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 oilUse the dipstick to verify the oil level is in the
proper operating range.
Engine coolantLook through the plastic reservoir or the clear
sight glass on the reservoir (depending upon
vehicle equipment) and verify the coolant level is
within the proper operating range as marked on
the reservoir.Do not remove pressure cap
until the coolant has cooled.
Power steering
fluidVerify that the fluid level is in the proper
operating range. Refer toPower steering fluidin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Brake fluidRemove 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
fluidRemove the cap and inspect the fluid level. The
full mark is at the step of the reservoir.
Belts (fan,
alternator, water
pump and A/C
compressor)Inspect for glazing, fraying or cracking. There
should be no more than 5-7 cracks per rib, per
inch (2.5 cm).
Fluid leaksInspect for signs of fluid puddles, dripping fluid
on the ground under the engine or the underside
of the engine.
HVAC air inletInspect for debris that may have collected on the
HVAC air inlet grille or inside the exterior module
as this may cause reduced system performance.
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Engine starting (parking brake applied)
Air chime (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 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).
AcceleratorPress the accelerator and verify that it operates
smoothly, without any binding or irregular feel.
Release the pedal and verify the engine returns
to idle speed immediately.
VoltmeterInspect the gauge (diesel engine) or indicator
light (gasoline engine) to verify the alternator is
charging.
Steering linkage
free playInspect for excessive free play in the steering
linkages. The steering wheel should have less
than 2 inches (5 cm) of free play at its rim.
Full Power
Hydraulic brake
inspectionPump the brake pedal several times with the
ignition in the off or run position; the
motor/pumps can be heard momentarily
replenishing the accumulators.
Parking brakeVerify the parking brake holds the vehicle by
gently trying to pull forward with the parking
brake applied.
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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
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Service engine soon:Illuminates
when the ignition is first turned to
the on position to check the bulb
and to indicate whether the vehicle
is ready for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) testing.
Solid illumination after the engine is
started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction.
WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Speed control (if equipped):
Illuminates when the speed control
system is engaged. Turns off when
the speed control system is
disengaged.
Stop engine (diesel engine only):
This red lamp illuminates when the
engine needs to be stopped (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.
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.
Refer to your engine operator’s manual for specific information regarding
this feature. Drivers of electronically-controlled engines should know the
extent of warning engine shutdown system before operating the vehicle.
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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 (diesel engine only)
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 does 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:When starting the engine, do not press the accelerator as engine
damage may result.
3
1
2
5
4
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WARNING:All vehicles have blind spots. To reduce the risk of
severe injury or property damage, never move your vehicle to
the side or rear or change lanes without being sure your way is clear
on both sides and to your rear.
Backing up
WARNING:To reduce the risk of the possibility of personal
injury while backing the vehicle, always be sure your vehicle’s
path is clear.
Before backing your vehicle, be sure you can do so safely. If anything
behind the cab limits your view, do not rely on mirrors alone to ensure
that your intended path is clear. If other people are in the vicinity, have
someone standing well behind your vehicle and outside of your intended
path (visible through an exterior mirror) guide you as you back up.
Although OSHA or some governmental regulations may require the use
of an electrical or mechanical back-up alarm to warn bystanders, such an
alarm does not ensure that the intended path is clear. When in doubt,
get out of the vehicle and visually check the intended path is clear;
back-up slowly as to allow others time to move, if necessary.
If an electrical back-up alarm is installed, it should be connected to the
back-up lamp circuit.
Parking your vehicle
Always use the parking brake. When parking on a grade, block the
wheels and turn the front wheels to one side so that if the vehicle rolls,
the front tires act against the curb to stop the vehicle. The front wheels
are more effective at stopping a rolling vehicle than the rear wheels.
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
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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 AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN WARNING LIGHT OR CHIME
(IF EQUIPPED)
This feature illuminates a light in the instrument cluster and/or sounds a
chime indicating that the engine is being shut down in the event of high
coolant temperature, low engine oil pressure, high diesel particulate filter
soot loading or low engine coolant level. In the event any of these
conditions exist, the engine automatically shuts 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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WARNING:If the red BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument
cluster remains illuminated after engine start up, this indicates a
system failure in the Full Power Brake System. Stop the vehicle safely
as soon as possible and seek service immediately.
Note:During normal driving the pump/motors may be heard
replenishing the accumulators; this is a normal function of the system.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, pull handle up until it
snaps into the locked position.
WARNING:Do not use the
gearshift selector in place of
the parking brake. Always set the
parking brake fully AND make
sure the gearshift selector is in R
(Reverse) for vehicles equipped
with manual transmission, P
(Park)(if equipped)or N
(Neutral) for vehicles with
automatic transmission. Use of
wheel chocks is also
recommended in hilly or off-road
usage.
WARNING:Unexpected and possible sudden vehicle movement
may occur if these precautions are not taken.
When the parking brake is out of adjustment, seek service immediately.
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