•Condition of brake drums, brake chambers and slack adjusters.
•System for air leaks.
•Hose or pipes for rust, damage and deterioration.
•Operation of service and parking brakes.
Some parts such as air brake chamber diaphragm, air compressor and air
cleaner should be inspected periodically and replaced if considered
unserviceable.
Air dryer
Performance of desiccant or after-cooler type air dryers is dependent on
climatic conditions in which your vehicle is operating. Maintenance
schedules must be established for each specific operation.
The use of an air dryer on a vehicle does not eliminate the need to
periodically drain the air reservoirs.
Desiccant air dryer
Inspect for moisture in the air system by opening reservoirs, draincocks
or valves and checking for presence of water. The presence of small
amounts of water due to condensation is normal and should not be
considered as an indication that the dryer is not functioning properly.
The desiccant cartridge should be replaced or rebuilt when it has been
determined that the desiccant is contaminated and does not have
adequate water absorption capacity. The desiccant change interval may
vary; it is generally recommended that the desiccant be replaced every
12 months (yearly). If experience has shown that extended or shortened
life has resulted for a particular installation, then the yearly interval can
be increased or decreased accordingly.
Hydraulic brakes
Inspection and adjustment
A regular schedule for periodic cleaning, lubrication, adjustment and
inspection should be established based on the type of vehicle operation.
It is difficult to predetermine an exact maintenance interval (time or
mileage), since vehicles will be used in a wide variety of applications and
conditions. If you are uncertain of the proper schedule and procedures
for your vehicle, contact your dealer.
Inspect the brake lining every maintenance interval. Establish inspection
intervals that provide for lining replacement before damage to the disc
occurs. Excessive lining wear may expose the backing plate to the disc
causing scoring of the disc faces.
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This inspection should be performed by a qualified technician and must
be in accordance with instructions provided by the service manual.
Note:Hydraulic brake systems are power assisted. Braking capabilities
will be greatly reduced without engine assist.
Fluid level
Fluid level should be at the bottom edge of the ring on each reservoir fill
port. Do not fill the master cylinder to the top of the reservoir.
Note:If brake fluid requires attention to maintain a proper master
cylinder level, this is an indication of either severe operation (pad wear)
or fluid system leakage. A more frequent and thorough brake inspection
will be required.
Brake lines, hoses and fittings
Inspect these components every 4,000 miles (6,000 km).
•Check lines for kinks, dents, corrosion or rupture.
•Check hoses for abrasions, kinks, soft spots or rupture, collapse,
cracks, twists or loose frame supports. When replacing a hose, be sure
there is adequate clearance to the hose to avoid an abrasion to the
new hose.
•Examine all connections for leaks.
•Repair or replace brake line tubes, hoses or fittings as required.
Driveline parking brake
Parking brake adjustment should only be performed by a qualified
technician, and in accordance with the instructions in the service
manual.
WARNING:Use wheel chocks and exercise caution when
inspecting under the vehicle. A vehicle roll-away could result in
property damage, personal injury or death.
Catalytic converter
If your diesel engine is equipped with a catalytic converter, it is
important to review the maintenance schedule to ensure proper
functioning of the catalytic converter. Also, take precautions not to
damage the catalytic converter when servicing your engine or storing
your vehicle.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter/muffler,do
notblend waste oil with Diesel fuel. Operate only on ultra low sulfur
(less than 15 parts per million sulfur) diesel fuel with a cetane value of
45 or higher.
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•Do not overfill the DEF tank.
•Avoid spilling DEF on painted surfaces, carpeting or plastic
components. Immediately wipe away any DEF that has spilled on
painted surfaces with a damp cloth and water. If it has already
crystallized, use warm water and a sponge.
•DEF will freeze below 12°F (-11°C). Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic pre-heating system which allows the DEF system to operate
below 12°F (-11°C).
•Do not store DEF bottle in vehicle. If it leaks it could cause damage to
interior components or release ammonia odor inside the vehicle.
•Store DEF fluid out of direct sunlight and in temperatures between
23°F (-5°C) – 68°F (20°C).
