Engine starting (parking brake applied)
Air brake check:Check the air brakes in the following manner
(Chock the wheels, if necessary. Push in the
parking brake and on tractors, also push in the
tractor parking brake knob):
1. Check that the air compressor or governor
cut-out pressure is approximately 120 psi
(827 kPa).
2. Turn off the engine, then turn the key back
to the on position, without starting the engine.
3. Without the brake pedal applied, note the
air pressure drop for one minute. It should be
less than 2 psi (14 kPa) for single vehicles and
3 psi (21 kPa) for combination vehicles.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal with 90 psi
(621 kPa) or more and make sure there is no
more than a 3 psi (21 kPa) per minute leak;
for combination vehicles, no more than 4 psi
(28 kPa) per minute.
5. Pump the brake pedal to deplete the system
of air pressure. The warning light and chime
should activate at 57 psi (393 kPa).
6. Pump the brake pedal and make sure the
parking brake and trailer parking brake knobs
pop out at 20 psi (138 kPa) or higher.
Automatic
transmission fluid:With the engine idling at normal operating
temperature and the parking brake applied,
check the automatic transmission fluid. If fluid
needs to be added, place the transmission in
the appropriate gear as specified in the
transmission operator’s manual and refer to
Transmission fluidin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
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Rear brakes
Drum:Make sure there are no cracks, dents or holes
and no loose or missing bolts. Make sure brake
linings are not worn, dangerously thin or
contaminated by lubricant.
Rear wheels
Spacers:Make sure dual wheels are evenly separated
and that tires are not touching one another.
Rims:Check for damaged or bent rims. Rims should
not have welding repairs and no rust trails that
indicate it is loose on the wheel.
Lug nuts:Make sure all lug nuts are present and not
loose (look for rust trails around the lug nuts).
There should be no cracks radiating from the
lug bolt holes or distortion of the bolt holes.
Trailer
If you are pulling a trailer, an inspection of the trailer similar to that of
the tractor should be done. Such an inspection should follow trailer
manufacturer recommendations and should include at a minimum:
general condition, landing gear, doors, sides, lights, reflectors,
suspension, brakes, tires, wheels, cargo placement, stability and
tie-downs.
Transmission
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, regularly
check the transmission’s neutral start switch. The engine should only
start in the N (Neutral) or P (Park) positions.
WARNING:If the unit starts in gear and/or the neutral start
switch is not functioning correctly, the vehicle may inadvertently
move which could result in property damage, personal injury or death.
Check the transmission fluid level and shift linkage for proper operation.
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GAUGES
Base cluster with automatic transmission shown. Metric similar.
1.Tachometer:Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale
may damage the engine.
2.Engine oil pressure gauge:Indicates engine oil pressure. The
needle should stay in the normal operating range (between L and H). If
the needle falls below the normal range, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine and check the engine oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is
correct, have your vehicle checked at your authorized dealer.
3.Engine coolant temperature gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating temperature, the needle will be in the
normal range (between H and C).If it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
4.Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) gauge:Shows fluid level in DEF tank.
Instrument Cluster
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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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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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Eaton UltraShift (if equipped)
The Eaton UltraShift transmission is filled with synthetic fluid from the
factory with no scheduled lube change intervals. This fluid is intended to
last the life of the transmission. However, the system should be checked
regularly to ensure that proper transmission fluid levels remain constant.
Refer to theEaton Driver Instructions Manualfor details.
Manual transmission fluid
Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for transmission
fluid level checks and fluid change intervals.
Your manual transmission may be filled with an optional synthetic fluid
which allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler
plug will identify the use of the synthetic fluid.
Use only fluid that meets manufacturer specifications (refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter).
Use of a non-approved transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
Check your transmission fluid level using the following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
5. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the filler plug opening.
6. If necessary, add enough fluid through the filler plug opening so that
the fluid level is at the bottom of the opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Drain and refill your transmission fluid, while it is warm, using the
following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the filler and drain plugs.
4. Remove the filler and drain plugs and drain the fluid into a suitable
container. Dispose all used automotive fluids in a responsible manner
following your local authorized standards.
5. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
6. Add enough fluid through the filler plug opening so that the fluid level
is up to the bottom of the opening.
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Draining and refilling the rear axle lubricant
1. Drain the rear axle while the lubricant is warm.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
4. Clean any dirt from around the rear axle filler and drain plugs.
5. Remove the filler and drain plugs and drain the lubricant into a
suitable container. Dispose of all used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner following your local authorized standards.
6. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
7. Add enough lubricant through the filler plug opening so that the
lubricant level is up to the bottom of the opening.
8. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
WHEELS
General
Wheel bearings should be inspected, lubricated and adjusted at regular
intervals. This is especially important if operating in deep sand, mud, or
water. Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
When installing wheel balance weights, they must be mounted on the
dome-side of the wheel only. Failure to do so may result in loss of wheel
weight and/or damage to brakes or wheels.
Important:Remember to replace the wheel air valves when the road
tires are replaced at the end of their useful life.
Oil-lubricated front wheel bearings
During normal vehicle duty cycle, the lube and air inside the hub/wheel
cavity expands and if not vented, causes pressure build-up that could
cause accelerated seal wear.
There are two venting methods:
•a slit or small hole in the rubber check vent or
•the window
You can use either of these methods to prevent pressure build-up.
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Oils, fluids and flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your authorized servicing dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids
should be changed at the specified intervals or in conjunction with a
repair. Flushing is a viable way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled maintenance. It is critical that systems are
flushed only with new fluid that is the same as that required to fill and
operate the system, or using a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
OWNER MAINTENANCE
You can do much of the maintenance your vehicle requires yourself, if
you have the time and a reasonable amount of mechanical ability. If you
prefer to have this work done professionally, your authorized dealer
stands ready to help you.
All mechanical components and attachments are important in that they
could affect the performance of vital components and systems. If
replacement becomes necessary, they must be replaced with parts having
the same part number or with equivalent parts. Torque values of the
attaching parts must be used as specified during any reassembly
procedure to ensure proper retention.
Daily owner checks
EngineAir filter restriction gauge
Engine oil level
Engine coolant level
Brake systemAir brake reservoir automatic drain valve
operation
Drain the air brake reservoir (manual valve)
TransmissionVisually check for fluid leakage
Steering systemPower steering pump fluid level and check the
system for leaks
Entire vehicle for evidence of fluid leaks
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