Periodic checking of push rod travel or brake adjustment is essential for
effective braking. Check push rod travel every service interval to determine
if adjustment is correct. Brake chamber push rods on original equipment
chambers now incorporate an orange paint marker near the base of the
push rod as a stroke indicator to aid in adjustment checks. If the push rod
is clean and the brakes are out of adjustment, the orange marker can be
seen protruding from the chamber when the brakes are applied.
WARNING:Do not manually adjust the automatic slack
adjusters to correct excessive push rod stroke as it may result in
reduced brake effectiveness and a vehicle crash. Excessive push rod
stroke indicates that a problem exists with the automatic adjuster, with
the installation of the adjuster, or with foundation brake components
that manual adjustment does not remedy. Seek service from a qualified
facility for excessive push rod stroke.
Inspect the brake lining every maintenance interval. When brake lining or
blocks are worn to within 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of rivets, replace the brake
linings. This inspection or adjustment should only be performed by a
qualified technician and must be in accordance with instructions
provided by the service manual.
Do not back off or disconnect the front brakes so that they are less
effective, letting the rear brakes do all the stopping of the vehicle. Do
not overlook the brakes on the trailer, either. Brake condition on the
trailer is just as important as the tractor. Proper brake balance on trucks
and tractor-trailers is essential for effective braking.
Once a year, the entire brake system must be inspected. Check the
following:
•Any rubber components for deterioration. These components should
be inspected by a qualified technician and replaced as necessary.
Replacement intervals vary according to the severity and length of
vehicle service.
•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.
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Air dryer:Climactic conditions affect performance of desiccant or
after-cooler type air dryers. 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:Establish a regular schedule for periodic
cleaning, lubrication and adjustment inspection based on vehicle use.
Exact maintenance intervals are difficult to predetermine since vehicles
are used in a wide variety of applications and conditions; if you are
uncertain of the proper schedule 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. This inspection should be performed by
a qualified technician and must be in accordance with instructions
provided by the service manual. Hydraulic brake systems are
power-assisted. Braking capabilities are 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. If fluid level requires attention to maintain a proper master
cylinder level, this is an indication of either severe operation (pad wear)
or fluid leakage. A more frequent and thorough brake inspection is
required.
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If evidence of corrosion is found (usually at the pipe connections), use a
wire brush to clean the inside of the pipes and inside the rubber hoses.
If the intake pipes are pitted at the joint ends, use MotorcraftSilicone
Gasket and Sealant TA-30 to seal the joints. Be certain that no excess
material is on the inside of the pipes that can be pulled into the engine.
If the service condition of the pipes, hoses or clamps is questionable,
replace the defective part(s).
Be sure that prior to reassembly all dust and debris has been cleaned out
of the pipes and couplings with a clean, damp rag.
WARNING:When performing maintenance to any turbocharged
engine with engine air inlet piping disconnected, keep loose
clothing, jewelry and long hair away from the engine air inlet piping. A
turbocharger compressor air inlet protective shield should be installed
over the turbocharger air inlet to reduce the risk of personal injury or
death.
Steering - general inspection
•Ask your service technician to examine the steering mechanism. Only
minor adjustments may be necessary.
•Check tie rod, drag link end clamp bolts and ball joints. They must be
tight.
•Check for installation and spread of cotter pins and tightness of nuts
at both ends of the tie rod and drag link.
•Check that pitman arm (steering arm at steering gear) mounting is
tight and locked. Check system for leaks or hose chafing. Repair at
once.
•Maintain proper steering gear and power steering pump lubricant
levels.
•Regularly inspect steering column joint bolts and steering linkage,
particularly for body-to-chassis clearance.
Note:Have any steering problems corrected at once by a qualified
service technician.
WARNING:Failure to maintain the steering system in proper
condition can cause reduced steering ability resulting in property
damage, personal injury or death.
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How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The message center will indicate the engine is overheating.