FUEL CONSUMPTION IMPROVEMENT MEASURES
There are two important factors you can control to improve fuel
economy: the mechanical condition of your vehicle and how you drive it.
A properly maintained vehicle will deliver better performance than a
neglected vehicle. Always follow your maintenance schedule to keep your
vehicle in top operating condition.
Also, your driving habits have a significant influence on use of fuel. By
following these suggestions, you can stretch your fuel use:
•Avoid changes in speed as much as possible.
•Anticipate changing traffic conditions. Sudden stops and fast
acceleration waste fuel.
•Avoid extensive idling.
•Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal.
Essentials of good fuel economy
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more
accurate measurement after 2,000–3,000 miles (3,000–5,000 km).
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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.
•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.
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4. Remove the dipstick from the reservoir and wipe the dipstick clean.
5. Reinstall the dipstick. Remove it again and check the fluid level.
•If the fluid temperature is at
approximately 68°-120°F
(20°-49°C) (fluid cool or warm
to the touch), check the COLD
side of the dipstick. The fluid
level should be within the FULL
range
•If the fluid level is below the ADD
line, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking the level until
it reaches the proper level.
•If the fluid temperature is at
approximately 176°–230°F
(80°-110°C) (fluid too hot to
touch), check the HOT side of
the dipstick. The fluid level
should be within the FULL range.
•If the fluid level is below the ADD
line, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the proper level.
Note:The fluid level may also be checked by looking at the see-through
plastic reservoir. Make sure that the fluid is within the minimum and
maximum fluid range as marked on the reservoir.
A low fluid level may indicate a leak in the power steering system.
Inspect the power steering system and repair the leak. If necessary, see
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
To avoid damage to the power steering system,do notoperate the
vehicle with a low power steering fluid level.
Whenever the dipstick is installed, make sure it is properly seated and
tightened securely.
BRAKE FLUID
Check and refill the Full Power brake fluid reservoir using the following
procedure. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for the
service interval.
1. Clean the reservoir caps before removal to prevent dirt or water from
entering the reservoir.
ADD MAX. COLDFULL
ADD MAX. HOTFULL
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2. Visually inspect the fluid level; the level should be at the bottom of
the fill ports.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from a clean unopened container until the
level reaches the bottom of the fill ports. Do not fill above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid certified to meet manufacturer
specifications. Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
WARNING:Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes,
flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and
induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
WARNING:If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your brakes.
WARNING:Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run
dry. This may cause the brakes to fail.
CLUTCH FLUID/LINKAGE ADJUSTMENTS
Clutch fluid (if equipped)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance
Guidechapter for the service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, maintain the fluid level at the
step in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet manufacturer
specifications. Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
WARNING:Carefully read cautionary information on product
label. For MEDICAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION, contact a
physician or Poison Control Center immediately; on Ford-Motorcraft
products call: 1-800-959-3673 (FORD). Failure to follow these
instructions may result in personal injury.
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1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1
(First) and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
4. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
5. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
6. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and cap onto reservoir.
Clutch linkage (if equipped)
Lubricate the clutch linkage using the following procedure. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for the service interval
schedules.
Use a grease which meets manufacturer specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
2. Remove the inspection cover from the clutch housing.
•Transmission and clutch
removed for clarity.
3. With a grease gun, lubricate the clutch release bearing (at one
location) and the clutch release shaft (at two locations) using the grease
fittings provided.
4. Lubricate clutch release wear pads at the two locations where they
contact the clutch release bearing using a brush or similar tool.
5. Install the inspection cover onto the clutch housing.
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TRANSMISSION FLUID
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community’s standards for disposing of these types of fluids.
Call your recycling center to find out about recycling automotive fluids.
Automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Allison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manual for
scheduled intervals for transmission fluid checks and changes. Your
transmission does not consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be
checked if the transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been operated for
an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic or during hot weather,
the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to
cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Place the gearshift lever in N (Neutral) or P (Park) and leave the
engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level.
If you must add transmission fluid, make sure the correct type of fluid is
being used. The type of fluid used is indicated in your Allison Automatic
Transmission Operator’s Manual.
Fluid levels above the safe range may result in transmission failure; an
overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
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