when you start your vehicle to make sure the bulb works. If any light
remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the respective system
warning light for additional information.
Note:Some warning lights are
reconfigurable telltale (RTT)
indicator lights and illuminate in the
message center. These lights
function the same as the other
warning lights.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light is also illuminated.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it momentarily
illuminates 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 takes 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.
ABS
Instrument Cluster
21
2012 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
If it stays on while the engine is
running, there may be a malfunction
with the charging system or a related component. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Check fuel cap (gasoline engine
only):Illuminates when the fuel cap
may not be properly installed.
Continued driving with this light on
may cause the service engine soon
warning indicator to illuminate.
Check suspension (if equipped):
Illuminates when the air suspension
dump switch has been activated.
Check trans (Allison automatic
transmission only):Illuminates
while driving if a problem has been
detected and shifting may be
restricted. Depending upon the
severity of the problem, the
read-out digit on the shifter display
may be blank.
On MD 3000 series transmissions,operation may continue in order to
reach service assistance. The ECU may not respond to shift selector
requests, since operating limitations are being placed on the
transmission, i.e. upshifts and downshifts may be restricted. Direction
changes do not occur.
Refer to your transmission operator’s manual for more information.
Diesel exhaust fluid (diesel
engine only):Illuminates when the
diesel exhaust fluid level falls below
0.5 gallon (1.9L) in the 5 gallon
(19.0L) tank or 1 gallon (3.8L) in
the 9 gallon (34.0L) tank. Refill the
tank or, at a minimum, add at least
1 gallon (3.8L) to the 5 gallon
(19.0L) tank or 2 gallons (7.6L) to the 9 gallon (34.0L) tank.
Instrument Cluster
22
2012 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Traction control (if equipped)
(diesel engine only):Illuminates
and flashes slowly if the Off Road or
Mud/Snow mode is selected.
Illuminates and flashes rapidly
during a traction control event.
Traction control (if equipped)
(gasoline engine only):
Illuminates when the traction
control is active. If the light remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately, refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
Trailer anti-lock brake system
(ABS):Illuminates briefly when the
engine is powered-up and only when
a PLC trailer or a PLC diagnostic
tool is connected. If the light
remains on after the vehicle is
started, continues to flash or fails to
illuminate, have the system serviced
immediately.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
Wait to start (diesel engine
only):Illuminates when the air
intake heater is in operation and
special starting procedures are
required. Refer toStartingin theDrivingchapter.
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 result in
damage and/or personal injury.
Instrument Cluster
26
2012 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Periodically check the air pressure
gauge while driving. Pressure should
range between approximately
100–125 psi (690–862 kPa). The air
compressor governor cut-in and
cut-out pressure settings are set at
the factory and are not adjustable.
When air pressure is insufficient
(below 60 psi [414 kPa]), a warning
light illuminates and a buzzer
sounds when the ignition is in the
on position.
This condition may be caused by excessive brake applications depleting
the system air pressure. If this condition occurs, stop driving the vehicle
until the compressor has fully recharged the air system.
WARNING:Do not move the vehicle when the air pressure is
insufficient because the brake system may be inoperative.
Select a gear ratio to help slow your vehicle before descending grades.
Supplement with brakes as required to safely slow the vehicle and avoid
overspeeding the engine.
Air chamber stroke indication
Air chamber push rods have orange stroke indicator markers that warn
when the braking system requires adjustment or repair. The orange
stripe is painted on the air chamber push rod at the slack adjuster stroke
dimension which requires service when visible during brake application.
Air brake inspection and adjustment or repairs should be performed by a
qualified service technician in accordance with the instructions in the
service manual.
Driving
116
2012 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
185
2012 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
203
2012 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
•The service engine soonindicator may come on. For more
information on the service engine soon
indicator, refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) System - diesel engines
Your vehicle is equipped with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR)
system to help reduce emission levels of oxides of nitrogen from the
exhaust of the diesel engine. The system automatically injects diesel
exhaust fluid (DEF) into the exhaust system to enable proper SCR
function.
Importance of maintaining the DEF level
In order for the SCR system to operate properly, the DEF must be
maintained. Generally, the DEF tank should be filled before the DEF
gauge in the instrument cluster reached the first low level warning (refer
toDEF warning messages and vehicle operations).
The engine control unit monitors the amount of fluid available in the
DEF tank. Failure to maintain an adequate amount of DEF in the system
generates warning messages that appear in the instrument cluster
message center and, unless the DEF tank is refilled, leads to a forced
reduction of engine operations.
DEF warning messages and vehicle operations
Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF gauge located in the instrument
cluster. The low level warning symbols (see chart) are illuminated if the
DEF gauge level drops below 0.5 gallon (1.9L) in the 5 gallon (19.0L)
DEF tank or 1 gallon (3.8L) in the 9 gallon (34.0L) DEF tank.
Upon filling the DEF tank after a low level warning, normal operation
resumes when the vehicle is restarted.
Continued driving without refilling results in the following actions as
required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
DEF Low Level Warning and Vehicle Consequence
DEF Tank LevelIndicator
LampsConsequence Remedy
Above initial
warning threshold
(Over 10% full)None None None
Maintenance and Specifications
210
2012 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM
To ensure the emissions control systems operate effectively, you should
have the services listed in the maintenance schedule performed at the
specified time and mileage intervals. You should avoid running out of fuel
or turning off the ignition while the vehicle is in motion, especially at
high speeds.
WARNING:Because of high engine compartment and exhaust
system temperatures resulting from emissions equipment, do not
park, idle or operate your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground
cover where the possibility of ground fire exists.
Do not make unauthorized modifications to the engine or vehicle.
Modifications causing increased amounts of unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can significantly increase the temperature of the engine
compartment and/or the exhaust system.
Avoid driving your vehicle if it does not operate properly. If the engine
diesels (more than five seconds of engine run-on after shut-off), misfires,
surges, stalls or backfires, see your dealer. Be alert for fluid leakage,
odor, smoke, loss of oil pressure, or charge indicator or over temperature
warning.
Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine CANNOT use diesel fuel blended
with waste oil if equipped with a catalytic converter-muffler. Waste lube
oil blending in fuel plugs the catalytic converter-muffler, resulting in a
significant loss of engine power.
Noise emissions warranty, prohibited tampering acts and
maintenance
On January 1, 1978, Federal regulations became effective governing the
noise emissions on trucks over 10,000 lb. (4,536 kg) GVWR. The
following statements concerning prohibited tampering acts and
maintenance and the noise warranty are found in the Warranty Guide,
and are applicable to completed trucks.
Tampering with noise control system prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing thereof: (1) The
removal or rendering inoperative, by any person other than for purposes
of maintenance, repair or replacement, of any device or element of
design incorporated into any new vehicle for the purpose of noise control
prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it is in use,
or (2) the use of the vehicle after such device or element of design has
been removed or rendered inoperative by any person.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
270
2012 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)