
Note:When starting the engine, do not press the accelerator as engine
damage may result.
1. Ensure headlamps and all accessories are turned off, the parking
brake is applied and the transmission is in the neutral position (or P
[Park] for Allison 2200 transmissions).
2. Turn the key to the on position, but do not start the engine.
In cooler weather, the air intake
heater may activate the WAIT TO
START light in the instrument
cluster. If the WAIT TO START light
illuminates,do notcrank the engine until the light goes off.
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 cause an
explosion and result in property damage and/or personal injury.
3. When the WAIT TO START light turns off, turn the key to the start
position; when the engine starts, release the key.
If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of cranking, allow two
minutes for the starter to cool before trying again. Excessive cranking
may damage the starter.
After the engine starts:
•On some engines, the WAIT TO
START light should illuminate
after the engine starts. Allow the
engine to idle about three
minutes or until the engine coolant temperature gauge begins to rise.
Maintain idle speed until the WAIT TO START light cycles off to
indicate the air intake heater has shut off (approximately six
minutes). Operating the engine at higher speeds will reduce the
effectiveness of the air inlet heater.
•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.
Driving
105
2011 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

•When starting a cold engine, increase the engine 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.
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.
Driving
106
2011 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

•Always shift to a lower gear at high altitudes to prevent engine
smoking.
•Operate in a gear that will permit an engine speed not in excess of the
maximum governed speed or high-idle RPM (no load).
•Normally, choose the same gear to descend the hill that you would use
to ascend the hill.
WARNING:All vehicles have blind spots. To reduce the risk of
severe injury or property damage, never move your vehicle to
the side or rear or change lanes without being sure your way is clear
on both sides and to your rear.
Backing up
WARNING:To reduce the risk of the possibility of personal
injury while backing the vehicle, always be sure your vehicle’s
path is clear.
Before backing your vehicle, be sure you can do so safely. If anything
behind the cab limits your view, do not rely on mirrors alone to ensure
that your intended path is clear. If other people are in the vicinity, have
someone standing well behind your vehicle and outside of your intended
path (visible through an exterior mirror) guide you as you back up.
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.
Driving
108
2011 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

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.
•Within the final 30 seconds, the timer can be reset by:
1. changing the position of the accelerator pedal, or
2. engaging or disengaging the brake pedal, clutch pedal or parking
brake.
•When the timer reaches zero, the engine will shut down.
•In this event, the key remains in the on position, and power
continues to be supplied to the accessories.
Battery power may be drained if the key is left in the on position
without the engine running.
Note:The engine idle shutdown timer will not start if:
•The engine is operating in power take-off (PTO) mode.
•The engine coolant temperature is below 60°F (16°C).
•The exhaust emission control system is regenerating the diesel
particulate filter (DPF).
Driving
109
2011 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

ENGINE AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN WARNING LIGHT OR CHIME
(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an automatic shutdown feature that
stops the engine in the event of high coolant temperature, low engine oil
pressure, high diesel particulate filter soot loading or low engine coolant
level. A warning light in the instrument cluster and a warning chime will
indicate high engine coolant temperature, low engine oil pressure or the
need to have the diesel particulate filter cleaned or serviced. If the
engine coolant temperature becomes too high, engine oil pressure too
low or the diesel particulate filter too restricted, the engine will
automatically shut down.
If the engine shuts down, it can be restarted and operated for
30 seconds at a time or until the problem is corrected. Do not attempt to
use this restarting feature to drive the vehicle very far as serious engine
damage could result.
WARNING:In the event of engine shutdown, make sure the
vehicle is safely off the road and the problem is remedied prior
to returning to the road. Failure to remove the vehicle from the road
could result in an accident, causing serious injury or death.
GENERAL BRAKE INFORMATION
All standard equipment brakes are designed to be self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment, when required, occurs whenever the brakes are
applied and released during forward or reverse operation. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,” “continuous grinding” or
“continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Know the required stopping distances for all driving conditions that may
be encountered. For longer brake lining life, take full advantage of engine
braking power when coming to a stop.
Driving
110
2011 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal. This will result in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear and increased stopping distances.
Before descending a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear and avoid
continuous application of the brakes. Normally, choose the same gear to
descend the hill that you would use to ascend the hill.
WARNING:Continuous application of the brakes will cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in a temporary loss of braking.
If brakes do not grip well
•If you have been driving through deep water, gently apply the brakes
several times while the vehicle is moving slowly.
•Let the brakes cool if you have been using them excessively, as in
mountain driving or after several fast, high speed stops.
•Check brake adjustment.
•Check brake linings for excessive wear.
•Check system air pressure. (Air brakes only)
HYDRAULIC BRAKES (IF EQUIPPED)
Full power brake system
The Full Power Brake System incorporates standard braking, Anti-lock
Braking (ABS), and optional Power Park Brake into one fully integrated
hydraulic brake system. With the Full Power Brake System, braking
energy is stored, similar to an air brake system, resulting in faster
response times and shorter stopping distances. This is accomplished
using motor/pump assemblies that pressurized the system by pumping
brake fluid into accumulators. This is similar to the air compressor of an
air brake system pressurizing the air tanks. The system includes a master
cylinder that provides the normal pedal “feel” and transfers the pedal
force, via brake fluid, to the main components of the Full Power Brake
System.
Note:The motor/pumps will run momentarily with the ignition switch in
the on or run positions or the switch is in the off position and the brake
pedal is pressed.
Driving
111
2011 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:If the red BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument
cluster remains illuminated after engine start up, this indicates a
system failure in the Full Power Brake System. Stop the vehicle safely
as soon as possible and seek service immediately.
Note:During normal driving the pump/motors may be heard
replenishing the accumulators. This is a normal function of the Full
Power Brake System.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, pull handle up until it
snaps into the locked position.
WARNING:Do not use the
gearshift selector in place of
the parking brake. Always set the
parking brake fully AND make
sure the gearshift selector is in R
(Reverse) for vehicles equipped
with manual transmission, P
(Park)(if equipped)or N
(Neutral) for vehicles with
automatic transmission. Use of
wheel chocks is also
recommended in hilly or off-road
usage.
WARNING:Unexpected
and possible sudden vehicle
movement may occur if these
precautions are not taken.
When the parking brake is out of adjustment, seek service immediately.
Driving
112
2011 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

The parking BRAKE warning lamp
in the instrument cluster illuminates
and will remain illuminated (when
the ignition is turned on) until the
parking brake is released.
Push the palm release lever on the
parking brake handle and push
down as far as possible to release
the brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
WARNING:If the parking
brake is fully released but
the parking brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes
may not be working properly. See
your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
The parking brake is not
recommended to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes
fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency.
Since the parking brake only applies retardation to the rear wheels, the
vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your
vehicle will be adversely affected.
POWER PARK (PARKING BRAKE) OPTION (IF EQUIPPED)
This feature uses a brake chamber mounted on the chassis to power a
spring-applied, hydraulic-released driveline parking brake. It is controlled
by a yellow, dash-mounted parking brake knob.
The Power Park Brake is controlled by the park brake dash-mounted,
yellow knob-type switch. The switch has three positions: apply (out),
P
Driving
113
2011 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)