•The service engine soon
indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be restarted. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage; therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality - diesel engines
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket additives to your fuel
tank if you use a properly formulated diesel fuel that meets ASTM D 975
specification. Aftermarket additives can damage the injector system or
engine. Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in
your fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Do not blend used engine oil with diesel fuel under any
circumstances.Blending used oil with the fuel significantly increases
your vehicle’s exhaust emissions and reduce engine life due to increased
internal wear.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends diesel fuel specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Diesel fuel that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about fuel that meet the World-Wide
Fuel Charter.
Fuel quality - gasoline engines
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded
gasoline.
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
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5. Once the spout is full with DEF (no more large air pockets) return the
container to the vertical position slightly below the DEF filler port and
let any DEF drain out of the spout. DO NOT try to continue to add DEF
to the tank by shaking or repositioning the container to induce flow. This
may cause spilling and overfill the tank. Overfilling the DEF tank can
cause damage to the tank.
6. Once the spout has drained, remove the spout from the DEF filler
port and install the blue cap on the DEF filler port by turning the cap
1 4-turn clockwise.
7. Remove the spout from the DEF container and install the cap back on
the bottle.
8. If the container is empty, discard the empty container and spout, or
recycle if possible. If there is some DEF left in the container, retain it
and the spout for later use. Store the spout to ensure it is kept clean.
9. Wipe away any DEF that has spilled on painted surfaces with water
and a damp cloth.
DEF filling station nozzle fill
Filling the DEF tank using a nozzle is similar to a normal fuel fill. The
nozzle shuts off automatically when the tank is full. Do not continue to
fill the tank as this may cause spilling and overfill the tank which can
cause damage.
Filling the DEF tank in cold climates
DEF freezes below 12°F (-11°C); if temperatures are at or below this for
an extended period of time and the DEF tank is full and you are not
going to drive the vehicle, there is a risk that the tank could freeze and
cause damage. If low temperature conditions are expected you should
keep your tank at least 50% full and make sure you add DEF on level
ground to prevent the fluid from freezing on angle.
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Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This provides an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter shows how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style - good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping usually give the best fuel economy.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
Conditions
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Flat terrain driving improves fuel economy over hilly roads.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the accelerator.
•Close windows for highway driving.
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)
Your vehicle is equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), as part of
the after-treatment exhaust system, to trap soot and other large particles
produced by the engine combustion process. The soot that accumulates
in the filter must be periodically reduced to ash to prevent excessive
exhaust restriction. The soot reduction process, also known as “filter
regeneration,” is generally performed automatically by your engine and
after-treatment system.
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WARNING:The normal operating temperature of the exhaust
system is very high. Never work around, or attempt to repair,
any part of the exhaust system until it has cooled. Use special care
when working around the diesel particulate filter. The DPF heats up to
a high temperature after only a short period of engine operation, and
can remain hot even after the engine is turned off. Failure to follow
these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
Diesel particulate filter regeneration
Under most operating conditions, DPF regeneration is transparent to the
operator. A small increase in engine/turbo sound-level is normal during
filter regeneration. If, however, your engine is operated for extended
periods of time under one of the following conditions, operator
assistance may be required to facilitate the filter regeneration process:
•Vehicle is operated in stop-and-go traffic and/or maintains low speeds
as in a city/delivery driving
•Engine is started and shut-off frequently
•Vehicle payload is relatively light
•Vehicle is regularly operated in cold ambient temperatures (i.e. below
0°F [-18°C])
Diesel Particulate Filter Four–Level Loading Chart
Level/Lamp status Filter status Requested action
Level 1
solidRegeneration
requiredDrive on highway at
highway speedsORstart
“parked regeneration” to
prevent loss of engine
performance Level 2
flashing
(once per second)Nearly full; engine
performance is
limited
Level 3
flashing +solidFull; engine is
increasingly limitedPerform “parked
regeneration” to prevent
loss of engine
performance
Level 4
solidOver full; engine
performance is highly
limited. Continued
operation may result
in irreparable damage
to the filter.Pull vehicle safely off
roadway, turn on hazard
flashers and shut down
engine as soon as
possible; seek service
immediately
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