Outlet tube 10 Radiator upper hose 11 Supercharger cooling system connecting hose 12 Auxiliary radiator supply hose 13 Auxiliary radiator return hose 14 Auxiliary radiator 15 Transmission fluid cooler supply and return hoses 16 Transmission fluid cooler 17 Heater core supply and return hoses 18 Heater manifold 19 Radiator lower hose 20 Cooling fan 21 Thermostat 22 Coolant pump 23 Radiator
Published: 11-May-2011
Engine Cooling - V8 5.0L Petrol/V8 S/C 5.0L Petrol - Engine Cooling - Overview
Description and Operation
OVERVIEW
The engine cooling system maintains the engine within an optimum temperature range under changing ambient and engine
operating conditions. The system is a pressurized expansion tank system with continuous bleeds to separate air from the
coolant and prevent the formation of air locks. The engine cooling system also provides:
Heating for:
- The passenger compartment. For additional information, refer to 412-01 Climate Control.
- The throttle body.
Cooling for:
- The engine oil cooler. For additional information, refer to 303-01F Engine - 5.0L, Vehicles With: Supercharger or
303-01E Engine - 5.0L, Vehicles Without: Supercharger.
- The transmission fluid cooler. For additional information, refer to 307-02B Transmission/Transaxle Cooling -
5.0L/3.0L Diesel.
The primary components of the engine cooling system are the:
Coolant pump.
Thermostat.
Radiator.
Auxiliary radiator (SC (supercharger) vehicles only).
Cooling fan.
Expansion tank.
Engine oil cooler.
Outlet tube and heater manifold.
Connecting hoses and pipes.
