To be sure your vehicle is ready to operate, conduct a pre-trip inspection
at the beginning of each work period. Follow the steps listed in this
section to ensure a proper vehicle inspection procedure. The pages in
this section may be produced locally and used on a regular basis.
VEHICLE INSPECTION INFORMATION
Note:Always make sure the parking brake is applied before starting the
engine.
Engine compartment (with engine stopped)
Engine oil level:Use the engine oil dipstick to verify that the
engine oil level is between the ADD and
OPERATING RANGE marks.
Engine coolant
level:Look through the plastic reservoir or the clear
sight glass on the reservoir, depending upon
vehicle equipment, and make sure the fluid is
within the minimum and maximum fluid level
range as marked on the reservoir.Do not
remove pressure cap until the coolant has
cooled.
Power steering fluid:Verify that the fluid level is in the proper
operating range. Refer toPower steering
fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid (master
cylinder):Remove the master cylinder caps and inspect
the fluid level. The full mark is at the bottom
of the opening of the fluid ports.
Hydraulic clutch
fluid:Check for adequate amount of hydraulic clutch
fluid. Fluid level should be at the step of the
reservoir; refer toClutch fluid/linkage
adjustmentsin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Belts (Fan,
alternator, water
pump and A/C
compressor):Check for glazing, fraying or cracking. There
should be no more than five-seven cracks per
rib, per inch (2.5 cm).
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Engine compartment (with engine stopped)
Any leaks:Check for signs of fluid puddles, dripping fluid
on the ground under the engine or the
underside of the engine.
HVAC air inlet:Check for debris, leaves, etc. that may have
collected on the HVAC air inlet grille or inside
the exterior module as this may cause reduced
system performance.
WARNING:Exercise great caution when working on vehicle
equipped with an automatic fan clutch. The fan starts in motion
only after the engine coolant reaches a predetermined temperature or
the refrigerant pressure (if equipped with air conditioning) reaches a
predetermined setting. The fan will start at this point with no advance
warning. Never reach near, or permit objects to protrude into, the fan
blade radius while the engine is running as this could result in vehicle
damage, personal injury or death.
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Engine starting (parking brake applied)
Safety/Emergency
equipment:Prior to entering the cab, verify that the
vehicle is equipped with spare electrical fuses
(if used), three red reflective triangles, a
properly charged and rated fire extinguisher
and wheel chocks. Walk around the vehicle
and check that all steps and grab handles,
inside and out as well as behind, are tight and
clean. Use extreme caution and a three-point
stance at all times. Check door latches for
positive closing, latching and locking.
Starting the engine:Verify the parking brake is set. Press the
clutch (if equipped with a manual
transmission) and verify the transmission is in
neutral. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission should be in N (Neutral) or P
(Park) if equipped with a park position.
Turn the key to the on position. When the
indicator light in the instrument cluster turns
off, turn the key to start.
Oil pressure builds:Make sure engine oil pressure is building to
normal operating range.
Air chime sounds (if
equipped with air
compressor):The low air pressure warning chime should
sound immediately after the engine starts but
before the compressor has built up pressure.
The low air pressure warning chime should
stop when the air pressure reaches 70 psi
(483 kPa) (or more). Let the air pressure
build to governed cut-out pressure, which
should occur between 115–130 psi
(793–896 kPa).
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Stop engine:This light is used in
conjunction with the electronic engine control. When illuminated,
the
lamp indicates the need tostopthe engine as soon as it can be
safely done.
If the
lamp begins flashing, automatic engine shutdown may
take place in as little as 20 seconds.
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.
Refer to your engine operator’s manual for specific information regarding
this feature.
If the engine shuts down, it can be restarted and operated for
30 seconds at a time or until the problem is corrected. For more
information, refer toEngine automatic shutdown warning light or
chimein theDrivingchapter of this owner guide and/or your engine
operator’s manual.
Drivers of electronically-controlled engines should know the
extent of warning engine shutdown system before operating the
vehicle.
Instrument Cluster
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Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the on position
when the engine is not running, or
in a position between on and start,
or by applying the parking brake
when the ignition is turned to the on position.
If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek
service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.
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 authorized dealer. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.
Parking brake warning:
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the on position
and the engine is off. Also
illuminates when the parking brake
is engaged. If the parking brake
warning lamp does not illuminate at
these times, seek service
immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Power Park Parking Brake option:If
after setting the parking brake on your vehicle the park brake warning
lamp begins to blink, this may indicate a failure in the parking brake
system. Seek service from your dealer immediately.
P
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STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY – allows the
electrical accessories such as the
radio to operate while the engine is
not running.
2. LOCK – locks the automatic
transmission gearshift lever if
equipped with a P (Park) position
and allows key removal.
3. OFF – shuts off the engine and all
accessories.
4. ON – all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START – cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Starting the engine
WARNING:Operation of a diesel engine near flammable vapors
in the air may cause the engine speed to increase uncontrollably
and over speed. If this situation occurs, mechanical damage, fire,
explosion, personal injury or death could result.Turning off the
ignition key will not slow or stop the engine due to uncontrollable
fueling of the engine through flammable vapors being drawn into
the engine air inlet.Operation of components such as starter,
alternator, electric motors, etc. and static electricity could also ignite
flammable vapors.
Do not operate the truck in the possible presence of flammable vapors
unless both a complete hazard analysis is performed and necessary
additional safety processes and/or equipment such as vapor testing, air
intake shutoff devices, ventilation, etc. are utilized. The operator is
responsible for using those processes and/or equipment to ensure that
the diesel engine and all other components on the truck can be
operated safely under the specific conditions and hazards that may be
encountered.
Note:If equipped with Eaton UltraShift transmission, allow UltraShift to
power up before starting the engine. Engine cranking is delayed until the
transmission power up is complete and the gear display shows a solid N.
3
1
2
5
4
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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).
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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.
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